Latest news with #ConnexusBCI
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Elon Musk's Neuralink is getting more competition
A brain-computer interface (BCI), a fusion of man and machine, has sparked human imagination since the Industrial Revolution. This week, the small field of BCI developers — which includes Elon Musk's Neuralink — was joined by Texan company Paradromics, who successfully installed its Connexus BCI in a patient undergoing epilepsy resection surgery at the University of Michigan. The Connexus BCI, which is smaller than a dime, uses AI to translate brain signals at the neuron level into physical movement, including communication, for people with severe motor impairments due to ALS, strokes, or spinal cord injuries. After three years of preclinical trials in sheep, Paradromics said that this human trial 'demonstrated Connexus can be safely implanted, record electrical brain signals, and be removed intact in less than 20 minutes, using surgical techniques familiar to neurosurgeons worldwide.' It requires further approval at the clinical level before it can be commercialized. The Texan company is the primary U.S. competitor of Neuralink, which completed three BCI surgeries in 2024. 'We are now a clinical-stage company,' said Paradromics CEO Matt Angle, who co-founded the company ten years ago. He added that the company plans 'several' similar surgeries in 2025. Meanwhile, Chinese state-owned NeuCyber NeuroTech plans to implant its brain chip in 13 people by the end of the year, they announced in April. Other BCI competitors include Synchron, backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, and Precision Neuroscience, founded by former Neuralink employees. Only Neuralink and Paradromics have BCIs that connect to brain tissue; Synchron's enters via a blood vessel, and Precision Neuroscience's sits on top of the brain. Proximity to individual neurons, as Paradromics' Connexus has, is considered key for high-quality, high-resolution signals that aid in speech in particular. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Leaders
15-02-2025
- Business
- Leaders
NEOM, Paradromics Join Forces to Advance Brain Implants
Saudi Arabia's NEOM has partnered with Paradromics Inc., a U.S.-based leader in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, to establish a regional Center of Excellence. This collaboration aims to develop therapies restoring mobility, speech, and cognitive functions for patients with neurological impairments, according to a report by Bloomberg. The center will drive clinical research and position NEOM as MENA's premier hub for BCI innovation. Paradromics plans U.S. human trials for its Connexus BCI system in late 2025, with parallel testing in Saudi Arabia. CEO Matt Angle emphasized readiness to expand trials globally, prioritizing patients who lost speech due to ALS, strokes, or spinal injuries. The implant decodes neural signals via AI, enabling thought-controlled digital communication. Vision 2030 Drives Health Sector Transformation This partnership aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy and elevate healthcare outcomes. NEOM's Health and Well-Being sector head, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Yamany, highlighted the initiative's potential to address paralysis and chronic pain through cutting-edge neurotech. Paradromics joins Neuralink, Synchron, and Precision Neuroscience in the competitive BCI race. Unlike Neuralink's recent human implants, Paradromics' FDA-designated Breakthrough Device focuses on medical applications before consumer use. NEOM's investment underscores its strategy to lead in disruptive technologies, fostering job creation and global investor engagement. Funding and Future Roadmap While financial terms remain undisclosed, Paradromics previously secured $33 million in funding and FDA approvals. The company's CEO Matt Angle confirmed plans to expand mental health applications, including mood disorder and addiction treatments, post-initial trials. NEOM's bold healthcare vision mirrors its Red Sea sustainability goals, integrating AI and renewable energy into its innovation ecosystem. As global interest in BCIs surges, this alliance positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of neurotech's trillion-dollar potential. Short link : Post Views: 28
