Marin Maletić, M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, is committed to making neurofeedback accessible to everyone. After a life-changing experience with the method, he created Umo, one of the world’s first online neurofeedback services. Originally, he sought to improve his own life, but soon saw neurofeedback's potential to support mental wellness on a broader scale. He aims to bring this hidden gem into the mainstream, transforming neurofeedback from an impractical and hard-to-scale model into an accessible service through innovative use of state-of-the-art technology and modern business practices. Marin envisions a world where neurofeedback is a familiar, accessible wellness tool for all.
Marin Maletic, Neurofeedback Specialist and Innovator in Mental Wellness
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
I’m Marin Maletić, an electrical engineer and the founder of Umo Neuroscience. My journey into neurofeedback was deeply personal, but over the years, it’s become my professional passion. Outside of work, I enjoy delving into science, particularly fundamental physical questions, as they fuel my curiosity and broaden my perspective. I’m a husband and a father, and my family life is a significant inspiration for my work. I also enjoy exploring music and engaging in activities that spark creativity and innovation. My approach to life is one of curiosity and constant learning, which I believe reflects in my work with Umo.
What inspired you to start Umo Neuroscience, and how did you get into the field of neurofeedback?
The inspiration to start Umo was rooted in a very personal experience. I was searching for a solution to help my child with attention challenges and came across neurofeedback. Being cautious, I decided to try the method to ensure its safety and effectiveness. In the process, I discovered my neurodivergence and its previously hidden impact on my life. The transformative results inspired me to make this powerful tool more accessible. Neurofeedback had enormous potential but limited availability, and I wanted to bridge that gap by creating one of the world’s first online neurofeedback services.
What is neurofeedback training, how does it work?
Neurofeedback training is a non-invasive method that uses EEG technology to monitor brainwave activity in specific regions of the cortex. Through audio-visual feedback, the brain is rewarded for changing the powers of targeted brainwaves. Over time, this feedback enables the brain to learn how to adjust its activity, promoting better functioning in the specific regions of the cortex being trained.
At its core, neurofeedback targets brainwaves, which are understood to be part of a general mechanism that keeps various brain functions synchronized. When this synchronization is disrupted—due to factors like genetics, stress, emotional trauma, or even simple aging—it can lead to challenges in cognitive and emotional functioning. Neurofeedback offers a way to prevent or even reverse this loss of synchronization, making it valuable both as a healing tool and as a means of personal improvement.
What is unique about Umo
Historically, the complexity of neurofeedback implementation and the high cost of equipment restricted its accessibility. It was primarily reserved for individuals with urgent therapeutic needs or high-profile professionals with the resources to invest time and money into the process. This limited its widespread adoption despite its significant potential.
At Umo, we’ve addressed these barriers by developing a platform that combines ease of use with clinical rigor. Our online neurofeedback system simplifies the process, enabling individuals to train their brains effectively from the comfort of their homes. By lowering costs and removing logistical challenges, we’ve made neurofeedback more accessible to a wider audience, empowering more people to experience its transformative benefits without compromising on scientific standards or efficacy.
What is the process for a new client starting neurofeedback training with you?
The process begins with a thorough assessment, where we gather information about the client’s goals, challenges, and medical history. Based on this, we design a personalized protocol tailored to their needs. Once the setup is complete, clients use the neurofeedback system from their homes. Our team monitors all sessions remotely, and we provide ongoing support to ensure progress is tracked and goals are met. The process is designed to be simple, convenient, and effective.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
My greatest career achievement is founding Umo and bringing neurofeedback into a modern, online format that makes it more accessible to people worldwide. Creating a service that combines advanced technology, scientific rigor, and practical application has been a milestone. The positive impact it has had on individuals and families feels like the culmination of years of dedication and innovation. Hearing from clients who feel more focused, balanced, or in control of their emotions is incredibly fulfilling. It’s especially gratifying when families share how neurofeedback has improved their relationships and overall quality of life. Knowing that our work empowers people to unlock their potential is what drives me every day.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
If I could change one thing, it would be the perception that neurofeedback is overly niche or inaccessible. Despite its proven benefits, neurofeedback is often seen as a last resort rather than a proactive tool for wellness and prevention. I would love to see it integrated more seamlessly into mainstream healthcare and wellness practices, making it available to anyone who could benefit.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
The pivotal moment was discovering my neurodivergence while exploring neurofeedback for my child. This unexpected realization reshaped how I viewed myself and my potential. It was a humbling and transformative experience that not only improved my life but also motivated me to ensure others could access the same life-changing tool. It marked the beginning of Umo and my commitment to advancing mental wellness.
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