The Top
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
Leadership Team
News and Updates
Kernel Newsletter - Winter 2025 Updates
Newsletter · January 31, 2025
After a round of successful presentations covering our work in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we recently finished a manuscript that was submitted for peer review. We're excited to share this early work with the scientific community and to receive feedback from reviewers and researchers alike.Read More
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
