30 Years of BrainMaster

Introduction
For more than three decades, BrainMaster Technologies, Inc. has been a pioneering force in the field of neurofeedback and brainwave training. Founded in 1994 by Thomas F. Collura, Ph.D. — a neuroscientist and engineer passionate about developing innovative tools for neurofeedback training — the company (headquartered in Bedford, Ohio) has grown into a globally recognized leader in EEG-based research, clinical applications, and home training solutions.

The Early Days: Laying the Foundation (1994-2004)

1995
BrainMaster Technologies introduced its first major innovation: the 2E 2-Channel EEG Amplifier alongside the release of 1.0 software. These advancements marked the beginning of accessible EEG neurofeedback technology. During this time, BrainMaster also developed Amplitude and Synchrony Neurofeedback Training, providing a groundbreaking approach to brainwave modulation. That same year, the company received FDA 510K clearance for Biofeedback, cementing its position as a trusted medical technology provider.

1999
BrainMaster released its first software product, BrainMaster 1.0, which quickly gained popularity among neurofeedback practitioners and researchers. This software marked the beginning of BrainMaster’s commitment to providing innovative, user-friendly, and affordable solutions for brainwave analysis and neurofeedback training. BrainMaster received an FDA 510(K) for biofeedback. The Flextrode system was introduced, providing gel-free recording with a low-cost, simple-to-use system. Both the basic BrainMaster system and the Flextrodes received patents, reflecting their innovative and original designs.

1998
BrainMaster expanded its reach, self-registering a CE mark for Biofeedback, enabling distribution across international markets.

2000
The turn of the millennium saw further developments, with the 2EW Wideband EEG amplifier launching, along with 2.0 software and the development of Mini Q hardware — offering more precise and versatile EEG assessments.

As the demand for BrainMaster’s products grew, the company expanded its operations, adding staff and establishing a strong network of distributors and partners worldwide. During this period, BrainMaster introduced its first hardware products, including the Brainmaster 2EW Wideband EEG Amplifier and the Atlantis series of EEG devices.  Home training was also developed, with the use of unique remote passkeys, providing clinicians with control of home users, from their own offices.  Further developments of photic stimulation technology, and “non-volitional” EEG training methods using photic, auditory, and electromagnetic feedback were also created, documented, and published.

The early 2000s
Significant advancements in BrainMaster’s technology include the release of the Brainmaster 2.x software series, which introduced new features and improved graphics. The company also developed its powerful Event Wizard, advanced sound options, and a host of interactive feedback screens, games, and multimedia capabilities, offering greater flexibility and convenience for practitioners and researchers. Peripheral modalities such as temperature, respiration, hemoencephalography (HEG), and heart-rate variability (HRV) were also developed and incorporated, broadening the capability for biofeedback and biomonitoring.

2004
BrainMaster achieved another regulatory milestone, receiving a CE Mark for Clinical “Measurement”, allowing for broader applications of its technology in clinical neurofeedback and research.

A Decade of Breakthroughs and Advancements (2005-2014)

2006
BrainMaster unveiled the Atlantis I 4×4 and Atlantis II 2×2 series EEG hardware, along with the launch of 3.0 software.

But perhaps the most significant achievement that year was the invention of Live Z-Score Training (PZOK) — a revolutionary breakthrough in real-time neurofeedback, allowing for instantaneous brainwave adjustments based on real-time EEG activity. Alongside this, ANI Surface Score 2 and 4 Channel DLL was released, expanding the capabilities of real-time EEG processing.

As the field of neurofeedback continued to evolve, BrainMaster shifted its focus towards research and clinical applications. The company collaborated with leading researchers and institutions to develop new protocols and techniques for using neurofeedback in clinical settings.

Dr. Collura’s book, “Technical Foundations of Neurofeedback,”  is published, rapidly becoming a standard, and required reading for board certification for QEEG as well as for neurofeedback certification.

Additional 510(K) registrations for clinical EEG, and for quantitative EEG database, were also received.

2011
BrainMaster continued its pioneering trajectory with the development of the Discovery 24E, a powerful EEG system that brought new levels of depth to neurofeedback research and applications.

2013

4.0 BrainAvatar was developed and released, providing an advanced interface for neurofeedback professionals.

2014
BrainMaster introduced Live sLORETA Projector (LLP), allowing for deeper, more immersive neurofeedback visualization. That same year, Brain DX Surface and sLORETA Z Score DLL were released, as well as Z Builder which offered individualized Z-Scores and enhanced analysis tools.

 In response to the growing demand for more advanced solutions, BrainMaster developed a range of innovative signal processing and imaging capabilities for EEG-based brainwave analysis and neurofeedback training, including Advanced sLORETA Z-Scored Coherence, and directed coherence showing communication between brain regions in real time. These innovations enabled practitioners and researchers to access BrainMaster’s technology in real time, showing live brain activity for assessment and brain training applications.

Live Z-Score neurofeedback was further developed, including the innovative Z-Builder which provided database-free individualized Z-Scores for assessment and neurofeedback.

The microTesla pulsed electromagnetic field (pEMF) device was introduced, providing a new modality for neuromodulation and neurofeedback.

Dr. Collura’s co-edited book “Handbook of Clinical QEEG and Neuromodulation” is published, documenting the work of more than 20 leading clinical researchers around the world.

The Discovery Whole-Head 24-channel EEG was introduced, providing high-quality, high-resolution EEG at a new affordable price point.

Further development of built-in impedance measurement, and user self-calibration capability soon followed, ensuring the Discovery’s position as an industry leader.

In the wireless category, the Freedom series of dry EEG systems was introduced, beginning a continued evolution of advanced wearable EEG devices, without the need for paste or gel.

2015-2024
Advancing Wireless Technology and AI-Driven EEG Solutions

As wireless technology gained traction, BrainMaster remained at the forefront of innovation.

2016
BrainMaster launched the Freedom 24D Dry EEG Headset, providing a cutting-edge, wireless solution for EEG monitoring.

2018
BrainMaster introduced QEEGPro Surface and sLORETA Z Scores, further enhancing the accuracy of neurofeedback assessments.

The company received an FDA 510K clearance for the QEEGPro Database, reinforcing its reputation for developing FDA-compliant, evidence-based neurofeedback tools.

2023
BrainMaster reached yet another technological milestone with the release of xLORETA, an advanced EEG analysis tool that pushed functional neuroimaging to the next level.

The Discovery, Atlantis, Echo, and family of devices supported by BrainAvatar continue to move into new applications, both clinical and exploratory.

Infra-slow fluctuations (ISF) emerged as a powerful tool. Live Z-Score training emerged in military and rehabilitation settings, particularly for stress-related recovery.

2024
BrainMaster achieved full MDSAP Certification and MDR Compliance, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining the highest global regulatory standards for medical devices.

2025
BrainMaster Technologies, Inc. celebrates its 30th anniversary and remains committed to its founding principles of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. We continue to follow our original motto, “Make the world a better place today, and make sure we will be here tomorrow.” With a strong foundation in EEG-based brainwave analysis and neurofeedback training, BrainMaster is poised to continue leading the way in the development of cutting-edge solutions for brain health and wellness.

Looking Ahead: The Future of BrainMaster Technologies
As BrainMaster Technologies moves into its fourth decade, it remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of neurofeedback, qEEG, and clinical EEG solutions. The company is actively integrating artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and wearable devices into its product line, ensuring that the next generation of neurofeedback solutions will be more intuitive, accessible, and impactful than ever before.

With an unwavering commitment to research, compliance, and innovation, BrainMaster continues to lead the way in neuroscience technology, empowering clinicians and individuals to optimize cognitive function, enhance mental wellness, and unlock human potential through the power of brainwave training.

Recent Years
BrainMaster has continued to innovate and expand its product offerings. The company has developed new hardware and software solutions, including the QEEG Pro live Z DLL for real-time surface and sLORETA Z-Scores and continued evolution of the Brainmaster 4.x software series.

BrainMaster has also strengthened its partnerships with leading researchers and institutions, further solidifying its position as a leader in the field of EEG-based brainwave analysis and neurofeedback training.

BrainMaster participated in and authored the first international practice guideline for clinical QEEG, published in the leading EEG journal, as a world-wide standard.

Over the years, hundreds of documented improvements and feature additions have been introduced to the BrainMaster family of hardware and software products.

More than 400 papers have been published in more than 40 countries using BrainMaster equipment and software, providing evidence of the safety, effectiveness, and versatility of our systems.

BrainMaster has been integral to the publication of books, articles, and industry papers that have set standards for EEG, QEEG, and neurofeedback in research and clinical applications.

Conclusion
Over the past 30 years, BrainMaster Technologies, Inc. has transformed from a small pioneering company to an industry leader in neurofeedback and EEG-based research. Through a commitment to continuous innovation, regulatory excellence, and advancing brain science, BrainMaster has left an indelible mark on the field of neurotechnology. As the company looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission: harnessing the power of neuroscience to enhance lives and shape the future of mental health and cognitive performance.