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
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 in Paris, the company developed a revolutionary dry-sensor EEG (electroencephalography) headset capable of translating neural signals into actionable computational outputs[1][2].
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[3].
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[4][5].
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[1:1].
Between 2017 and 2021, NextMind developed several generations of its EEG-based brain-computer interface:
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[6][7].
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[4:1].
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[5:1].
NextMind developed a proprietary EEG-based brain-computer interface with several key innovations:
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:
The device incorporated advanced analog and digital signal processing:
NextMind's core innovation lay in its machine learning algorithms trained to decode visual perception from EEG signals:
The company provided a comprehensive software development kit (SDK) enabling developers to:
While NextMind was not primarily a Parkinson's disease company, its technology held significant potential applications for PD research and potential therapeutic development:
Parkinson's disease is associated with multiple visual processing abnormalities, including:
NextMind's EEG-based technology could potentially detect and quantify some of these visual processing abnormalities through standardized visual paradigms[9].
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:
NextMind's consumer-grade technology could enable at-home neurofeedback protocols, potentially expanding access to this emerging therapeutic modality[10].
The portability and ease of use of NextMind's technology made it suitable for:
NextMind's research contributed to several key publications in the field of neural decoding and brain-computer interfaces:
While NextMind's technology was primarily developed for consumer applications, the underlying platform held potential for clinical translation:
| 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 |
Following the acquisition, NextMind's technology has been integrated into Snap's AR platform:
NextMind operated in the emerging consumer BCI market, competing with:
NextMind differentiated through its focus on visual perception decoding rather than general brain state monitoring.
Although NextMind is no longer an independent company, its legacy includes: