Boston Neural-tech Company Lands Deal to Put Software in Timex Watches

THE BOSTON GLOBE – As a veteran semiconductor executive, John Croteau is a self-described “hardware guy.” But that didn’t stop him from persuading the founders of Pison Technology from switching from hardware to software when he joined as CEO three years ago.

Dexter Ang and David Cipoletta founded the Boston firm eight years ago with a goal of creating a wearable device that measures brainwaves, at first to help with neurodegenerative disorders but then later for monitoring athletic performance and worker fatigue, among other functions. (Ang’s mother had ALS, and he named Pison after her cat.) Croteau, a former chief executive of chip maker MACOM Technology Solutions, advised the Pison cofounders to work on the software instead, to ensure the technology would get a wider distribution.

The fruits of that pivot became clear in the past two weeks, first with the announcement that Samsung Ventures led an equity investment round exceeding $15 million, and then with the news that watchmaker Timex would integrate Pison’s neurocognitive technology into its products. (The chips that use Pison’s programming are made by STMicroelectronics.)

Timex president Marco Zambianchi said Pison’s software fits in with Timex’s core mission because it will bring “this type of technology from the doctor’s office to the wrist.” He expects to announce the Timex products that will feature Pison’s tech later this year.

Croteau said Pison shipped a number of its own branded wearables to partners in 2024, but those were used to test the technology, not to generate revenue. The 60-person company will get revenue from the sales of other companies’ devices that include the technology, as well as a subscription service.

Croteau, who turns 64 in February, had originally planned to retire for good after stepping down from MACOM in 2019, but Ang and Cipoletta made a compelling case for him to come out of retirement “and do something fun,” as he puts it.
The world, he said, doesn’t need another wearable device.

“There are so many smart devices,” Croteau said. “Why not make those smarter, rather than build yet another one? … Anyone who builds a watch or athletic band can have this capability.”

Jon Chesto can be reached at jon.chesto@globe.com. Follow him @jonchesto.