I’m Sarah Turner, the founder of CeraThrive and a passionate advocate for the science of light and its profound effects on human health. My background includes biology, neuroscience, consciousness studies, and a lifelong curiosity about the human body.
Outside of work, I love long walks in nature, yoga, kung fu, cooking for friends, and reading everything from ancient philosophy to quantum physics. My journey into photobiomodulation (PBM) has been both professional and personal, driven by a desire to push the boundaries of what’s possible in health optimisation.
Sarah Turner, CEO and Co-Founder of CeraThrive LLC
What inspired you to found CeraThrive and enter the field of photobiomodulation?
I’m an accidental entrepreneur. I didn’t set out to start a company. Rather, I wanted to improve on the transcranial red light therapy devices available and make one that was both usable and accessible, mainly for myself and some of the people I was coaching.
With my background in neuroscience, I’ve always been fascinated by the brain, the gut-brain connection, and how it dictates so much of our well-being, from mood and cognition to immunity and digestion. When I discovered the power of red and near-infrared light to regulate inflammation, enhance mitochondrial function, and support neuroplasticity, I knew there was an opportunity to create something truly transformative. I wanted to empower people to take control of their own health, moving beyond the pharmaceutical model as the only option.
How does the CERA System specifically target the gut-brain axis, and what benefits can users expect?
The CERA System is the first of its kind, a targeted PBM device designed to enhance communication between the gut and brain. It uses precise wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate the vagus nerve, modulate inflammation, and enhance cellular energy production in both the gut and brain. The headband also uses pulsed light to entrain brainwave frequencies, which is a very interesting and novel approach.
Users can expect improved digestion, enhanced mental clarity, reduced brain fog, better sleep, and even mood regulation. Essentially, it’s like a reset button for the entire nervous system.
What challenges did you face in developing the first red light therapy device for the gut-brain connection, and how did you overcome them?
Developing any hardware product on a small budget requires real perseverance and hard work. Regulatory hurdles, hardware sourcing and logistics, and scepticism from traditional medical circles all posed significant challenges.
We partnered with leading researchers, conducted our own trials, and made many versions before we were happy. I’m very fortunate to have a great engineering team and excellent manufacturers. My business partners are also incredibly supportive and hands-on when it comes to making key decisions.
How does Photobiomodulation compare to traditional therapies in promoting brain health and overall wellness?
Traditional therapies, whether pharmaceutical or behavioural, often target symptoms rather than root causes. Photobiomodulation, on the other hand, works at a cellular level to enhance natural healing and optimise function.
It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and has minimal side effects. When used consistently, it has the potential to outperform many conventional interventions for neurological and gut-related disorders by addressing inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neural communication simultaneously.
Are there any ongoing or upcoming research initiatives at CeraThrive?
Absolutely! We’re currently collaborating with leading universities on studies exploring PBM’s effects on neurodegenerative conditions, gut microbiome health, and autonomic nervous system regulation.
One of the most exciting areas of research is how red light therapy can help manage symptoms of neurodegenerative illnesses like MND (ALS), Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, as well as individuals with brain injuries. Since we’re self-funded, our trials are small-scale, as large studies require significant financial backing. However, we’re actively working towards securing the necessary funding.
In the meantime, we’re documenting case studies and utilising citizen science approaches, including wearable technology, to gather data.
What future developments or products can we anticipate from CeraThrive?
Innovation is at the heart of what we do. Beyond refining the CERA System, we’re developing CERA Scents (aromatherapy) and CERA Ceuticals (a nootropics range).
We’re also exploring new wavelengths and monitoring technologies. There are plenty of exciting developments in the pipeline!
What has been your greatest career achievement so far?
Without a doubt, producing the CERA System. It wasn’t just another product; it was a milestone that validated years of research, development, and belief in the science. Knowing that our work is helping people regain control of their health is the ultimate reward.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
The wellness industry struggles with regulation. Without funding, it’s extremely difficult to obtain the regulatory approvals needed to advance the field.
Additionally, there needs to be more training in these technologies so they can be properly validated. We need better standards and fewer bureaucratic barriers to conducting essential research.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
A defining moment for me was seeing participants in a Parkinson’s disease trial regain aspects of their personalities after using near-infrared light helmets for just three months. It was a sham-controlled trial, and it became very clear who had received the active therapy.
That experience shifted my career trajectory and ultimately led to the creation of CeraThrive.
Final thoughts: Health and wellness are about more than just treating symptoms; it’s about optimising function and empowering people to take control of their well-being. At CeraThrive, we’re not just developing technology; we’re creating a movement of people thriving.
The future of medicine is light, and we’re only just beginning to explore its full potential.
