<table class="infobox infobox-company">
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<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">NextMind</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="infobox-image" colspan="2"><em>Logo placeholder</em></td>
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<td class="label">Founded</td>
<td>2017</td>
</tr>
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<td class="label">Headquarters</td>
<td>Paris, France</td>
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<td class="label">Acquired by</td>
<td>Snap Inc. (2021)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Founder</td>
<td>Devon (last name unknown)</td>
</tr>
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<td class="label">Status</td>
<td>Active as Snap division</td>
</tr>
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<td class="label">Website</td>
<td>[nextmind.tech](https://nextmind.tech)</td>
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</table>
NextMind
Overview
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
NextMind is a neurotechnology company developing non-invasive brain-computer interfaces. Founded in 2017 and acquired by Snap Inc. (parent company of Snapchat) in 2021, NextMind focuses on creating affordable, easy-to-use EEG-based devices for consumer and enterprise applications["@nextmind"]. The company has positioned itself as a leader in the emerging consumer BCI market, with a particular focus on visual and cognitive state monitoring.
History and Development
Founding and Early Years (2017-2020)
NextMind was founded in 2017 with a mission to make brain-computer interface technology accessible to consumers and researchers. The company developed a novel dry-electrode EEG system that could be used without the lengthy setup times required by traditional EEG systems.
Product Launch (2019)
NextMind launched its first commercial product in 2019, a brain-sensing headband designed for:
- Gaming and virtual reality
- Meditation and focus training
- Cognitive performance monitoring
- Research applications
Acquisition by Snap (2021)
In March 2021, Snap Inc. acquired NextMind for an undisclosed sum, marking one of the first major acquisitions in the consumer BCI space[@snap2021]. The acquisition was seen as part of Snap's strategy to expand beyond social media into AR and emerging technologies.
Post-Acquisition Development (2021-Present)
Under Snap's ownership, NextMind has continued to develop its technology with increased resources:
- Integration with Snapchat and Spectacles AR glasses
- Development of new cognitive interface features
- Research into visual cortex neurofeedback
- Enterprise applications for focus and attention training
Technology
NextMind Device
The NextMind headband represents a significant advancement in consumer-grade EEG:
Hardware Specifications
- Electrode Count: 8 dry electrodes
- Electrode Material: Proprietary conductive polymer
- Sampling Rate: 256 Hz
- Bandwidth: 0.5-40 Hz
- Battery Life: 8+ hours continuous use
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Weight: ~60 grams
Signal Processing
- On-board Processing: ARM Cortex-M4 processor
- Artifact Rejection: Real-time motion and muscle artifact removal
- Machine Learning: On-device neural network for classification
- Latency: Less than 100ms from signal to classification
NextMind Dev Kit
- SDK: Available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- APIs: REST and WebSocket interfaces
- Unity Integration: Game engine plugin
- Python Support: Research-friendly Python bindings
- Examples: Sample applications for various use cases
Machine Learning Models
- Visual Attention: Classify attended visual targets
- Mental Commands: Binary and multi-class mental states
- Cognitive Load: Measure mental workload
- Meditation State: Track relaxation and focus
Clinical Applications for Neurodegeneration
Visual Prosthetics Research
NextMind's technology has potential applications in visual prosthetics research:
- Cortical Visual Prosthetics: Research into visual cortex stimulation
- Phosphene Mapping: Understanding artificial vision perception
- Visual Rehabilitation: Training protocols for vision restoration
- Research Platform: Affordable platform for visual neuroscience
Cognitive Monitoring for Neurodegeneration
Non-invasive monitoring has applications in:
- Alzheimer's Monitoring: Track [cognitive decline](/symptoms/cognitive-decline) through attention metrics
- Parkinson's Assessment: [Motor imagery](/technologies/motor-imagery-bci) performance as [biomarker](/biomarkers/motor-imagery-bci)
- Stroke Recovery: Monitor [cognitive rehabilitation](/therapeutics/cognitive-rehabilitation) progress
- General Cognitive Health: Baseline tracking for early detection of [neurodegeneration](diseases/neurodegeneration)
Cognitive Training
Potential applications for [cognitive training](/therapeutics/cognitive-training):
- Attention Training: Improve focus in patients with [cognitive deficits](/symptoms/cognitive-decline)
- Memory Training: [Neurofeedback](/therapeutics/neurofeedback) protocols for [memory](/mechanisms/memory) enhancement
- Executive Function: [Working memory](/mechanisms/working-memory) and decision-making training
- Neuroplasticity Enhancement: Combined with [cognitive rehabilitation](/therapeutics/cognitive-rehabilitation)
Stroke Rehabilitation
As a non-invasive tool for [stroke](/diseases/stroke) recovery:
- Motor Imagery Practice: [BCI-triggered motor imagery training](/technologies/motor-imagery-bci)
- Progress Monitoring: Track [cognitive recovery](/therapeutics/cognitive-rehabilitation) over time
- Home-based Therapy: Low-cost rehabilitation option
- Motivation Enhancement: Engaging [neurofeedback](/therapeutics/neurofeedback) games
Comparison with Invasive BCIs
| Feature | NextMind (Non-invasive) | Neuralink (Invasive) | Blackrock (Invasive) |
|---------|------------------------|---------------------|---------------------|
| Invasiveness | None | Surgical implant | Surgical implant |
| Spatial Resolution | Low (cm) | High (sub-mm) | High (sub-mm) |
| Temporal Resolution | High (~250 Hz) | Very high (~20 kHz) | Very high (~30 kHz) |
| Setup Time | 2-5 minutes | Hours (surgery) | Hours (surgery) |
| Cost | ~$399 USD | Research only | Research only |
| Signal Quality | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent |
| Long-term Use | Unlimited | Years | Years |
| Risk | None | Surgical risks | Surgical risks |
Regulatory Status
Consumer Device
- FDA: Cleared as consumer wellness device
- CE Mark: Approved for sale in Europe
- General Availability: Direct consumer sales
Medical Applications
- Current Status: Not FDA cleared for medical use
- Research Use: Available for clinical research under IRB
- Future: Exploring FDA clearance for specific applications
Privacy and Data
- On-device Processing: Neural data processed locally
- Cloud Option: Optional cloud analysis (user consent required)
- Data Ownership: Users own their neural data
Partnerships and Integrations
Snap Ecosystem Integration
- Snapchat: Mind control features in the app
- Spectacles: AR glasses with BCI integration
- Bitmoji: Mind-controlled avatars
- Lens Studio: AR filters triggered by attention
Research Partnerships
- Academic Collaborations: Multiple university research programs
- Neuroscience Labs: Used in vision and attention research
- Cognitive Science: Studies on perception and attention
Industry Applications
- Gaming: Integration with major gaming platforms
- Meditation Apps: Partnerships with mindfulness companies
- Enterprise: Focus and productivity monitoring tools
Research Applications
Visual Neuroscience
- Visual Attention Studies: Mapping attention in visual cortex
- Perceptual Learning: Training effects on visual processing
- Consciousness Research: Studying visual awareness
- Eye Tracking Integration: Combined with eye movement research
Cognitive Psychology
- Attention Research: Measuring sustained and selective attention
- Working Memory: Neural correlates of memory load
- Decision Making: Neural signatures of choice
- Meditation Research: Brain states during mindfulness
Brain-Computer Interface Research
- Signal Processing: Developing better EEG algorithms
- Machine Learning: Improving BCI classification
- Neurofeedback: Training protocols and outcomes
- Usability Studies: User experience with consumer BCIs
Limitations and Challenges
Technical Limitations
- Spatial Resolution: Limited to centimeter-scale resolution
- Signal Contamination: Susceptible to eye and muscle artifacts
- Individual Variability: Performance varies across users
- Training Required: Users need practice to achieve accuracy
Practical Limitations
- Environmental Sensitivity: Performance affected by electrical interference
- Movement Constraints: Head movement degrades signal quality
- Limited Applications: Cannot control complex prosthetics
- Attention Requirements: Requires sustained mental effort
Comparison to Invasive BCIs
While NextMind offers accessibility, invasive BCIs provide:
- Higher spatial resolution for precise control
- More stable signals over long periods
- Ability to record from deeper brain structures
- Direct neural control of complex devices
Future Development
Hardware Improvements
- More Electrodes: Higher density arrays in development
- Dry Electrode Advances: Improved comfort and signal quality
- Form Factor: Smaller, more comfortable devices
- Wireless: True wireless (no headband) designs
Software Enhancements
- Better Algorithms: Improved machine learning models
- More Applications: Expanded use case library
- Personalization: User-specific calibration
- Cloud Analytics: Aggregated insights from user data
Medical Applications
- FDA Clearances: Pursuing medical device approvals
- Clinical Trials: Testing efficacy for specific conditions
- Rehabilitation: Stroke and neurological recovery programs
- Monitoring: Long-term cognitive health tracking
See Also
- [Brain-Computer Interfaces](/technologies/brain-computer-interfaces)
- [Non-Invasive BCI](/technologies/eeg-bci)
- [OpenBCI](/technologies/openbci)
- [EEG](/diagnostics/eeg)
- [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
- [Stroke](/diseases/stroke)
- [BCI Rehabilitation](/technologies/bci-rehabilitation)
- [Visual Cortex](/brain-regions/visual-cortex)
- [Motor Imagery](/technologies/motor-imagery-bci)
- [Neuroplasticity](/mechanisms/neuroplasticity)
- [Cognitive Training](/therapeutics/cognitive-training)
- [Neurofeedback](/therapeutics/neurofeedback)
External Links
- [NextMind Official Site](https://nextmind.tech)
- [NextMind Developer Portal](https://developer.nextmind.tech)
- [Snap AR Blog](https://snap.com/news/ar)
- [NextMind GitHub](https://github.com/nextminddev)
References
Unknown, NextMind Official Website (n.d.)
Unknown, Snap Acquisition News - TechCrunch (2021)
Unknown, NextMind Developer Portal (n.d.)
Unknown, EEG-based BCI Review - IEEE (n.d.)
Unknown, Consumer BCI Market Report - Allied Market Research (n.d.)