From wood to neuroengineering

From wood to neuroengineering

His career path is nothing like the ordinary. Jean-Simon, founder of Cortech Sports, first discovered his passion for designing and manufacturing unique objects in wood workshops. His fascination with wood led him to explore the world of design and manufacturing. After a DEC in cabinetmaking, he studied mechanical and electrical engineering. He is particularly interested in the brain and, as part of his Master's degree, is working on the mechanisms of electromagnetic brain activity during sleep using neuroimaging. This dive into the brain is the catalyst for his unique vision: merging human mechanics with his engineering expertise to optimize sports performance. 

From there, he set out to find a way of applying his skills to his passion for sport (he is the founder of two field hockey leagues). But failing to find opportunities in the field, he chose to undertake a PhD focusing on brain preservation in the elderly through physical activity and creativity. This academic path took an unexpected turn when he chose to seize the opportunity to become an artificial intelligence engineer at Distech Controls, a decision that strengthened his expertise in signal processing, exposed him to the development of new ideas and laid the foundations for his entrepreneurial journey.

Cortech Sports: unleashing the potential of the human brain

And so, in 2022, Cortech Sports was born, astartup merging the terms "Cortex" and "Technology". This innovative company, located at the intersection of medtech and sportech, aims to unlock the untapped potential of the human brain through a non-invasive device integrating infrared LEDs into training helmets. By optimizing brain connections, this device enhances athletes' mental performance and offers a solution for restoring cognitive vitality after intense effort or daily fatigue.

Photobiomodulation, a technology that stimulates the brain using infrared light, offers revolutionary benefits for enhancing the cerebral capacities of athletes. This non-invasive, cost-effective approach has found its place in an ever-expanding sports market, where innovation is essential.

Collaboration, incubation and expansion

Jean Simon Boucher's journey then continued with a period of incubation at CENTECH, where he presented his project and joined the 2022 cohort acceleration program. This marked a decisive turning point, paving the way for an exciting new phase. Cortech Sports is now housed at Garage&co, where Jean Simon works with experienced coaches to bring his vision to life. Prototyping and scientific validation are central to his development process.

As the sportech sector continues to grow, Cortech Sports is positioning itself as an innovative company in the field of physical performance. The potential benefits of photobiomodulation also extend to other areas of health, opening up prospects for future expansion.

Jean-Simon and his journey remind us that our various passions and experiences are not isolated from one another. Each step, each challenge and each success contributes to shaping the person we become, and can serve as a springboard for future achievements. By combining diverse skills and innovative vision, Jean-Simon shows us that no path is too bold to shape the future. His story is an inspiring reminder of how deep passion and unwavering determination can shape innovative solutions for human well-being.

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About the 'Change Makers: inspiring stories from the world of hardtech' series

Immerse yourself in a world of creativity, innovation and determination with our exclusive series of articles highlighting the inspiring journeys of hardtech visionaries. Bold minds who dared to challenge the limits of technology to shape the future, this series explores the fascinating stories of entrepreneurs, founders and coaches who paved the way for extraordinary breakthroughs.

Each article in this series is a window onto the triumphs and challenges faced by these major players in the world of hardtech. Discover how they have transformed avant-garde ideas into tangible realities, constantly pushing back the barriers of engineering and innovation.

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If you're a hardtech startup in need of support to develop your innovation, look no further than Garage&co. We're here to help you realize your vision. Submit your application now and let us guide you along the path to technological success: Garage&co | Submit your application (garageincubation.com)