Nanoloop Raises Seed+ Funding for BCI Sports Tech

Nanoloop, a pioneering Beijing-based startup, has successfully closed a Seed+ funding round, securing approximately 10 million yuan (around $1.5-2 million USD). The investment was led by the Shenzhen Nanshan Strategic Emerging Industries Investment Fund, signaling strong backing for the company's innovative approach to athletic performance enhancement. This capital infusion is earmarked for accelerating the commercial rollout of Nanoloop's proprietary brain-computer interface (BCI) technology tailored for the sports sector.

Established in 2024 by Tsinghua University alumnus Zhang Haotian, Nanoloop is addressing a critical unmet need in the crowded wearable technology market. While current devices predominantly track physiological markers such as heart rate and oxygen saturation, they largely overlook the crucial neurological factors influencing an athlete's capacity. Nanoloop's technology aims to quantify neural fatigue, focus levels, and stress, elements that profoundly impact training outcomes and competitive results but have historically been difficult to measure objectively.

The company's flagship offering, the Nuromova N1 smart headband, employs non-invasive BCI techniques to capture electroencephalogram (EEG) signals from the frontal lobe during physical exertion. Integrated with inertial sensors and advanced data analytics, the Nuromova N1 provides a comprehensive view of an athlete's cognitive state. The device is designed in two distinct configurations: one for coaching staff to refine training regimens and manage athlete intensity, and another for individual athletes seeking to optimize their personal performance.

Nanoloop's commitment to innovation has already garnered industry recognition. The Nuromova N1 was prominently featured at CES 2026, drawing attention in the Eureka Park innovation hub, and has been honored with a Golden Pin Design Award. Following successful initial functional validation and a Kickstarter pre-order phase, the product is slated for its official commercial debut in April 2026. This strategic timing positions Nanoloop to capitalize on the growing demand for data-driven athletic insights.

Extensive research conducted by Nanoloop involving over 600 sports enthusiasts highlighted a recurring challenge: athletes often experience performance plateaus or declines despite the absence of physical injury, frequently attributing these issues to mental exhaustion and psychological strain. By providing quantifiable data on brain activity during training, Nanoloop empowers athletes and their support teams to gain unprecedented understanding and make informed adjustments, thereby enhancing training effectiveness and preventing overexertion.

The company has forged valuable collaborations with leading academic institutions, including Tsinghua University, Beijing Sport University, and Capital Sport University, alongside sports data service providers. Nanoloop is actively engaging early adopters and is already exploring international market expansion. Looking ahead, Zhang Haotian envisions a broader application for their BCI expertise, with potential extensions into healthcare and other sectors, suggesting a long-term vision for diversified growth beyond the athletic arena.