A Calgary-based startup has just launched technology that sounds like pure science fiction—but it's very real. Possibility Neurotechnologies unveiled Think2Switch, an app that lets users control their devices using only their thoughts, no physical touch or voice commands required.
For Albertans living with severe physical or neurological disabilities, the implications are profound. The app represents a genuine leap forward in accessibility, giving users new ways to interact with their world, make independent choices, and participate in activities that were previously out of reach.
"What matters most is what it enables: people can make choices, express themselves, and take part in everyday moments in ways that weren't possible before," said Dr. Dion Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Possibility Neurotechnologies.
How Does Thought-Control Technology Actually Work?
Despite the sci-fi appeal, the technology behind Think2Switch is surprisingly straightforward. The app uses consumer-grade EEG headbands—devices with electrodes that sit on the forehead—to detect and measure electrical brain activity. Those brainwave signals are then translated into simple commands that control connected devices.
Early adopters in educational settings have already found creative uses. Students have used the technology to select library books, design art projects, and even control light switches and other smart-home infrastructure. The potential extends far beyond classrooms: any connected device or app can theoretically be controlled through thought alone.
From University Lab to Market
The innovation didn't emerge from thin air. Possibility Neurotechnologies grew directly out of the University of Calgary's Calgary Pediatric Brain-Computer Interface program (BCI4Kids), an initiative dedicated to connecting children with severe neurological disabilities to cutting-edge brain-computer interface technologies. The company was incorporated in 2022 and received backing from U of C's SPARK Alberta program, which supports digital health innovation across the province.
This Calgary-to-commercialization pipeline reflects Alberta's growing strength in health technology and biotech innovation—positioning the province as a leader in accessibility solutions.
Availability and Pricing
Think2Switch is now available on the Apple App Store, operating on a subscription model priced at $35 per month. Users will need to purchase an EEG headset separately, which ranges from $255 to $488 depending on the model.
For Albertans exploring options to improve independence and accessibility, this represents a tangible new tool worth investigating. The technology has been developed in direct partnership with individuals facing significant interaction barriers, ensuring it actually works for the people who need it most.
This article is based on reporting from BetaKit, which covers Canadian startup and technology news. Visit BetaKit for more Canadian tech stories.