From Hobby to Startup: Pi-EEG and Neurotech Education Tools with Ildar Rakhmatulin, PhD

May 9, 2025

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How does a personal passion project turn into a groundbreaking neurotech startup? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ildar Rakhmatulin to explore his remarkable journey from academia to entrepreneurship — and how a global chip shortage sparked the creation of Pi-EEG, a Raspberry Pi-based BCI device that’s transforming neuroscience education.

Discover how Ildar’s open-source innovation makes brain-computer interfaces more accessible, engaging both the research community and curious learners. We dive into the evolution of his work, from the RMBCI project to the Pi-EEG platform, and explore its exciting integration with tools like ChatGPT and P300 gaming applications.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

The evolution from RMBCI to the Pi-EEG device
The power of open-source collaboration in neurotech
How Pi-EEG connects with ChatGPT and brain-signal-based gaming
The educational impact on neuroscience and signal processing

Join us for an inspiring conversation on turning persistence and creativity into cutting-edge innovation in the world of brain-computer interfaces.

Chapters:

00:00:02 - Launching Personal Projects in Neurotech 00:05:12 - Development of the Pyg Device 00:09:31 - Benefits of Open Source Collaboration 00:13:55 - Challenges in EEG Device Development 00:17:16 - Motivation Behind Passion Projects 00:20:00 - Introducing the Latest PiEG Device 00:25:49 - Measuring Multiple Biological Signals 00:29:02 - Introduction to EEG Signal Processing 00:31:06 - Understanding EEG and Signal Processing 00:38:52 - Finding Passion in Neurotechnology Careers 00:43:50 - Balancing Work and Passion Projects 00:47:49 - Real-World Problems and Neurotechnology Trends 00:50:43 - Careers in Neurotechnology 00:59:38 - Advancing Your Neurocareer

About the Podcast Guest:

Dr. Ildar Rakhmatulin is a scientist, engineer, and entrepreneur based in the United Kingdom, working at the intersection of neuroscience, biosignal processing, and brain-computer interface (BCI) innovation. He is the founder of PiEEG, an open-source, low-cost BCI platform built on Raspberry Pi, designed to democratize access to neurotechnology for students, researchers, and developers around the world.

With a Ph.D. in hardware and software engineering, Dr. Rakhmatulin specializes in real-time biodata acquisition, including EEG, PPG, and EKG, and applies machine learning and deep learning algorithms to brain signal classification. His engineering work bridges research and accessibility—helping transform neuroscience education and experimentation through affordable, modular tools.

🔧 Founder & Creator of:

PiEEG: A low-cost, open-source BCI system – https://pieeg.com
ironbci: A flexible BCI software framework – https://github.com/Ildaron/ironbci

🎓 Instructor on Udemy, where he teaches courses on signal processing and is currently developing a new course on BCIs, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) for EEG.

📺 Featured video guides:

What Is the PiEEG Kit? – https://youtu.be/hFEF7NFFbZ8
Inside the PiEEG Kit – https://youtu.be/vVgMHCaZgIQ
Using ChatGPT with PiEEG – https://youtu.be/LfGQPz5XnX4

🔗 Explore More: Website: https://pieeg.com GitHub (PiEEG Project): https://github.com/Pi-EEG/EEGwithRaspberryPI GitHub (ironbci): https://github.com/Ildaron/ironbci LinkedIn (Company Page): https://www.linkedin.com/company/pieeg/ Email: ildarr2016@gmail.com

Whether you're an educator, hobbyist, or neuroscience researcher, Dr. Rakhmatulin invites collaboration to further explore the frontiers of affordable, open neurotech.

About the Podcast Host:

The Neurocareers podcast is brought to you by The Institute of Neuroapproaches (https://www.neuroapproaches.org/) and its founder, Milena Korostenskaja, Ph.D. (Dr. K), a career coach for people in neuroscience and neurotechnologies. As a professional coach with a background in neurotech and Brain-Computer Interfaces, Dr. K understands the unique challenges and opportunities job applicants face in this field and can provide personalized coaching and support to help you succeed.

Here's what you'll get with one-on-one coaching sessions from Dr. K:

Identification and pursuit of career goals
Guidance on job search strategies, resume, and cover letter development
Neurotech / neuroscience job interview preparation and practice
Networking strategies to connect with professionals in the field of neuroscience and neurotechnologies
Ongoing support and guidance to help you stay on track and achieve your goals

You can always schedule a free neurocareer consultation/coaching session with Dr. K at https://neuroapproaches.as.me/free-neurocareer-consultation

Subscribe to our Nerocareers Newsletter to stay on top of all our cool neurocareers news at updates https://www.neuroapproaches.org/neurocareers-news