What Psychology Software Tools does

Psychology Software Tools, Inc. (PST) is a privately held Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania–based technology company founded in the mid-1990s that provides software and hardware solutions for behavioral, cognitive, and neuroscience research. Its flagship product is E-Prime, a stimulus-presentation and experiment-design platform offering millisecond-precision timing, a drag-and-drop E-Studio authoring environment, and an in-house library of more than 150 ready-to-run experiments. The company's solutions are deployed across academic psychology and neuroscience labs, hospital and medical-imaging research centers, MRI simulation and training facilities, and healthcare provider training programs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, and Singapore.

PST's technology stack pairs the E-Prime software platform with a suite of proprietary hardware: Chronos (USB-based response/stimulus device), Celeritas (MRI-compatible fiber optic button/joystick/pedal response system), Hyperion 2-120 (1080p DLP MRI-compatible projector with 120 Hz frame sync), Vera and Encore MRI Simulators (high-fidelity mock scanners), MoTrak (head-motion tracking), and SimFx (MRI sound simulation). E-Prime extends into a broad partner ecosystem through modular extensions integrating EEG (Brain Products, BioSemi, g.tec, ANT Neuro, Neuroscan, Magstim EGI/Net Station, Zeto, Neuracle, Soterix Medical, TMSi), eye tracking (EyeLink, Tobii Pro, Smart Eye, SMI), fNIRS (NIRx, Artinis), and physiology (BIOPAC, Digitimer, MindWare) hardware from third-party vendors.

The company monetizes through one-time hardware sales (e.g., Chronos $845, Celeritas $1,800+, Hyperion projectors), one-time and subscription software licenses (E-Prime 3.0 single-user cloud license $995/year; perpetual E-Prime Extensions $1,995), and technical support/maintenance plans. Distribution is direct-to-customer via phone, email, fax, formal quotation for complex configurations, and a 24/7 BigCommerce online store, with marketing through industry conferences (IMSH, CNS, ISMRM, VSS, SfN, Psychonomic Society, OHBM), YouTube tutorials, newsletter, and social media. PST is ISO 9001:2015 certified for design, development, production, assembly, integration, installation, and sales across psychology, neuroscience, radiology, and physiology, and remains founder-led with Walter Schneider as Founder & Chief Scientist and Anthony Zuccolotto as President & CEO.

Name

Psychology Software Tools

Legal name

Psychology Software Tools, Inc.

Website

https://pstnet.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Psychology Software Tools is a privately held Pittsburgh-based company that provides E-Prime stimulus-presentation software and integrated MRI-compatible hardware (response devices, projectors, mock scanners) for behavioral and neuroscience research at academic and clinical institutions worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Pittsburgh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Software Licenses: E-Prime software licenses including cloud-based and perpetual options. Includes E-Prime 3.0 and various extensions for EEG, eye tracking, fMRI, and fNIRS integration.
2. Hardware Products: Sale of hardware including Chronos response device, Celeritas fiber optic response systems, Hyperion MRI projectors, Vera MRI simulators, and accessories.
3. Support Plans: Technical support services and software maintenance plans offered to customers.
4. E-Prime Extensions: Integration software for connecting E-Prime with third-party hardware from EEG, eye tracking, physiology, and fNIRS manufacturers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Psychology Software Tools develops and sells the E-Prime stimulus presentation software platform alongside a complementary line of research hardware including the Chronos response device, Celeritas fiber optic fMRI response system, Hyperion 2-120 MRI projector, and Vera MRI simulator. Its products are designed for behavioral, cognitive neuroscience, and psychology researchers at universities, hospitals, and medical imaging centers, with extension modules enabling integration with EEG, eye tracking, fNIRS, and physiology equipment from third-party manufacturers.

Product overview

Psychology Software Tools provides a comprehensive portfolio of software and hardware products for behavioral neuroscience research. The core offering is E-Prime, a stimulus presentation and experiment design platform providing millisecond-precision timing. E-Prime serves as the central platform with modular extensions for integration with eye tracking systems (EyeLink, Tobii Pro, Smart Eye, SMI), EEG systems (Magstim EGI/Net Station, BioSemi, Brain Products, g.tec, ANT Neuro, Neuroscan, NIRx, and others), fNIRS (NIRx), and physiology systems (BIOPAC, Digitimer, MindWare). Supporting hardware includes Chronos (response collection device), Celeritas (MRI-compatible response system with buttons/joysticks/pedals), Hyperion 2-120 (MRI-compatible digital projector), and Vera MRI Simulator (mock scanner for training). The company also offers specialized add-on modules for fMRI synchronization, eye tracking, EEG integration, and fNIRS connectivity, along with accessories like Mock MRI Coils, MoTrak head motion tracking, and SimFx sound simulation software.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• E-Prime: World-leading stimulus presentation software for computerized experiment design, data collection, and analysis with millisecond precision timing.
• Celeritas
• Hyperion
• Vera MRI Simulator
• Encore MRI Simulator
• MoTrak
• SimFx
• E-Prime Extensions for fMRI
• E-Prime Extensions for Net Station
• E-Prime Extensions for Smart Eye
• E-Prime Extensions for SMI
• Chronos
• PsychMate
• CAMCI-Research

Products and services

• E-Prime World-leading stimulus presentation and behavioral research software providing millisecond-precision timing for computerized experiment design, data collection, and analysis, used by psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and behavioral science researchers at universities, hospitals, and research centers.
• Chronos USB-based response collection and stimulus device providing millisecond-precision timing for behavioral research experiments, used by researchers running E-Prime experiments.
• Celeritas Fiber Optic Response System MRI-compatible fiber optic response system with 2, 3, or 5-button response units, joysticks, and foot pedals, providing millisecond-accurate response capture inside MRI scanners for fMRI research.
• Hyperion 2-120 MRI Digital Projection System 1080p DLP MRI-compatible digital projection system with 120 Hz frame synchronization, RF-shielded enclosure, and fiber optic data input, used to present visual stimuli inside MRI environments for fMRI studies.
• Vera MRI Simulator High-fidelity mock MRI scanner with 60cm bore, motorized table, built-in speakers, fans, and lights, used by hospitals and research centers for participant training, acclimation, and pilot testing before real MRI scans.
• MoTrak Head Motion Tracking System Head motion tracking system providing real-time linear (X/Y/Z) and rotational (pitch/roll/yaw) feedback based on user-defined thresholds, used to train subjects to remain still during MRI scans.
• SimFx MRI Sound Simulation Software that simulates ambient scanner sound and active scanning sequences, capable of playing four sound files simultaneously to replicate the real MRI scanner environment for training and acclimation.
• E-Prime Extensions for fMRI Software module that synchronizes E-Prime experiments with MRI scanner trigger pulses and provides simplified logging of user-specified experimental events for fMRI research.
• E-Prime Extensions for Net Station Integration module enabling E-Prime communication with Magstim EGI Net Station EEG systems for millisecond-precision ERP experiments using visual or auditory stimuli.
• E-Prime Extensions for EyeLink Integration module combining E-Prime with SR Research EyeLink eye trackers, enabling drag-and-drop eye tracking functionality in existing or new E-Prime experiments.
• E-Prime Extensions for Tobii Pro Integration module combining E-Prime with Tobii Pro eye trackers via E-Studio's drag-and-drop graphical design interface for eye tracking functionality.
• E-Prime Extensions for Smart Eye Integration module providing real-time communication between E-Prime and Smart Eye Pro Aurora for high-speed remote eye tracking inside E-Prime experiments.
• E-Prime Extensions for SMI Integration module adding eye gaze and eye movement capabilities to E-Prime experiments using SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI) remote eye tracking technologies.
• E-Prime Extensions for NIRx Integration module enabling E-Prime communication with NIRx fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) systems for neuroimaging studies.
• Mock MRI Head and Extremity Coils Accessory coils that allow participants to experience the fMRI scanning environment while inside the MRI Simulator.
• CAMCI-Research Computerized Assessment of Mental Capacity in Industry research tool for psychology research applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces failed MRI scans and unusable data caused by claustrophobia, anxiety, and excessive head motion

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration20 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• SR Research (EyeLink)coreTechnology or IntegrationE-Prime Extensions for EyeLink provides integration between E-Prime and EyeLink eye trackers, allowing drag-and-drop eye tracking functionality in E-Studio experiments.
• Tobii ProcoreTechnology or IntegrationE-Prime Extensions for Tobii Pro combines E-Prime with Tobii Pro eye trackers via E-Studio's graphical design interface.
• SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI)coreTechnology or IntegrationE-Prime Extensions for SMI adds eye gaze and eye movement capabilities to E-Prime experiments using SMI remote eye tracking technologies.
• Smart EyecoreTechnology or IntegrationE-Prime Extensions for Smart Eye provides real-time communication between E-Prime and Smart Eye Pro Aurora eye tracker.
• Brain ProductscoreTechnology or IntegrationE-Prime Extensions for Brain Products 3.0 integrates E-Prime with Brain Products EEG systems.
• BioSemicoreTechnology or IntegrationBioSemi Package for E-Prime integration with BioSemi EEG acquisition systems.
• g.teccoreTechnology or Integrationg.tec Package for E-Prime integration with g.tec EEG and brain-computer interface systems.
• ANT NeurocoreTechnology or IntegrationANT Neuro Package for E-Prime integration with ANT Neuro EEG systems.
• Magstim EGIcoreTechnology or IntegrationE-Prime Extensions for Net Station integrates E-Prime with Magstim EGI Net Station EEG systems. Now compatible with E-Prime 3.0 and Net Station 5.
• NIRxcoreTechnology or IntegrationE-Prime Extensions for NIRx 3.0 integrates E-Prime with NIRx fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) systems.
• BIOPACcoreTechnology or IntegrationBIOPAC Package integrates E-Prime with BIOPAC physiology data acquisition systems.
• MindWarecoreTechnology or IntegrationMindWare Package for E-Prime integration with MindWare physiology monitoring systems.
• DigitimercoreTechnology or IntegrationDigitimer Package for E-Prime integration with Digitimer stimulation and data acquisition devices.
• ArtiniscoreTechnology or IntegrationArtinis Package for E-Prime integration with Artinis fNIRS systems.
• Soterix MedicalcoreTechnology or IntegrationSoterix Medical Package for E-Prime integration with Soterix Medical EEG/stimulation systems.
• ZetocoreTechnology or IntegrationZeto Package for E-Prime integration with Zeto EEG systems.
• TMSicoreTechnology or IntegrationTMSi SAGA 32/64+ Package for E-Prime integration with TMSi EEG systems.
• NeuroscancoreTechnology or IntegrationNeuroscan Package for E-Prime integration with Compumedics Neuroscan EEG systems.
• NeuraclecoreTechnology or IntegrationNeuracle Package for E-Prime integration with Neuracle EEG systems.
• BitBraincoreTechnology or IntegrationBitBrain Package for E-Prime integration with BitBrain EEG systems.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• PsychoPy: Open-source stimulus presentation and experiment design platform widely used in academic psychology and neuroscience labs. Directly competes with E-Prime as the primary free alternative for behavioral experiment design.
• Neurobehavioral Systems (Presentation): Commercial stimulus delivery and experiment software (Presentation, Experiment Builder) used in neuroscience and psychophysics research. Directly competes with E-Prime in timing-critical stimulus presentation for academic labs.
• Millisecond Software (Inquisit): Vendor of Inquisit Lab, a commercial psychology experiment software platform used in academic and applied research. Competes directly with E-Prime for psychology experiment design and stimulus presentation budgets.

Emerging players

• jsPsych: Open-source JavaScript library for running behavioral experiments in a web browser. An emerging free alternative gaining adoption in online and academic psychology research, with partial overlap with E-Prime's stimulus presentation capabilities.

Broad incumbents

• SR Research (EyeLink): Eye-tracking hardware vendor and PST integration partner that also sells its own Experiment Builder and integration tools. Comparable as a research-tools provider serving cognitive neuroscience labs, though it specializes in eye tracking rather than stimulus presentation.
• Cambridge Cognition: Public cognitive assessment company providing computerized neuropsychological testing for clinical trials and healthcare. Comparable as a digital-tools provider for psychology/cognitive research, though focused on clinical assessment rather than experimental stimulus presentation.
• BIOPAC Systems: Manufacturer of physiology data acquisition hardware and software for life science research. Comparable as a multi-modality research-instruments vendor that integrates with E-Prime but competes more broadly in physiology labs.
• Magstim EGI: Manufacturer of EEG systems (Net Station) and TMS equipment used in neuroscience research. Comparable as a research-instruments vendor and PST integration partner; its Net Station software partially overlaps with E-Prime's EEG experimentation capabilities.
• Brain Products: Manufacturer of EEG hardware and software (BrainVision) for neuroscience research. Comparable as a multi-modality research-tools vendor with extensive EEG product lines that integrate with E-Prime.
• Tobii Pro: Eye-tracking hardware and analytics company serving academic and commercial research. Comparable as a research-tools vendor with overlapping neuroscience and psychology lab customers, integrated with E-Prime via extensions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/PSTNET
• Facebookfacebook.com/PsychologySoftwareTools
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/psychology-software-tools
• Xx.com/pst_tweets
• Instagraminstagram.com/psychologysoftwaretools

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Psychology Software Tools