NextMind

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

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

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

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].

Technology Platform

Hardware Architecture

NextMind developed a proprietary EEG-based brain-computer interface with several key innovations:

Dry-Sensor Electrode Array

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

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:

Clinical 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

Corporate Information

| 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

Legacy and Impact

Although NextMind is no longer an independent company, its legacy includes:

See 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