i-BrainTech: Neurotraining for athletics and performance

Athletes train their bodies relentlessly, but there is no targeted training for the brain. i-BrainTech wants to change that: The start-up brought brain training into elite sports, addressing the lack of tools to improve mental performance. Convincing a skeptical market was tough. But by focusing on science and impact, the team earned trust. Now they aim to bring neurotraining to young athletes at home. Konstantin Sonkin talked to us about the background of the company.

Konstantin, where does the idea for your product come from?

Konstantin Sonkin: The idea came from years of neuroscience research into brain-computer interfaces. We saw a gap: the brain drives all movement, yet it is rarely trained directly. We wanted to create a tool that makes brain training accessible and impactful, starting in elite sports where performance depends on both cognitive and motor function.

What problem do you want to address with it?

Konstantin: We have learned to train and track the body, but the brain, which drives all movement and decision-making, is still largely left behind. There is no standard way to train, track, or develop the mind for performance. We are solving that. We believe the next era of performance will come from unlocking the brain, just like we have done with the body.

At which stage in your development are you now?

Konstantin: Our B2B platform is trusted by top sports clubs across 14 countries, including clubs in LaLiga, Serie A and MLS. We have completed over 15,000 training sessions and published peer-reviewed studies. Now, we are expanding into a home-use product for youth athletes, aiming to bring elite neurotraining to the broader performance market.

What was the biggest obstacle during the founding of your company?

Konstantin: Educating a skeptical market. Neurotraining was unfamiliar, and clubs were cautious. We overcame this by focusing on science-backed results and building trust through partnerships with respected clubs, clinicians, and researchers. Adoption followed once we proved performance gains on and off the field.

What was your best decision until now?

Konstantin: Building with elite users first. By starting with top clubs and injured pro athletes, we designed a product that meets the highest demands, where failure is not an option. It forced us to prove real-world impact early. That decision gave us scientific validation, brand credibility, and a launchpad to expand into youth, rehab, and home markets.

What advice would you give future start-ups in the medical market?

Konstantin: Do not stop at validation. Go all the way to usability. Scientific merit matters, but if users cannot adopt your solution easily, it will not scale. Design around human experience, not just the clinical protocol. And build early trust with partners who can advocate for your impact.

What are your plans for the next two years?

Konstantin: We are launching our at-home training product for youth athletes, building strategic partnerships, and expanding into rehab clinics. Our goal is to make brain training as routine as physical training, reaching millions of users across sports, health, and performance-focused communities.