SixthSense established Pranav Mistry as a significant contributor to the field of information technology, showcasing a wearable interface that integrates physical and digital worlds. Since his early research, he has transitioned from academic environments into corporate leadership roles, ultimately establishing his own artificial reality enterprise while shaping the development of various consumer-facing digital hardware products.
Academic Foundation
Born in 1981 in Palanpur, India, Mistry pursued an extensive educational path. His studies took him through Nirma University and Gujarat University before he attended the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. His intellectual progression concluded with a tenure at the MIT Media Lab, an institution that facilitated his entry into high-level research and experimental technology development.
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Mistry maintained a lengthy professional relationship with Samsung Electronics, joining the firm in 2012 as a Director of Research. He eventually reached the positions of Global Vice President and Head of the Think Tank Team. During this period, he managed the introduction of the Samsung Galaxy Gear in September 2013 and served as the president and CEO of Samsung Technology & Advanced Research Labs. Before his time at Samsung, he gained experience at Microsoft as a UX Researcher and held positions at various organizations including Google, NASA, CMU, and UNESCO.
Technological Innovations
Beyond his primary projects like Project Beyond and NEON, Mistry developed numerous distinct technologies. These include Mouseless, an invisible computer mouse, and Sparsh, a system for transferring data between devices. He also created Quickies, a digital-physical sticky note system, and Blinkbot, a robot operated through gaze and blink inputs. His portfolio includes 3D drawing tools and public mapping interfaces designed to digitize physical spaces.
Global Recognition
The World Economic Forum designated Mistry as a Young Global Leader in 2013. His work on SixthSense secured the 2009 Invention Award and placement on the MIT Technology Review list of the top 35 innovators. Publications such as Creativity Magazine, Asian Scientist Magazine, GQ India, and India Today have identified his influence within the global scientific and digital communities. In July 2021, he moved to establish his own venture, the startup TWO.
Fast facts
- Born: 1981, Palanpur, India
- Education: Nirma University, Gujarat University, IIT Bombay, MIT Media Lab
- Primary Field: Information Technology
- Spouse: Farrah Chen
- Notable Startup: TWO
- Key Invention: SixthSense
- Previous Employer: Samsung Electronics
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of Pranav Mistry's company, TWO?
TWO is an artificial reality startup founded by Mistry in July 2021.
Which major wearable device did Mistry help bring to market?
He introduced the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch in September 2013.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Samsung Electronics
- Educated at Nirma University, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and MIT Media Lab
- Worked as computer scientist
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