10 Questions with CREATE-X Alumna LaVonda Brown

CREATE-X alumna LaVonda Brown talks about her startup EyeGage, her experience with Startup Launch, and the progress she's made since completing the program.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a triple yellow jacket. I received my MS in ECE in 2012, PhD in ECE in 2015, and MBA in 2020. Over the past decade, I have developed eye-analysis software for healthcare and education that has been published, patented, and licensed for commercial use. 

2. Can you tell us about your startup?

EyeGage allows workplaces and individuals to stay ahead of accidents with confidence by quickly and accurately screening for substances prior to operating life-threatening equipment. The EyeGage solution saves time, money, and lives, while inherently reducing the negative impacts of substance abuse on families and communities.

The EyeGage technology runs on a mobile device that first takes a picture and video of the eyes, classifies features such as the pupil and iris, and then applies AI-based techniques to identify any drugs and alcohol in one’s system. EyeGage can be used to detect classes of substances such as alcohol, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, opioids, and marijuana because our eyes look and behave differently when under the influence of these substances. 

3. Where did the idea for your startup come from?

I was led to the drug screening domain after living with a loved-one with a drinking problem. This situation allowed me to recognize the visible changes in the eye as the level of intoxication increased. My research at the time used computer vision to analyze eyes at an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, so it was second nature to come home and notice his inebriated eyes. 

4. When did you participate in Startup Launch and how was your overall experience with the program?

Summer 2020 – the experience accelerated our business to the next level. We learned a wealth of knowledge that we continue to put into action today.

5. What was your favorite part of Startup Launch?

Access to the Startup coaches was the best part – they have a breath of knowledge ranging from business to tech.

6. What was your biggest challenge during the 12 weeks?

Deciding which legal entity was best for EyeGage and determining equity splits.

7. What progress have you made with your business since completing Startup Launch?

Since completing Startup Launch, we have raised $300K, released a mobile app, and become FDA-approved to conduct human-subject research for data collection.

8. Did you participate in any other CREATE-X programs during your time at Georgia Tech?

I took the CREATE-X course offered in the MBA program taught by CREATE-X Coach Karthik Ramachandran.

9. What would you tell students who are interested in Startup Launch or another CREATE-X program?

Apply! 

10. What’s next for your startup?

Our main focus is to gather data for our proprietary dataset of eyes.