Kernel was founded in 2016 with the objective to improve the way we measure the brain. We evaluated every modality for measuring the brain to assess utility, scalability, ease-of-use, and technical readiness. In 2018, Kernel's team of world-class engineers and scientists began developing a technology called time-domain functional near-infrared spectroscopy, which became our first hardware product - Kernel Flow.

Flow allows for natural head motion, real-world measurements, and large scale data collection, while maintaining research-grade data quality.

We have built a software and services platform around our core hardware technology and are now on a mission to to accelerate treatment discovery, improve patient outcomes, and transform neuromedicine with precision biomarkers.

Our Vision

Cover

Leadership Team

Ryan Field, Ph.D.CEO & CTO
Katherine Perdue, Ph.D.VP, Applied Science & Clinical Research
Julien Dubois, Ph.D.VP, Data Science
Gabe LernerVP, Software Engineering
Dakota DeckerVP, Hardware Engineering

News and Updates

Kernel Newsletter - Fall 2024 Updates

Newsletter · November 13, 2024

Q3 of 2024 was dominated by engagement with the scientific community around the work we're doing at Kernel.Read More

Kernel's New Infrared “Helmet” Could Make Brain Health Analysis Simple and Affordable

StartUp Health · August 15, 2024

After years of R&D, CEO Ryan Field, PhD, and his team of engineers and designers are introducing an exciting new piece of hardware. This brain scanning device, modeled after a snowboard helmet, uses safe infrared light to dynamically measure oxygen levels in the brain. The ready-to-wear form factor and cloud-based analysis means that this brain health scan can be performed anywhere, by almost anyone.Read More

Precision neuromedicine for everyone

STMicroelectronics · August 14, 2024

Imagine a world where every patient could regularly receive preventative scans of their brains. What sounds great in theory has always been a logistical problem so far. The entire MRI capacity of the United States is insufficient for regular preventative scans for dementia, let alone any other conditions. Kernel has set out to address this issue.Read More

Kernel Newsletter - Summer 2024 Updates

Newsletter · August 6, 2024

The past few months at Kernel have been energizing. From the early successes in our clinical studies to the submission of our latest work for peer-review, we have a lot to update on.Read More

Kernel is advancing precision neuromedicine - Q1 2024 update

Newsletter · February 9, 2024

In the last year we launched Kernel Flow2, shipped our first systems to researchers, published validation work from Flow1, started to build brain-based biomarkers for depression and mild cognitive impairment, completed a number of partnerships to help companies developing products for the brain (not just pharmaceuticals), and refreshed our brand.Read More

Kernel Launches Observational Study Using Flow2 Neuroimaging Technology to Identify Biomarkers of Depression Treatment Response

Business Wire · August 29, 2023

The study utilizes Flow2 to measure patients as they undergo treatment, paving the way to transform how depression is treated with patient-specific biomarkers.Read More

Kernel Launches Cognitive Decline Study Using Flow2 Neuroimaging Technology

Business Wire · August 21, 2023

By leveraging the advanced capabilities of the Flow2 neuroimaging technology, this groundbreaking study aims to detect Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and measure the severity of MCI symptoms by analyzing Flow2 neurophysiological data obtained during a battery of cognitive tasks and resting state measures.Read More

Kernel Introduces Flow2: Revolutionary Advanced Neuroimaging Technology Enabling Precision Neuromedicine

Business Wire · July 31, 2023

With Flow2, researchers and clinicians now have unprecedented access to robust, fMRI-like functional neuroimaging in a quick and user-friendly headset, making precision neuromedicine more accessible than ever before.Read More

Kernel's Revolutionary Neuroimaging Technology, Flow1, Validated in Published Feasibility Study on Measuring Psychedelic Effects

Business Wire · July 20, 2023

The peer-reviewed study, sponsored by Cybin Inc., underscores the ability of Kernel's Flow1 system to capture and analyze brain changes resulting from the administration of a psychoactive substance.Read More

Kernel Flow1 Differentiates Alcohol Doses using Brain Measurements

Business Wire · June 26, 2023

This peer-reviewed study demonstrates the ability of the Kernel Flow1 neuroimaging system to measure dose-dependent brain responses to alcohol.Read More

Better data.
Better brains.