Synchron Raises $200 Million for Brain-Computer Interface Launch
Synchron has secured $200 million in funding to speed up pivotal trials and prepare for the commercial release of its Stentrode brain-computer interface (BCI) system.
Overview of Brain-Computer Interface Devices
BCI companies design devices that interpret brain signals to control digital tools hands-free. Despite serving similar purposes, these devices differ significantly in design and implantation methods.
- Elon Musk’s Neuralink implants its device by removing a section of the skull.
- Synchron's first-generation Stentrode is implanted using a catheter procedure, which is less invasive.
Device Capabilities and Trade-offs
Each system balances electrode count and invasiveness:
- Synchron's Stentrode has 16 electrodes.
- Neuralink’s N1 Implant contains 1,024 electrodes.
Though Stentrode has fewer electrodes, it still enables people with severe paralysis to control personal devices effectively.
Future Plans and Technology Integration
The Series D funding will help Synchron advance its current device while addressing implant limitations for the future.
- Focus will be on accelerating pivotal trials and commercial launch preparations for Stentrode.
- Development of a next-generation, transcatheter high-channel whole-brain interface is underway.
Artificial intelligence plays a key role. Synchron is building an AI team in New York City to train models for decoding brain data and achieving real-time thought interpretation.
“Synchron’s goal is to decode thought in real time.”
Author’s summary: Synchron’s recent funding push supports advancing its less invasive brain-computer interface, targeting commercial launch while integrating AI to enable real-time thought decoding.