Imagine a world where you can control devices, play games, and even assist in medical treatments, by just turning the power of your thoughts into actions.
What once sounded like science fiction is now becoming a reality with Nexstem Instinct, a breakthrough in neurotechnology.
The innovative device has the potential to change how humans and machines interact.
Nexstem recently received $3.5 million in funding and is ready to expand its presence globally. Read on to find out how this is a game changer for the healthtech industry.
Nexstem Instinct
The healthtech industry has been booming lately and continuously stretching the horizons of what is possible. For another revolutionary change, Nexstem has come up with “Instinct.”
Nexstem “Instinct” is a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) headset and software suite that makes “thought-based” commands a reality.
The device operates on an AI-powered onboard computing model that can process bio-signals from the human body. In short, it can turn your thoughts into actions.
How does Nexstem Instinct work?
As a BCI device, Nexstem Instinct allows direct communication between the human brain and external devices by interpreting brain signals into actionable commands.
The headset captures electroencephalogram (EEG) signals from the brain and interprets them. These signals are great biomarkers for understanding brain activity.
As EEG signals are feeble, Nexstem Instinct is packed with 19 electrodes placed as per the 10-20 electrode arrangement system. This provides optimum coverage to capture signals from each region of the brain.
All the electrodes are programmable and can be configured independently, offering flexibility and precision.
Why is Nexstem Instinct a game-changer for neurotechnology?
Nextstem Instinct is one of the most advanced BCI solutions on the market. Its EEG technology has advanced neuroscience applications, like:
- Epilepsy monitoring
- Sleep disorder diagnosis
- Mental health treatment
- Neurofeedback for rehabilitation
- Assistance in speech impairment
- Assist individuals with neurological disorders
- Restore movement control for paralysed patients
- Enhance human abilities such as peak performance and telepathy
- and much more.
Furthermore, Nexstem has integrated AI into its BCI solution to bring precision to diagnosis and treatment plans for mental health conditions.
Nexstem Instinct cost and availability
The headset release version will cost $2500. Currently, Nexstem Instinct is closed for pre-booking, but you can join the waitlist from the official website.
However, Nexstem Instinct is a B2B product not available to the general public. Healthtech companies, startups, and research organisations can take advantage of this advanced tech to develop better products and technologies to improve care outcomes.
About Nexstem: History and background
Nexstem is a Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup founded by Siddhant Dangi and Deepansh Goyal in 2020. It develops advanced BCI solutions to revolutionise the way humans and machines interact.
With Nexstem Instinct, the startup’s aim is to create a digital nervous system to record and interpret bio-signals from the human body. This will allow direct communication between the human body and technology.
“The brainstem serves as the vital link connecting your brain to your body, positioned just above the spinal cord. We envision the next step—a brainstem connecting your brain to the world, hence the name, Nexstem.”
– Co-founder and CTO Deepansh Goyal
In March 2022, the startup launched its first cloud-based V1 Headset (a non-invasive EEG recording device) for testing, research, and as a proof of concept. To remove the cloud dependency, the startup upgraded to V2 Headset.
The V2 was powered by a Samsung processor with 8 cores, 8 GB RAM, and 64 GB storage. They also incorporated a dedicated AI accelerator for machine learning tasks in V2.
Further, they refined the V2 based on the feedback from testing and research and are about to release the final product in 2024.
With Nexstem instinct, the startup also developed its operating system. This operating system eliminated the need for Software Development Kits (SDKs) and offered more flexibility for research and development.
The startup is committed to neuroethical standards, data privacy and making BCIs accessible to people.
Funding and Expansion Plans
Nexstem has raised a total of $4.84 million over three funding rounds.
The startup began its journey with seed funding of $140,000 in August 2020, supported by alumni of BITS Pilani, HostelFund, BITS Spark, and other investors. This was followed by a second seed round in March 2022, where Nexstem secured $1.2 million, led by Info Edge and BITS Spark.
Recently, this month, Nexstem raised an additional $3.5 million in Series A funding round, with prominent investors including Info Edge, Zupee, Smile Group and Gruhas. This round was crucial for advancing the startup’s work in BCI technology.
With this latest funding, Nexstem plans to expand the Nexstem Instinct ecosystem, grow its intellectual property portfolio, and further develop its BCI suite.
The startup is planning to extend its reach into global markets and focus on Europe and Australia, before exploring opportunities in Asia. The founders also anticipate significant progress in the Indian medical sector by 2025.
The founders shared another developmental vision about Nexstem Instinct which can be groundbreaking in mental health treatment:
“Consider this scenario: When you experience happiness, it’s due to serotonin. What if I could induce the release of serotonin in your brain, bypassing the reliance on internal stimuli? By sending specific electrical pulses externally, the brain could be stimulated to release serotonin.”
– Siddharth Dangi, co-founder and CTO of Nexstem in a statement to YourStory.
Looking Ahead
Nexstem has the potential to revolutionise many industries, including neurotechnology. For the healthcare industry, it can become an assistive technology for people with speech impairment and help in rehabilitation with neurofeedback.
With the global BCI market expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.9% and reach $10.65 billion by 2033, Nexstem has a huge market opportunity to tap.
As Nexstem continues expanding with its recent funding, the startup is opening doors to the global market and new possibilities for advancement in BCI technology.
By Rinkle Dudhani and AHT Team
