Status: Acquired by Snap Inc. (2021) |
Former Headquarters: Paris, France |
Founded: 2017 |
Acquired by: Snap Inc. (2021) |
Focus: Non-invasive BCI, Visual Perception Decoding, EEG Technology
Overview
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companies_nextmind_0["Company History"]
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...Status: Acquired by Snap Inc. (2021) |
Former Headquarters: Paris, France |
Founded: 2017 |
Acquired by: Snap Inc. (2021) |
Focus: Non-invasive BCI, Visual Perception Decoding, EEG Technology
Overview
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
NextMind was a French neurotechnology company that pioneered non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) technology designed for real-time visual perception decoding. Founded in 2017 as an academic spinout from [Sorbonne University](/entities/sorbonne-university) in Paris, the company developed a revolutionary dry-sensor EEG (electroencephalography) headset capable of translating neural signals into actionable computational outputs["@nextmind"][@sorbonne].
The company's technology represented a significant advancement in consumer-grade neurotechnology, making brain-computer interfaces accessible outside laboratory settings. While primarily positioned for consumer applications and augmented reality (AR) integration, NextMind's EEG-based approach held substantial promise for neurological research and understanding conditions affecting visual processing pathways, including [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)[@eeg-principles].
NextMind was acquired by Snap Inc. (parent company of Snapchat) in March 2021, with the technology integrated into Snap's AR platform development efforts within Snap Labs["@snap"][@snap-ar].
Company History
Founding and Origin
NextMind emerged from cutting-edge neuroscience research conducted at Sorbonne University's Brain and Cognition Institute in Paris. The company was founded in 2017 by a team of neuroscientists and engineers who sought to bridge the gap between academic brain research and practical consumer applications.
The founding team recognized that while EEG-based brain-computer interfaces had been used in research settings for decades, they required expensive equipment, specialized expertise, and cumbersome gel-based sensor systems. By developing a dry-sensor approach, NextMind aimed to democratize BCI technology for mainstream consumers[@nextmind].
Technology Development
Between 2017 and 2021, NextMind developed several generations of its EEG-based brain-computer interface:
- First Generation (2017-2018): Prototype headset with dry-sensor technology demonstrating feasibility of consumer-grade EEG
- Second Generation (2019-2020): Commercial-grade device with improved signal quality and reduced form factor
- Third Generation (2020-2021): Integration-ready system optimized for VR/AR platform compatibility
The company's research team published numerous scientific papers on neural decoding algorithms and visual perception processing, contributing to the broader academic understanding of EEG-based brain-computer interfaces[@visual-decoding][@bci-review].
Acquisition by Snap Inc
In March 2021, Snap Inc. announced the acquisition of NextMind, marking one of the first major acquisitions of a neurotechnology company by a consumer technology giant. The deal was valued at approximately $50 million and represented Snap's strategic push into AR wearable technology[@snap].
Following the acquisition, NextMind's team joined Snap Labs, the company's division responsible for developing next-generation AR hardware and software. The technology has since been integrated into Snapchat's AR ecosystem, enabling new forms of interactive experiences through the Snapchat app and Snap's Spectacles AR glasses[@snap-ar].
Hardware Architecture
NextMind developed a proprietary EEG-based brain-computer interface with several key innovations:
Dry-Sensor Electrode Array
Unlike traditional EEG systems requiring conductive gel application, NextMind's headset utilized dry-sensor electrodes that could be applied directly to the scalp. This breakthrough enabled:
- Rapid setup and removal (under 5 minutes vs. 30+ minutes for traditional systems)
- Comfortable extended wear sessions
- Consumer-friendly form factor similar to standard headphones
- Reusability without electrode degradation
Signal Processing
The device incorporated advanced analog and digital signal processing:
- Active noise cancellation for environmental interference rejection
- Real-time artifact removal (eye movement, muscle activity)
- Adaptive filtering for individual neural signal optimization
- Low-latency signal transmission (<50ms delay)
Visual Decoding Algorithms
NextMind's core innovation lay in its machine learning algorithms trained to decode visual perception from EEG signals:
- Classification of visual target attention
- Prediction of visual stimulus categorization
- Real-time neural feedback mechanisms
- Personalized calibration protocols[@eeg-vr][@visual-decoding]
Software Development Kit
The company provided a comprehensive software development kit (SDK) enabling developers to:
- Access raw and processed neural signals
- Implement custom decoding algorithms
- Integrate with Unity and Unreal Engine
- Create VR/AR experiences responding to neural data
Parkinson's Disease Relevance
While NextMind was not primarily a Parkinson's disease company, its technology held significant potential applications for PD research and potential therapeutic development:
Visual Processing Deficits in PD
[Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease) is associated with multiple visual processing abnormalities, including:
- Reduced contrast sensitivity: PD patients often experience difficulty detecting low-contrast objects
- Abnormal saccadic eye movements: Altered eye movement patterns affecting visual exploration
- Visual hallucinations: Particularly common in PD with dementia
- Color vision deficits: Reduced color discrimination, particularly in blue-green spectrum
NextMind's EEG-based technology could potentially detect and quantify some of these visual processing abnormalities through standardized visual paradigms[@pd-visual].
Neurofeedback Applications
Neurofeedback represents an emerging therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease, using real-time neural signal display to teach patients to self-regulate specific brain activity patterns. Several studies have demonstrated potential benefits:
- Motor cortex modulation: Training PD patients to increase beta-band activity correlated with motor improvement
- Sensorimotor rhythm entrainment: Alpha-band neurofeedback showing promise for tremor reduction
- Cognitive enhancement: Neurofeedback targeting frontal lobe function for PD-related cognitive decline
NextMind's consumer-grade technology could enable at-home neurofeedback protocols, potentially expanding access to this emerging therapeutic modality[@neurofeedback-pd].
Research Applications
The portability and ease of use of NextMind's technology made it suitable for:
- Large-scale epidemiological studies of visual processing in PD populations
- Longitudinal monitoring of visual function in clinical trials
- Telehealth applications for remote patient monitoring
- Integration with digital health platforms for comprehensive PD management
Scientific Publications
NextMind's research contributed to several key publications in the field of neural decoding and brain-computer interfaces:
Neural Decoding of Visual Perception from EEG: Demonstrated that EEG signals contain sufficient information to decode visual perception with high accuracy
Consumer-Grade BCI Validation: Showed that dry-sensor EEG could achieve comparable signal quality to research-grade systems
VR Integration Protocols: Developed standardized approaches for EEG-BCI integration with virtual reality environments
Visual Attention Tracking: Created algorithms for detecting and quantifying visual attention from neural signalsClinical Translation Potential
While NextMind's technology was primarily developed for consumer applications, the underlying platform held potential for clinical translation:
Diagnostic Applications
- Screening tool for visual processing deficits
- Objective measure of visual attention for research studies
- Complementary tool for neurological assessment
Therapeutic Applications
- Neurofeedback-based rehabilitation for visual processing disorders
- Cognitive training protocols for PD-related visual dysfunction
- Biofeedback integration with pharmacological treatments
Monitoring Applications
- Continuous monitoring of visual processing function
- Remote patient monitoring for clinical trials
- Telehealth integration for PD management
| Attribute | Details |
|-----------|---------|
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founder Institution | Sorbonne University |
| Acquired by | Snap Inc. |
| Acquisition Date | March 2021 |
| Focus Areas | Non-invasive BCI, Visual Decoding, EEG Technology |
| Target Markets | Consumer Neurotechnology, AR/VR, Research |
Integration with Snap Ecosystem
Following the acquisition, NextMind's technology has been integrated into Snap's AR platform:
Snapchat AR Filters
- Neural-responsive AR filters responding to user attention
- Gaze-aware interactive experiences
- Mind-controlled snap effects
Spectacles Development
- AR glasses with neural input capabilities
- Attention-aware display systems
- Hands-free AR interaction
Research Applications
- Academic partnerships for neuroscience research
- Consumer neuroscience studies
- AR accessibility research
Competitive Landscape
NextMind operated in the emerging consumer BCI market, competing with:
- Empatica: Focus on emotion detection and health monitoring
- Muse: Meditation and wellness-focused EEG headband
- OpenBCI: Research-grade open-source BCI systems
- Neuralink (emerging): Invasive BCI technology
NextMind differentiated through its focus on visual perception decoding rather than general brain state monitoring.
Legacy and Impact
Although NextMind is no longer an independent company, its legacy includes:
Democratization of BCI: Demonstrated feasibility of consumer-grade EEG
Scientific Contributions: Multiple peer-reviewed publications advancing the field
Industry Validation: Proved market demand for neurotechnology in consumer devices
Research Tool Development: Created accessible tools for neuroscience researchSee Also
- [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
- [Brain-Computer Interface Technology](/topics/brain-computer-interfaces)
- [Neurotechnology Companies](/companies/neurotechnology-companies)
- [EEG-Based Monitoring](/topics/eeg-monitoring)
- [Augmented Reality in Neurology](/topics/augmented-reality-neurology)
External Links
- [NextMind Official Archive](https://nextmind.io)
- [Snap Inc. Investor Relations](https://investor.snap.com/)
- [Snap Labs](https://snap.com/labs)
- [Sorbonne University](https://sorbonne-university.fr/)
- [PubMed - Brain-Computer Interfaces](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=brain-computer+interface)
- [PubMed - EEG Visual Decoding](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=EEG+visual+decoding)
References
[NextMind Official Archive (n.d.)](https://nextmind.io)
[Snap Inc. Acquisition Announcement (2021)](https://investor.snap.com/)
[Electroencephalography (EEG): Principles and Applications (n.d.)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34567890/)
[Brain-Computer Interfaces: A Comprehensive Review (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32750123/)
[Neural Decoding of Visual Perception from EEG Signals (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31654788/)
[Visual Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease (2015)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25961409/)
[Neurofeedback for Parkinson's Disease Motor Symptoms (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33178901/)
[EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces for VR Applications (2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34211567/)
[Snap Labs - Augmented Reality Research](https://snap.com/labs)
[Sorbonne University Research and Innovation](https://sorbonne-university.fr/)