Some friendships are simply meant to be. That’s exactly how it felt when Kent Yoshimura and Ryan Chen first met in college—two driven athletes Neuro with a passion for pushing their limits.
Kent, a dedicated Judo fighter who trained with the Japanese Olympic team and competed in Muay Thai in Thailand, balanced his physical pursuits with a creative outlet—painting large-scale murals around the world. Ryan shared that same unstoppable energy as a high school cross-country and track captain, constantly seeking new challenges.
But life threw an unexpected obstacle their way.
At just 19 years old, Ryan was in a tragic accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. The road to recovery was long and demanding, both physically and mentally. But Ryan refused to let his circumstances define him. He sought out new ways to stay active, eventually discovering an unexpected passion—scuba diving.
Turning a Challenge into an Opportunity
Ryan and Kent decided to take their love for adventure to the next level by getting their PADI® scuba diving certifications in Catalina. It was there that inspiration struck—the realization that some people enter your life for a reason. Kent was there, every step of the way, supporting Ryan’s journey and pushing him to rediscover his drive.
Together, they recognized a shared need: a more effective, sustainable, and convenient way to boost energy and focus. Between school, training, and life’s daily demands, Kent had also struggled to find an alternative to coffee, supplements, and energy drinks that didn’t leave him crashing later.
With Kent’s background in neuroscience and Ryan’s expertise in chemistry, they began experimenting with nootropics—natural ingredients scientifically proven to enhance cognitive function. They wanted something that wasn’t just effective but also portable and easy to use.
The Birth of Neuro Gum & Mints
In 2015, Neuro was born—an innovative gum and mint infused with carefully selected nootropics to provide a clean, balanced boost without the jitters or crashes of traditional energy sources. No more sugary drinks. No more waiting for coffee to kick in. Just instant energy and focus, anytime, anywhere.
What started as an idea between two best friends quickly gained momentum. Today, Neuro has sold over half a billion pieces and continues to fuel entrepreneurs, athletes, students, and go-getters around the world.
More Than a Product—A Mission
Ryan’s journey didn’t stop with Neuro. He found a renewed passion for racing, trained with the Paralympic team, and even earned his pilot’s license—a testament to the mindset that Neuro represents. Meanwhile, Kent has continued to share his creativity through stunning murals that can be seen across the globe.
But at the core of everything they do is a mission:
To help people unlock their full potential.
Life is unpredictable. It’s filled with challenges, but with the right mindset and the right fuel, we can overcome anything. Neuro isn’t just about boosting focus and energy—it’s about empowering people to do more, be more, and achieve their biggest goals.
Join the Movement
From the very beginning, Neuro has been about more than just gum and mints—it’s about a community of people striving to be their best. Whether you’re chasing a dream, pushing your limits, or just getting through a busy day, we’re here to help you stay sharp and stay driven.