Kernel Flow is a wearable time-domain functional near-infrared spectroscopy (TD-fNIRS) system designed for high-temporal-resolution measurement of hemodynamic brain activity. Unlike EEG, which measures electrical potentials, fNIRS measures changes in blood oxygenation as a proxy for neural activity, providing complementary spatial information with better depth penetration than scalp EEG. The Flow helmet contains 52 modules, each with a laser source and two detectors, arranged across a full-head array. Kernel targets neuroscience research, pharmaceutical clinical trials requiring objective neural biomarkers, and enterprise cognitive wellness applications. Founded by Braintree co-founder Bryan Johnson, who self-funded the company.
This device does not have a current FDA designation. It may be a research tool, preclinical device, or consumer product not subject to FDA medical device regulation.
FDA Device Regulatory Guidance ↗