Written by: Lisa Chang

Pranav Mistry: The Visionary Behind SixthSense and Artificial Reality

Pranav Mistry is a renowned computer scientist and inventor, best known for his groundbreaking work on SixthSense, a wearable device that enables users to interact with digital information in a more intuitive and natural way. As the former President and CEO of STAR Labs, Samsung's Advanced Research Labs, Mistry has been at the forefront of innovation, shaping the future of technology and artificial reality.

Career Highlights

Mistry's journey in the tech industry began with an internship at Microsoft, followed by stints at Google, CMU, NASA, UNESCO, and JST. In 2010, he dropped out of MIT's PhD program to join Samsung Electronics, where he served as the Vice President, Global Vice President, and Corporate SVP. In 2019, he became the President and CEO of STAR Labs, overseeing the research and development of cutting-edge technologies.

Innovations and Achievements

• SixthSense: Mistry's most notable invention, which allows users to interact with digital information using hand gestures, has revolutionized the way we think about human-computer interaction.
• Mouseless: An invisible computer mouse that uses hand gestures to navigate the screen.
• Sparsh: A novel way to copy-paste data between digital devices using a simple hand gesture.
• Quickies: Intelligent sticky notes that can recognize and interpret handwritten notes.
• Blinkbot: A blink-controlled robot that can perform tasks using eye movements.
• NEON: Mistry contributed to the development of Samsung's NEON, a platform that creates digital humans that can interact with users in a more human-like way.

Awards and Recognition

• 2009 Invention Award for his work on SixthSense.
• Named one of the top 35 innovators in the world by MIT's Technology Review.
• Featured in Creativity Magazine's Creativity 50 list in 2010.
• Recognized as one of the best inventors in the world by Chris Anderson.
• Named one of the 15 Asian Scientists to Watch by Asian Scientist Magazine.
• Honored as a Young Global Leader 2013 by the World Economic Forum.

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

Mistry has been quoted as saying, "The future of technology is not about the technology itself, but about how it makes us feel." He believes that technology should be designed to augment human capabilities, rather than replace them. His work is guided by a passion for creating a more intuitive and natural interaction between humans and machines.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

Pranav Mistry was born on May 14, 1981, in India. He has an insatiable curiosity and passion for innovation, which has driven his journey from a small town in India to the global stage of technology and entrepreneurship.

Impact on Modern Society

Mistry's work has far-reaching implications for various industries, including healthcare, education, and entertainment. His inventions have the potential to empower people with disabilities, enhance human productivity, and create new business models.

Founding TWO: The Next Chapter

In July 2021, Mistry left Samsung to found TWO, an artificial reality startup. This new venture marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his journey, as he continues to push the boundaries of technology and innovation.

With his remarkable achievements, innovative spirit, and passion for creating a better future, Pranav Mistry is an inspiration to many, and his work will continue to shape the world of technology and beyond.