Global fNIRS is a multidisciplinary project dedicated to advancing global health initiatives through the use of a low-cost, portable and non-invasive neuroimaging technology, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Our goal is to provide tools which supplement current methods for assessing cognitive function of the developing brain in resource-poor settings. We believe that establishing earlier and more objective biomarkers of typical and atypical cognitive development will be of value in assessing interventional outcomes and risk prevention strategies.