November 04, 2024 – Backed by tech titans Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, the startup Synchron is emerging as a frontrunner in the race for less invasive brain-computer interfaces. Founded in 2012 as SmartStent and later renamed in 2016, Synchron has raised a total of $145 million in funding, positioning it as a serious contender in the neurotechnology space.
Unlike Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which requires the removal of a piece of skull for implanting its device, Synchron’s approach is much less invasive. Their technology, known as Stentrode, is inserted into the brain’s motor cortex via the jugular vein, eliminating the need for craniotomy and significantly reducing surgical risks.
The Stentrode device, made of mesh-like material and equipped with 16 sensors, expands onto the blood vessel wall once implanted. These sensors are then connected to an electronic device in the chest, similar to a heart pacemaker. With a battery life of 10 years, the Stentrode is capable of relaying brain signals from the motor cortex, enabling patients to perform daily tasks such as sending text messages, emails, shopping online, and accessing remote medical services.
Following the installation of the Stentrode, patients undergo a calibration exercise. Synchron’s staff guides them on how to control a computer screen using their thoughts, opening up the possibility of even more complex operations in the future. The company’s approach marks a significant step forward in the field of brain-computer interfaces, offering a safer and more patient-friendly alternative to existing technologies.
