Brain boost? A headset to stimulate the brain is being developed at Uni WA

Student innovators and graduates from The University of Western Australia are developing a headset that can monitor human brain waves and stimulate the brain to improve concentration and boost the brain’s performance.

The headset uses Electroencephalography (EEG) technology to detect the state of the brain in real-time and determine metrics such as concentration and fatigue, and then applies a small electrical current, known as a transcranial alternating current (tACS), to stimulate better mental performance.

UWA Law student and CEO of HUMM Technologies, Iain McIntyre said the start-up focused on expanding the potential of the human brain and making people’s lives better by giving them more control of their cognitive function.

“The device provides EEG data just like you would see in a hospital, and determines which of those frequencies should be encouraged to assist in concentration and memory,” Mr McIntyre said. 

“It then stimulates the brain by providing a light electric current when a person loses focus to help them refocus and improve their concentration.”

The device will initially target professional computer game players who need to concentrate for many hours at a time.

“We’re building this headset for eSports players so they’re able to win more games, more often.

“Ultimately we’re looking to increase the power of the human brain, increase the ability of people to understand how their brain works and to make it better so we can solve the big problems in the future.”