From wood to neuroengineering

The Inspiring Journey of Jean-Simon Boucher and the Birth of Cortech Sports
July 4, 2024

From wood to neuroengineering

His career path is nothing like the ordinary. Jean-Simon, founder of Cortech Sports, first discovered a passion for designing and manufacturing unique objects in woodworking workshops. His fascination with wood inspired him to explore the world of design and manufacturing. After earning a college diploma 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 immersion into the brain is the catalyst for his unique vision: merging human mechanics with his engineering expertise to optimize athletic performance.

From there, he began searching for a way to apply his skills to his passion, sports (he is also the founder of two hockey leagues). But failing to find opportunities in the field, he chose to undertake a doctorate focused on brain preservation in older adults 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, exposing him to the development of new ideas and laying the foundations for his entrepreneurial journey.

Cortech Sports: Unlocking the Potential of the Human Brain

This is how Cortech Sports was born in 2022, a startup 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 thanks to a non-invasive device integrating infrared LEDs into training helmets. By optimizing brain connections, this device improves athletes' mental performance and offers a solution to restore cognitive vitality after intense efforts or daily fatigue.

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

Collaboration, incubation et expansion

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

As the sports tech 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 opportunities for future expansion.

Jean-Simon and his journey remind us that our diverse passions and experiences are not isolated from one another. Every step, every challenge, and every success contributes to shaping the person we become and can serve as a springboard for future achievements. By combining diverse skills and an 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.

About the series 'Change Makers: Inspiring Destinies in the World of Hardtech'

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

Each article in this series is a window into the triumphs and challenges faced by these major players in the world of hard tech . Discover how they transformed cutting-edge ideas into tangible realities, constantly pushing the boundaries of engineering and innovation.

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