Inside

Brain Computer Interfaces

Technologies that enable direct communication between the brain and external systems, typically by recording, decoding, or stimulating neural activity to restore or augment function.
Explained
Brain-computer interfaces are systems that enable direct communication between the brain and external devices by recording, decoding, and in some cases stimulating neural activity. By bypassing traditional neuromuscular pathways, BCIs make it possible to translate brain signals into actionable outputs.

BCI approaches range from non-invasive systems based on EEG or fNIRS to implantable interfaces that record directly from the brain.

These approaches differ in signal fidelity, invasiveness, and long-term stability, leading to distinct trade-offs across clinical and research applications.To date, most BCI development has focused on medical and assistive use cases, including restoring communication, enabling device control in paralysis, and supporting neurorehabilitation. More recently, BCIs are also being explored as tools for neuroscience research, therapeutic development, and closed-loop interventions, supported by advances in machine learning and neural signal processing.

While non-clinical and enhancement-oriented applications are beginning to emerge, near-term progress remains concentrated in regulated and controlled settings. As the field matures, BCIs are increasingly positioned as a foundational technology within the broader neurotechnology ecosystem.
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Modalities

Intracortical microelectrode arrays

Penetrating electrode arrays inserted into the cortex to record high-fidelity neural signals, including spiking activity. Used for the highest-bandwidth BCIs, enabling fine motor control and faster communication, but requires open-skull surgery and faces long-term stability and biocompatibility challenges.

Electrocorticography (ECoG) grids

Electrode arrays placed on the brain’s surface (subdural or epidural) to record population-level cortical activity with strong signal quality and millisecond timing. Offers a middle ground between invasiveness and performance, supporting applications like speech decoding and device control, with improving long-term implant designs.

DBS/closed-loop systems

Implanted stimulators that also sense brain signals and adapt stimulation in real time based on detected biomarkers. Primarily therapeutic rather than “control” BCIs, but represent a mature class of closed-loop brain interfaces used in conditions like epilepsy and movement disorders, with expanding interest in psychiatric applications.

Endovascular BCIs

Electrode arrays delivered via blood vessels and deployed near motor cortex (for example, stent-mounted interfaces). Avoids open brain surgery and can be fully implanted, making it promising for scalable clinical deployment, though current systems trade off channel count and bandwidth versus direct cortical implants.

fNIRS-based BCIs

Optical, non-invasive systems that infer brain activity from changes in blood oxygenation near the cortical surface. Slower than EEG due to hemodynamic latency, but useful for simple communication tasks and as a complementary signal in hybrid EEG–fNIRS systems.

EEG-based BCIs

Non-invasive systems using scalp electrodes to measure electrical brain activity with excellent temporal resolution but limited spatial precision and higher noise. The most accessible BCI modality, supporting paradigms like P300, SSVEP, and motor imagery for basic communication and low-bandwidth control.

Functional ultrasound (fUS) interfaces

Ultrafast ultrasound methods that map brain activity through changes in cerebral blood flow at high spatial resolution and sub-second timing. An emerging “sweet spot” modality that could enable rich decoding with minimal invasiveness, but still early in clinical validation and often requires specialized acoustic access.

MEG and wearable magnetometry

Magnetic sensing of neural activity with EEG-like timing and potential improvements in source localization, historically limited by room-sized hardware. Emerging wearable MEG approaches using optically pumped magnetometers show promise but remain largely research-stage.
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Startups

ABILITY Neurotech

Developing implantable neural interface (BCI) to restore autonomy in paralysis by capturing, transmitting, analyzing, and stimulating brain activity.
Switzerland
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

Experimental

Anthriq

Developing non-invasive EEG-based BCI headsets and a full-stack biosignal ecosystem, hardware, SDK, APIs, for real-time brain-tech interaction.
India
Brain-Computer Interface

Data Infrastructure

OEM

Biological Input Output Systems

Developing an implantable universal neural interface that enables intuitive two-way communication between the nervous system and external devices to restore movement and sensation.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

Experimental

Blackrock Neurotech

Developer of the Utah Array, the first FDA-cleared BCI implant, enabling long-term neural recording and brain-controlled devices.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

OEM

Rehabilitation

BrainCo

Developing non-invasive brain-computer interface wearables for cognitive training, education, and assistive control using EEG-based neural signal decoding.
China
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

Wellness

Cahira Technologies

Developing autonomous, non-surgical nanoelectronic brain implants that self-deploy in target regions to treat neural disorders and enable human augmentation.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Experimental

Therapeutics

Coapt

Developing AI-powered myoelectric control software that enables intuitive, adaptive control of prosthetic limbs.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Machine Learning

Assistive Technology

Cognixion

Empowering communication with a wireless AR headset that blends non-invasive EEG, AI, and augmented reality to help users speak and interact.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

AR/VR

Coherence Neuro

Implementing precision bioelectronic therapy with SOMA-1, an implant during glioblastoma surgery that continuously monitors and disrupts tumor-driving electrical signals.
UK
Brain-Computer Interface

Closed-loop

Therapeutics

CorTec

Building a fully implantable, bidirectional neurostimulation and recording platform designed to restore neural function by sensing brain activity and delivering adaptive stimulation in closed loop.
Germany
Brain-Computer Interface

Closed-loop

Therapeutics

Corticale

Developing minimally invasive CMOS-based cortical implants (SiNAPS) that record from thousands of neurons for high-resolution brain-computer interfaces.
Italy
Brain-Computer Interface

Experimental

Therapeutics

Fluent BCI

Developing non-invasive brain-computer interfaces that translate neural intent into fluid, real-time control for communication and interaction.
Australia
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

Experimental

Forest Neurotech

Pioneering ultrasound-based brain–computer interfaces using Forest 1, a compact, fob-sized scanner enabling noninvasive whole-brain imaging and neuromodulation.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Data Infrastructure

Experimental

Gestala

Building a non-invasive ultrasound-based brain-computer interface platform for neuromodulation and neural signal decoding.
China
Brain-Computer Interface

Experimental

Closed-loop

INBRAIN Neuroelectronics

Developing ultrathin graphene-based neural implants (<10 µm) for AI-powered, bidirectional modulation of neurological disorders like Parkinson’s.
Spain
Brain-Computer Interface

Machine Learning

Closed-loop

Merge Labs

Exploring gene-therapy-enhanced, high-bandwidth, ultrasound-based brain-computer interfaces to enable seamless human–AI integration.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Experimental

Machine Learning

Morph Labs

Building brain-driven prosthetic control via AI-decoded neural signals, translating amputees’ brainwaves into intuitive limb movement.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

Experimental

Neuralink

Developing high-channel-count implantable brain-computer interfaces to restore motor function, enable communication, and eventually merge humans with AI.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Rehabilitation

Therapeutics

NeuroBionics

Developing minimally invasive implantable bioelectronic fiber systems for targeted neuromodulation therapies and integrated neural interfacing in clinical and research contexts.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Experimental

OEM

NeuroXess

Developing implantable brain-computer interface systems to restore communication and motor function in patients with severe neurological impairment.
China
Brain-Computer Interface

Clinical Workflows

Assistive Technology

Neurosoft Bioelectronics

Developing ultra-soft, foldable neural implants and AI-driven decoding to monitor and modulate brain activity for epilepsy, tinnitus, and rehab.
Switzerland
Brain-Computer Interface

Closed-loop

Assistive Technology

Orbit

Developing a wearable brain–computer interface and machine learning models to decode emotional and cognitive states from neural signals.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Machine Learning

Experimental

PSYONIC

Developing the Ability Hand, an advanced multi-articulated bionic prosthetic with integrated fingertip touch sensing and sEMG control.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

Machine Learning

Paradromics

Developing the Connexus, a fully implantable, high–data-rate BCI that records single-neuron brain signals to restore communication in paralyzed patients.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

Experimental

Phantom Neuro

Developing minimally invasive muscle implants and AI-driven interfaces enabling intuitive prosthetic and robotic limb control for amputees.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

OEM

Precision Neuroscience

Developing the Layer 7 Cortical Interface, a minimally invasive, high-resolution brain–computer implant to restore communication and independence via thought.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

Experimental

ReVision Implant

Developing an implantable cortical visual prosthesis that converts camera input into patterned stimulation of the visual cortex to restore functional vision.
Belgium
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

Experimental

Ruten Inc

Develops invasive brain-machine interface systems for reconstructive therapy, aiming to restore neural control in conditions unresponsive to conventional options.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

Experimental

Science Corp

Developing optogenetic visual prostheses that use microLED arrays to restore sight by stimulating retinal neurons with patterned light.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Assistive Technology

Experimental

Starfish Neuroscience

Building miniaturized, wireless, battery-free BCI chips enabling simultaneous stimulation and recording across multiple brain regions for future therapies.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Experimental

Therapeutics

Subsense Inc

Developing the first non-surgical, nanoparticle-based bidirectional BCI, enabling precise brain stimulation and recording without surgery.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Experimental

Therapeutics

Synaptrix Labs

Developing a non-invasive, AI-powered brain-computer interface (BCI) headset and proprietary neural-decoding platform to enable individuals with paralysis to control wheelchairs.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Machine Learning

Assistive Technology

Synchron

Developing the Stentrode, an endovascular, minimally invasive BCI implant enabling paralyzed individuals to control digital devices using thought alone.
USA
Brain-Computer Interface

Rehabilitation

Assistive Technology