Ignite Startups: The Future of Mental Health with Chris Aeberli of Sonia, The AI Therapist

Episode 69 of the Ignite Podcast

In the latest episode of the Ignite Podcast, host Brian Bell introduces us to Chris Aeberli, the co-founder of Sonia, an AI-powered app designed to democratize access to mental health care. This episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of technology and therapy through the lens of a startup striving to make a significant impact in the mental health industry.

From ETH Zurich to AI Innovation

Chris Aeberli’s journey is as compelling as it is instructive. Growing up in Zurich, Chris was always drawn to mathematics and game theory, which led him to pursue computer science at ETH Zurich. It was here that he met his future co-founders, with whom he shared not only a classroom but a vision. This vision was further honed at MIT, where Chris pursued a master’s in business analytics, setting the stage for the eventual creation of Sonia.

The Genesis of Sonya

The concept for Sonia stemmed from a fundamental frustration with the existing mental health care system — its accessibility. Despite the growing demand for mental health services, the supply remains painfully inadequate. Chris and his team saw AI…