Bezos And Gates Back Brain Implant Startup that Tests Mind-controlled Computing on Humans

A spokesperson for Synchron said that the company does not have any revenue and would not comment on the final cost of the procedure.

Synchron, unlike many other companies, uses a less invasive method that draws on decades of endovascular techniques.

The BCI of Synchron is inserted through blood vessels that Oxley refers to as the “natural highways” to the brain. The stentrode is Synchron’s stent. It is equipped with tiny sensors. It is delivered to the large vein next to the motor cortex. The Stentrode connects to an antenna under the skin of the chest that collects brain data and sends it out to external devices.

Yoo explained that the brain does not like foreign objects being touched

Senior director of neuroscience at Synchron Peter Yoo said that the quality of the brain signals isn’t always perfect because the device isn’t inserted directly into brain tissue. The procedure is also less invasive.

Yoo stated that there are approximately 2,000 interventionalists capable of performing these procedures. It’s more flexible than, for example, open-brain surgery, or burr holes which can only be performed by neurosurgeons.

Patients with severe paralysis and degenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can use Synchron’s technology to regain communication with family, friends, and the outside world. This can be done via texting, typing, or accessing social media.

Synchron’s BCI can be used by patients to manage their finances and shop online, but Oxley stated that text messaging is what excites them most.

Oxley stated that losing the ability to send a text message is extremely isolating. “Restoring the ability for loved ones to send text messages is an emotional restoration of power.”

Oxley gave his Twitter account over to Philip O’Keefe in December 2021. O’Keefe has ALS and cannot move his hands. O’Keefe had been implanted with Synchron’s BCI 20 months prior.

“Hello, world! One tweet. Short tweet.

The technology of Synchron has attracted the attention of other companies. According to a Reuters report, Musk approached Synchron to discuss a possible investment. Synchron did not comment on the report. Neuralink did not respond to a request for comment.

Neuralink is working on a BCI to be inserted directly into brain tissue. Musk said that he hopes the device will be tested in humans this year.

Haggstrom stated that Synchron’s funding will accelerate product development and propel it toward a pivotal clinical study that would lead to commercialization.

Alex Morgan, a Khosla Ventures partner, stated that Synchron’s device, while it may look like science fiction, is grounded in real science and has already made a significant impact on patients’ lives.

He stated that Synchronon was actually aiding people right now, as of today in an interview. “That to me is truly exceptional.”

The long-term safety and results of a Synchron BCI system trial in Australia were published by JAMA Neurology. The technology was found to be safe and did not suffer from any degradation in signal quality or performance during a 12-month period.

Haggstrom stated, “That was an enormous publication for us.”

Haggstrom stated that commercialization is crucial for all players in the industry.

Haggstrom stated, “I like to be competitive and so being first to market for me is crucial.” “We have the opportunity to meet future patients and talk with them about their needs. When you see this, and talk to their families and caregivers, it is important to be able to help them in their daily lives as quickly as possible.”