Brain-Computer Interfacing (BCI) promises a quantum leap in human interaction with technology—enabling our thoughts and emotions to control devices and enabling devices to know what were “really thinking” and feeling. Currently, there are more than 300 million brain toting people in the United States alone, making the opportunities for BCI products far-reaching.
BCI is bringing fresh and often unexpected perspectives to established industries, from entertainment and transportation to medicine and information systems. In this emergent phase of consumer-related BCI, innovators are redefining sleep management, gaming, user interfacing, courtroom evidence, and national security—and this is only the beginning.
For the first time, neuroscientists and savvy entrepreneurs, from a number of traditionally unrelated industries, are teaming up to move BCI technology out of research and medical labs and into our everyday lives. The Business of the Brain event will address the challenges and opportunities of this exciting revolution, including limitations of wet sensors, noise interference, government regulation, novel user interfaces, designing industry-specific BCI applications and the cost engineering of current applications.
Meet the minds behind this wave and find out how entrepreneurs are using the way we think to drive the future of technology.
MODERATOR
Christie Nicholson
Freelance Science Journalist; Contributing Editor, Scientific American
Christie Nicholson is a science journalist based in New York. She hosts and produces Scientific American’s 60-Second Psych, which covers the latest research in neuroscience. Last year she participated in Discovery Channel’s Neuroethics Salon, that culminated in her co-authoring a Nature paper on communicating ethical issues in neuroscience. This year she spoke on brain-machine interfaces at the South by Southwest conference in Austin, TX. She is an on-air contributor to Web and TV shows on Slate, Scientific American, Discovery Channel and the Science Channel. A graduate of Columbia University’s School of Journalism, she co-created the “Science of Sex,” that won two Webby Awards. Currently a contributing editor at Scientific American, she teaches Web journalism each summer at the Banff Centre for the Arts.
PRESENTER
David P. Dickinson
President & C.E.O., Zeo, Inc.
After a long career with four Fortune 500 corporations, Dave is now the Chief Executive Officer of Zeo, Inc. (f/k/a Axon Labs), an early stage startup founded by an entrepreneurial team of computer science and engineering students at Brown University.
Prior to Zeo, he was the Chief Operating Officer and a division President/CEO of StemCyte, a global umbilical cord blood stem cell banking company. In addition, Dave has held numerous executive positions including Director and President/CEO of Pericor Science, and Vice President, New Ventures, and Vice President, Global New Business Development/Innovation for the Mead Johnson Nutritionals Division of Bristol-Myers Squibb after starting his career in brand management with Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products and sales with Procter & Gamble. Dave received a B.S. in Industrial Economics from Union College in 1977 and an MBA in Marketing from Northwestern’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management in 1982.
Dr. Farwell invented Brain Fingerprinting, a scientific technology for detecting concealed information in the brain using EEG. It proved over 99% accurate at the FBI, CIA, and US Navy, was ruled admissible in court, and helped catch a serial killer and free an innocent murder convict.
He invented the first EEG-based brain-computer interface, using EEG to communicate to a computer. He patented a system using brainwaves in detection of Alzheimer’s. He conducted pioneering research using brainwaves to determine the impact of advertising. He is a Harvard graduate, former Harvard research associate, and Chairman and Chief Scientist of Brain Fingerprinting Laboratories, Inc. TIME Magazine selected him to the TIME 100: The Next Wave, the innovators who may be “the Picassos or Einsteins of the 21st Century.”
James Sullivan
VP of World Wide Sales, NeuroSky
James Sullivan brought over 25 years of experience in high-tech sales experience in both hardware and software, to the NeuroSky founding team. Through his success developing OEM/ODM relationships and technology partnerships he was able to identify the unique opportunity of creating a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) platform technology that focuses on usability and low cost.
Prior to NeuroSky Jim was involved in several early stage and start up opportunities, and was part of explosive growth and success on more than one occasion including an IPO and follow on Public Offerings. His success has included tenures at Lanier, Canon, Arrow Electronics, Novell and Nuance Communications.
Timothy Chang
Principal, Norwest Venture Partners
Tim brings a combination of operational, technical and international business experience to NVP. He focuses on investments in mobile, gaming, digital media, and also leads NVP’s investment practice in China and Asia-Pacific. Tim led NVP’s investments in and joined the boards of directors of ngmoco, Lumos Labs, Brite Semiconductor and 3jam. He also led NVP’s investment in PCH International, a turnkey global supply chain services firm based in Shenzhen. Tim is a board observer working closely with Borqs, deCarta, Double Fusion and Veveo.
Jamie Hyneman
Host of Mythbusters and Serial Entrepreneur
Jamie Hyneman is now best known as the host of the Discovery Channel’s Emmy-nominated program, “MythBusters.” He has worked on 800-plus commercials and feature films, holds several patents, has a degree in Russian linguistics from Indiana University, an engineering degree from University of Maine, and a Doctor of Engineering Degree from Villanova University (both honorary). He has been a Screen Actor’s Guild member for over a decade, is a member of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, a member of the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, and a lifetime member of the California Teacher’s Association.
Today, while his work for the Discovery Channel occupies the majority of Hyneman’s professional time, he is actively involved in developing cutting edge technologies and prototypes for a variety of industries, ranging from defense and aerospace to green vehicle design.
