NextMind BCI

<table class="infobox infobox-company">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">NextMind</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="infobox-image" colspan="2"><em>Logo placeholder</em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Founded</td>
<td>2017</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Headquarters</td>
<td>Paris, France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<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>
<tr>
<td class="label">Status</td>
<td>Active as Snap division</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Website</td>
<td>[nextmind.tech](https://nextmind.tech)</td>
</tr>
</table>

NextMind

Overview

<table class="infobox infobox-company">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">NextMind</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="infobox-image" colspan="2"><em>Logo placeholder</em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Founded</td>
<td>2017</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Headquarters</td>
<td>Paris, France</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<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>
<tr>
<td class="label">Status</td>
<td>Active as Snap division</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Website</td>
<td>[nextmind.tech](https://nextmind.tech)</td>
</tr>
</table>

NextMind

Overview

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

Software Platform

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