Muralidhar Somisetty is a trailblazer at the crossroads of technology and wellness, bringing ancient wisdom to life through modern innovation. As the founder and CEO of Wellnesys Technologies, he has redefined the wellness space with YogiFi, the award-winning smart yoga mat recognized globally, and he has received honors from CES, TIMES, and FORBES. In this candid interview, Somisetty shares the pivotal moments that inspired his transition from corporate leader to wellness innovator and the role of technology in modern wellness. He goes by the pen name “OptiMysticYogi” on his social handles.
- What led you to combine technology with wellness, and how did your journey influence this path?
My journey began with a foundation in Electronics and Communications Engineering, which opened doors to impactful roles at leading technology companies. However, a turning point came during my tenure at Cisco Systems. Despite professional achievements, I developed chronic lifestyle conditions, including back pain, neck pain, and borderline diabetes, which severely affected my productivity and overall well-being. A diagnosis that suggested spine surgery after an MRI served as a wake-up call.
Fortunately, I discovered yoga therapy, which profoundly changed my life. I recovered from these ailments within six to twelve months, and my energy levels and focus improved significantly. This transformation inspired me to deepen my understanding of yoga by becoming a certified yoga trainer at SVYASA Yoga University, where I explored the scientific principles behind the practice.
While conducting online yoga sessions, I noticed many participants hesitated to turn on their cameras due to privacy concerns. This insight sparked the idea of creating a solution that offers personalized, engaging sessions without compromising privacy—leading to the birth of YOGIFI.
Additionally, our collaboration with S-VYASA Yoga University has been a landmark initiative in expanding research-backed yoga therapy programs. Through this partnership, we have successfully digitized their acclaimed yoga therapy programs for diabetes and obesity, along with the foundational Yoga Instructor Certification (YIC) program, making them more accessible to a global audience via the YogiFi app.
- What were the key milestones in establishing Wellnesys Technologies and YOGIFI?
Throughout my 25-year career with companies like Cisco Systems and Siemens, I gained extensive experience in engineering, product management, and leadership, particularly in Industrial IoT and AI-driven healthcare solutions. This expertise proved invaluable in founding Wellnesys Technologies and driving YOGIFI’s growth.
YOGIFI has garnered a global customer footprint in 24 countries since the launch of Gen1 in 2021, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and Australia. A significant milestone was the creation of our smart yoga mat, which integrates non-intrusive data collection capabilities to ensure user privacy while delivering meaningful insights.
Strategic partnerships with global technology leaders like Apple, Qualcomm, and Panasonic have further strengthened our market presence and enhanced product accessibility. Recognition from TIE Silicon Valley, Startup India, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of AYUSH, along with multiple global awards at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, validated our innovative approach to making wellness technology accessible.
- How would you describe your leadership philosophy and approach?
I consider myself a “Compulsive Eternal Optimist (CEO),” which has been invaluable in navigating the challenges of building a deep-tech startup. My leadership philosophy centers on empathy and adaptability—qualities that proved especially crucial during the uncertainty of the pandemic and economic downturns. During a time when many companies were downsizing, we retained our workforce and even onboarded talented individuals affected by layoffs at larger corporations.
I believe in creating a unified vision that inspires the team while empowering individuals to take ownership of their roles. My approach is situational, fostering collaboration and aligning employee growth with organizational success. This has cultivated strong team loyalty and a culture of innovation. Leading with positivity, providing clear direction, and maintaining resilience have been essential in navigating challenges and sustaining momentum in a competitive market.
- What distinguishes YOGIFI in the wellness technology market?
YOGIFI stands out by blending the wisdom of traditional wellness practices with modern technology in a way that feels intuitive and personal. Our smart yoga mat is designed with non-intrusive data collection that respects user privacy while offering meaningful insights to improve practice and track progress. This thoughtful balance of technology and privacy has struck a chord with users who value both their personal space and data-driven feedback.
Our collaboration with global brands like Apple and Panasonic has further enhanced the accessibility and convenience of YOGIFI, integrating seamlessly into everyday smart ecosystems. The soon-to-launch YOGIFI Gen3, the sleekest design yet, doubles down as both Asana tracker as well as AI trainer with real-time feedback for a more comprehensive way to monitor one’s postures both during and post yoga sessions.
What sets YOGIFI apart is our commitment to creating solutions that prioritize user experience, honor personal boundaries, and stay rooted in the timeless principles of wellness. This approach has connected with users in 24 countries and earned us recognition, including global awards at CES. These milestones affirm our belief that wellness can be both modern and deeply personal, reshaping how people care for their minds and bodies.
- What is your vision for the future of wellness technology?
We aim to redefine how wellness is integrated into daily life. Our goal is to establish YOGIFI as a household name through strategic initiatives, including our collaboration with Apple and Panasonic to bring interactive yoga experiences integrated into their smart and connected lifestyle ecosystems.
My vision is to make holistic wellness accessible for everyone by integrating yoga and mindfulness techniques into everyone’s daily lifestyle as a habit. Additionally, I am developing a unique visual meditation in an immersive AR/VR environment (Apple Vision Pro for example) to offer calmness and wellness routines that blend traditional practices with modern technology.
Our long-term roadmap focuses on creating an interconnected ecosystem combining ancient yogic wisdom with contemporary technology. By doing so, we aim to make holistic wellness accessible to everyone, regardless of location or experience level.
