Pupil Labs
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersBerlin, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Pupil Labs does
Pupil Labs GmbH is a Berlin-based private company founded in 2014 that develops wearable eye tracking hardware and software for research and commercial applications. The company sells compact, IR-illuminated eye tracker modules — Neon (the newest flagship), Pupil Invisible (discreet wearable), Pupil Core (research-grade open platform), and Neon XR (extended-reality integration package) — paired with companion smartphone apps and Pupil Cloud, a SaaS analysis platform hosted on AWS in Germany. Its differentiator is the proprietary NeonNet deep learning pipeline, which delivers calibration-free gaze, 3D eye-state, pupillometry, eyelid, and blink detection that works across all lighting conditions and demographic groups without per-subject setup.
The company's underlying technology stack combines dual-eye and scene cameras (with NILT metaEye modules in development), 200 Hz time-series signal output, and computer vision enrichments including DensePose body mapping, SAM2 segmentation, GPT-4o event annotation, and OpenAI Whisper audio event detection. Pupil Labs exposes a Python Real-Time API and integrates with research tooling ecosystems including Psychopy, Lab Streaming Layer (LSL), iMotions, Mentalab, Galea, Soma Reality, and Cognixion. The cumulative research footprint is 1,100+ peer-reviewed publications across 25+ fields, supported by a 7,000+ member Discord community and open-source GitHub repositories.
The business model is a hybrid of hardware sales (quote-based, sold direct and through authorized resellers), recurring Pupil Cloud subscriptions, professional services (research consultancy, custom hardware prototyping), and software/SDK licensing for commercial integration. Distribution runs through direct enterprise sales (demo scheduling), iMotions as a global bundling reseller, plus regional resellers in Japan (Tegara, Physiotech, Innovatech Associates, Ditect, Creact), Mainland China (Shanghai Xingzhou Digital Technology), and Latin America (Mindmetriks, RK Neuroconsulting). Revenue is not publicly disclosed; the company is founder-led by CEO Moritz Kassner with no disclosed external venture funding.
Pupil Labs firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pupil Labs
- Legal name
- Pupil Labs GmbH
- Website
- https://pupil-labs.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pupil Labs industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wearable Eye Tracking Technology
- SIC
- Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Computer Peripheral Equipment, Nec (3577)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Visual Field & Functional Vision Testing (Perimetry, ERG/VEP, Contrast Sensitivity) (HLAHAJAC)
Keywords
Where Pupil Labs is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Berlin
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Pupil Labs business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Sales: Sale of wearable eye tracking hardware modules including Neon, Pupil Invisible, Core, and VR/AR compatible modules. Hardware is sold directly and through authorized resellers globally.
- Pupil Cloud Subscriptions: Cloud-based data storage, experiment management, and analysis platform with tiered subscription plans. Provides gaze mapping, AOI analysis, visualizations, and collaborative workspace features. Recurring subscription revenue from cloud plans.
- Research Consultancy and Workshops: Expert consulting services for tailored research workflows, custom hardware prototyping, hardware integrations, and licensing. Workshops and introductory calls offered as professional services.
- Software Licensing and Integration: Licensing of eye tracking technology, algorithms, and SDK for integration into third-party products and prototypes. Custom hardware prototyping and hardware integration licensing for commercial applications.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Hardware modules (Neon, Pupil Invisible, Core, VR/AR) sold via direct quote and authorized resellers |
| Subscription | Annual | Pupil Cloud tiered cloud storage and analysis platform |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels10 records
Pupil Labs product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pupil Labs designs, manufactures, and sells wearable eye tracking hardware modules (Neon, Pupil Invisible, Pupil Core, and VR/AR-compatible variants) paired with the Pupil Cloud SaaS analysis platform and developer APIs. Its proprietary NeonNet deep learning pipeline enables research-grade, calibration-free gaze estimation, pupillometry, and 3D eye-state capture for academic research, clinical, sports performance, neuromarketing, and XR integration customers.
Product overview
Pupil Labs offers a comprehensive eye tracking ecosystem comprising hardware products (Neon, Pupil Invisible, Pupil Core), software platforms (Pupil Cloud, Neon Player), developer tools (Real-Time API, Recording API), and open-source software. Neon is their flagship newest eye tracker featuring deep learning-powered NeonNet pipeline with calibration-free operation. Pupil Invisible provides unobtrusive wearable eye tracking for real-world studies. Pupil Core is the research-grade open-source platform. The software ecosystem includes Pupil Cloud for cloud-based storage and analysis with AI-powered enrichments (gaze mapping, AOI analysis, DensePose, GPT integration), Alpha Lab for experimental features, and comprehensive APIs for developer integration. The platform supports diverse applications including research, VR/AR, medical, assistive technology, neuromarketing, and UX research.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Neon: Newest eye tracker - all eye tracking hardware needed in a small module, deep learning powered
- Pupil Invisible
- Pupil Core
- Pupil Cloud
- Pupil Invisible
- Pupil Core
Products and services
- Neon Wearable hardware eye tracker module providing research-grade eye tracking with deep learning-powered NeonNet pipeline. Delivers calibration-free gaze estimation, 3D eye-state, pupillometry, eyelid, and blink detection in a compact form factor. Works on everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, eye makeup, or contact lenses, and in any lighting from complete darkness to direct sunlight. Designed for research studies, prototypes, and product integrations.
- Pupil Invisible Wearable eye tracking system designed for invisible, unobtrusive data collection in real-world environments. Registered German trademark (Reg. No. 30 2020 212 300). Part of the same software ecosystem as Neon including Pupil Cloud integration.
- Pupil Core Research-grade eye tracking hardware platform. Registered German trademark (Reg. No. 30 2020 212 301). Open-source platform enabling pervasive eye tracking and mobile gaze-based interaction.
- Neon XR Extended reality integration package for the Neon eye tracker. Includes the Neon XR Core Package for integrating eye tracking into VR/AR applications and headsets.
- Pupil Cloud Web-based cloud storage and analysis platform for eye tracking recordings. Provides experiment management, data processing (fixations, saccades, pupil diameter, blinks, 3D eye states), gaze mapping enrichments (Reference Image Mapper, Marker Mapper, Face Mapper, Auto Image Mapper, Manual Mapper), AOI analysis, and visualizations (heatmap, scanpath, bar chart, video renderer). GDPR-compliant storage on AWS in Germany under tiered subscriptions.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1100+ peer-reviewed scientific publications using Pupil Labs eye trackers (2014–2026)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Pupil Labs
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Pupil Labs technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration25 records
AI capability25 records
Feature8 records
Pupil Labs partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- NIL Technology (NILT)flagshipPilot product partnership to integrate NILT's ultra-compact metaEye™ camera modules (1.6 × 1.6 × 2.0 mm, up to 480 Hz, 15 mW power consumption) into Pupil Labs' forthcoming eye tracking products. Combines NILT's meta-optical camera technology with Pupil Labs' NeonNet AI-based eye tracking pipeline. Pupil Labs is NILT's first publicly announced metaEye™ partner for eye tracking, validating the technology in real-world systems and accelerating commercial readiness across VR/AR, medical devices, and research applications. Both companies exhibited at Photonics West 2026.
- iMotionscoreiMotions is an authorized global reseller of Pupil Labs eye trackers bundled together with their biometric software platform (eye tracking, galvanic skin response, facial expression analysis, EEG, EMG, ECG). Provides seamless integration for multimodal research labs worldwide.
- TegaraminorAuthorized regional reseller for Pupil Labs products in Japan.
- PhysiotechminorAuthorized regional reseller for Pupil Labs products in Japan.
- Innovatech Associates Ltd.minorAuthorized regional reseller for Pupil Labs products in Japan.
- DitectminorAuthorized regional reseller for Pupil Labs products in Japan.
- CreactminorAuthorized regional reseller for Pupil Labs products in Japan.
- Shanghai Xingzhou Digital TechnologyminorExclusive reseller for Pupil Labs custom eye tracking packages in Mainland China.
- MindmetriksminorAuthorized regional reseller for Pupil Labs products in Latin America.
- RK NeuroconsultingminorAuthorized regional reseller for Pupil Labs products in Latin America.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Pupil Labs competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Tobii: Tobii is the dominant public eye tracking company offering research-grade hardware, integration modules, and consumer-grade analytics. It is the most direct large-scale competitor to Pupil Labs across research, AR/VR integration, and behavioral analysis.
- Smart Eye: Smart Eye is a publicly traded Swedish company providing eye tracking software for automotive driver monitoring, aviation, and behavioral research. It is comparable to Pupil Labs' automotive-adjacent and research offerings but at a much larger scale.
- Seeing Machines: Seeing Machines specializes in eye and face tracking for automotive safety, aviation, and operator monitoring. Comparable to Pupil Labs in attention-monitoring technology but focused on regulated automotive and industrial safety markets.
Emerging players
- Eyeware Tech: Eyeware develops depth-sensing eye tracking software for consumer devices, including PCs, laptops, and AR glasses. It is an emerging alternative to Pupil Labs in the consumer-facing and XR integration segments.
- Cognixion: Cognixion builds brain-computer interface and assistive communication devices with integrated eye tracking. It is a Pupil Labs-compatible tool partner and a partial peer in the assistive technology segment where gaze-based interfaces are deployed.
Direct peers
- iMotions: iMotions provides a biometric research platform combining eye tracking, GSR, EEG, EMG, and facial expression analysis. It is both Pupil Labs' global bundling reseller and a direct peer in multimodal biometric software, competing for the same research budget.
- SR Research (EyeLink): SR Research sells EyeLink, a long-established research-grade eye tracker used in psychology and neuroscience labs. It is the most direct competitor to Pupil Labs' Pupil Core and Neon in academic research, where publication-grade accuracy and reliability matter most.
- Gazepoint: Gazepoint builds affordable eye tracking hardware for research, UX, and gaming markets. It competes with Pupil Labs on price-sensitive research and commercial use cases where calibration-free precision and software ecosystem are less differentiating.
Others
- ANT Neuro: ANT Neuro is an established supplier of high-density EEG and neurophysiology research systems. It is a Pupil Labs integration partner (used together in the Neurolive project) and a peripheral peer in academic neuroscience research labs.
- Mentalab: Mentalab manufactures wireless mobile EEG systems used in academic and clinical neuroscience research. It is a Pupil Labs integration partner for multimodal EEG-plus-eye-tracking workflows, serving the same research customer base with complementary hardware.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Pupil Labs social profiles
Digital presencePupil Labs compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
Pupil Labs financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pupil Labs leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Pupil Labs funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pupil Labs M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pupil Labs
What does Pupil Labs do?
Pupil Labs designs, manufactures, and sells wearable eye tracking hardware modules (Neon, Pupil Invisible, Pupil Core, and VR/AR-compatible variants) paired with the Pupil Cloud SaaS analysis platform and developer APIs. Its proprietary NeonNet deep learning pipeline enables research-grade, calibration-free gaze estimation, pupillometry, and 3D eye-state capture for academic research, clinical, sports performance, neuromarketing, and XR integration customers.
Is Pupil Labs a public or private company?
Pupil Labs is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Pupil Labs founded?
Pupil Labs was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Pupil Labs based?
Pupil Labs is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Pupil Labs make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are pupil Cloud Subscriptions, research Consultancy and Workshops and software Licensing and Integration.
Who are Pupil Labs's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Tobii, Smart Eye and Seeing Machines. Emerging players are Eyeware Tech and Cognixion. Direct peers are iMotions, SR Research (EyeLink) and Gazepoint. Others are ANT Neuro and Mentalab.
Does Pupil Labs have an API?
Yes. The Real-Time API provides real-time streaming of all data generated by Neon, remote control of recordings (start/stop), and event annotation capabilities. It requires the Companion device and the computer using the API to be connected to the same WiFi network. Supports gaze data, pupil diameter, eye state, and event streaming. The Python SDK is available via 'pip install pupil-labs-realtime-api' (version >= 1.1.0). Also available as Recording API for programmatic recording control. Developer documentation is at docs.pupil-labs.com/neon/real-time-api.
What industry is Pupil Labs in?
Pupil Labs's product category is Wearable Eye Tracking Technology. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAHAJAC, Visual Field & Functional Vision Testing (Perimetry, ERG/VEP, Contrast Sensitivity). Its SIC code is 3827.