Since October 7, 2023, the number of people suffering from stress and anxiety has significantly increased in Israel. Iftah Akram, with the help of more than fifty volunteers, founded an innovative app based on artificial intelligence, offering a unique virtual companion to help individuals overcome their anxieties and loneliness. It provides an accessible, confidential, and anonymous space for users to express their feelings, access educational content, and receive emotional support in times of crisis. SafeAI is designed to provide immediate relief from loneliness 24/7 through personalized interactions, aiming to improve mental well-being.
"We are not yet fully aware of the extent of the post-traumatic stress phenomenon that will soon overwhelm the Israeli population because we are still in the midst of the war. In Israel, there are not enough psychologists and psychiatrists to take care of everyone, and we quickly realized there was a real need in this area. That’s why we developed SafeAI, which allows anyone to receive quick alternative psychological support, anytime, day or night," explains Iftah Akram. Holding a degree in psychology from Tel Aviv University, Iftah worked for 12 years in the marketing sector in Israel and Australia, as well as for high-tech companies specializing in mental health.
Available for several months on Google Play and the Apple Store, this new technology plays a significant role in people's lives without replacing healthcare professionals; it serves as a unique complement, standing out thanks to artificial intelligence.
"Our mission is to revolutionize mental health support by providing accessible, efficient, and personalized assistance through AI-powered companions, ensuring that users always have a reliable ally in their pursuit of mental well-being. Depending on the person's needs, the virtual companion adapts and offers breathing exercises to relax and calm stress instantly, recommends activities, and provides advice on how to behave," says Iftah.
A Unique Alternative in the Well-Being Market
This app allows people to improve their mental well-being easily from their homes. The principle is simple: download the app on your phone, register on the platform, and choose a virtual character from four companions with different profiles and personalities.
"Whenever someone feels the need to confide after a tough workday or personal issues but doesn’t want to talk to someone in their circle for fear of being judged, they connect with their virtual companion. This allows people to gain autonomy and have real conversations. The robot is fully attentive and available 24/7 to support the person, who receives voice message responses in Hebrew or English. It’s a perfect tool to fight against loneliness and despair," says Iftah, emphasizing that he and his teams are working tirelessly to provide the best service to the population.
Iftah has also developed a web version where virtual companions are available in an enhanced version, equipped with advanced communication capabilities. "On the website, the characters appear real, just like any human. You can see their lips move, and you speak to them as if you were on FaceTime with a friend. The face-to-face experience is very elaborate," he says.
The app also detects distress and suicidal thoughts. In such cases, users are immediately connected to emergency numbers and referred to healthcare professionals.
"We’ve already received dozens of feedbacks from users and logged hundreds of conversations. Both patients and healthcare providers use the app. We also offer it to health insurance companies, organizations managing people suffering from stress and anxiety, and well-being companies. We now aim to reach international markets and further develop the app to make it even more interactive. The journey started with the war, but we realize that this is a need that transcends Israel's borders," concluded Iftah.
Caroline Haïat
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