IDUN Guardian: a gateway to the brain now launched

For decades, electroencephalography (EEG) research has been confined to labs and clinics, offering invaluable insights into the brain but remaining inaccessible to everyday users. While recent attempts to create mobile EEG solutions have struggled with bulky and uncomfortable designs, consumer electronics companies like Meta, Apple, and LG have entered the space with promising patents and products. Yet, they continue to face challenges with sensor materials and delivering actionable insights. This is where IDUN Technologies steps in, bridging the gap with its advanced, user-friendly brain-sensing technology.

Founded in 2017 as a spin-off from ETH Zurich, IDUN Technologies is on a mission to make brain-related information accessible like never before. At the heart of their offerings is the IDUN Guardian, an innovative in-ear EEG device that revolutionizes brain sensing by combining superior comfort, ease of use, and portability. Unlike traditional, cumbersome scalp-based systems, the IDUN Guardian leverages IDUN’s proprietary DRYODE technology—a specialized sensor material that delivers high-quality brain wave detection without sacrificing user comfort. This unique combination of precision and user-friendliness makes the Guardian the ideal solution for seamlessly integrating brain data into everyday applications.

Features like access to raw EEG data coupled with software solutions for data processing and filtering make the device suitable for comprehensive analysis of neural processes in various applications, from sleep studies to cognitive performance monitoring and psychedelic research. Beyond these areas, the IDUN Guardian has potential applications in assessing cognitive workloads, mindfulness and well-being, as well as entertainment and gaming.

The current generation of the IDUN Guardian marks a crucial step in bringing brain sensing out of the lab. It has evolved from a few research data sets to thousands of hours of EEG data collected in consumer-relevant, real-world scenarios. IDUN is currently focusing on collaborating with enterprises to launch joint solutions in the market, leveraging the capabilities of the IDUN Guardian platform.

First customers with real-world Applications
Among its launch customers are companies such as MindSpeaker, a specialist in BCI technology focused on restoring natural communication for individuals who have lost their ability to speak. MindSpeaker uses IDUN Guardian earbuds to interpret brain signals and help restore natural communication. The guardian has enabled them to accelerate their development process and ease of use. In a recent conference, it allowed them to train and introduce over 100 novices to use the IDUN Guardian in just a matter of minutes, drastically improving the application areas and efficiency.

InnoBrain, a pioneer in human cognitive monitoring, leverages the AI-powered BCI technology to enhance safety in critical industries like transportation. The integration of the IDUN Guardian allowed them to provide proactive safety interventions using reliable real-world data, aligning perfectly with their mission to industrialize BCI and scale their solutions. Meanwhile, Cerebra, a specialist in sleep science, employs it to address the root causes of sleep disorders.

Overall, the startup has garnered attention from around two dozen organizations and researchers across Europe, Canada, and the US and plans to scale to thousands by 2026. The growing revenue demonstrates continued customer trust and the company’s maturity.

CHF 12 million secured to date
Building on this early success, IDUN aims to push the boundaries of consumer neurotechnology. These developments have been fueled by funding from various investors and grants. Since its inception, IDUN has raised CHF 6 million in equity, with the latest round launched earlier this year to support its early access program and achieve commercial traction. Non-dilutive grants amount to CHF 5 million, with the latest and most significant portion coming from the Swiss Accelerator. With the Swiss Accelerator, Innosuisse supports projects by Swiss small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups after they have entered the market. This competitive funding programme is aimed at individual start-ups and SMEs that are carrying out innovation projects with above-average innovation potential. The aim is to commercialise new and innovative products and services quickly and effectively. “With the support of the Swiss Accelerator, we are now equipped to advance their brain-sensing technology to True-Wireless Stereo (TWS) level, positioning the company to tap into a $50 billion+ market and revolutionize how brain-computer interfaces integrate with everyday experiences, said Simon Bachmann, co-founder and CEO of IDUN technologies.

Beyond product advancements, IDUN plans to hire more candidates in 2025 to expand its team of 12 people and prepare for a potential Series A funding round in the same year.

(RAN)