Inside

Neuromodulation

Technologies that modulate neural activity through targeted stimulation of the brain or nervous system to alter physiological function, behavior, or disease states.
Explained
Neuromodulation refers to a class of neurotechnologies that influence neural circuits by delivering controlled stimulation to specific regions of the brain or peripheral nervous system. Unlike purely observational approaches, neuromodulation actively intervenes in neural activity with the goal of restoring, enhancing, or regulating function.

Neuromodulation modalities span a wide range of techniques, from implantable electrical stimulators to non-invasive electromagnetic, optical, and acoustic approaches. These technologies differ in precision, depth of penetration, reversibility, and clinical risk, leading to distinct trade-offs across therapeutic, research, and emerging consumer applications.

Historically, neuromodulation has been most strongly associated with established clinical therapies, including deep brain stimulation for movement disorders, spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain, and vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy and depression. In parallel, advances in sensing, control algorithms, and biomarker discovery are enabling more adaptive and closed-loop neuromodulation systems.

As the field evolves, neuromodulation is increasingly positioned as a platform technology rather than a single treatment modality. Integration with neural recording, imaging, and computational models is expanding its role in precision medicine, psychiatric care, and next-generation brain–computer interfaces, while raising important questions around safety, regulation, and long-term effects.
<- Back
Modalities

Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES: tDCS, tACS, tRNS)

Non-invasive stimulation that applies weak currents through scalp electrodes to shift cortical excitability and plasticity via sub-threshold polarization. tES is low-cost and portable, but effects are diffuse and highly dependent on montage, dosing, and individual anatomy, which limits precision and consistency across users.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Electromagnetic pulses delivered via a coil induce electric currents in superficial cortex, enabling focal, non-invasive modulation of targeted networks. Clinically established in psychiatry, TMS is FDA-cleared for conditions like depression and OCD, with ongoing advances in accelerated protocols, theta-burst stimulation, and personalized targeting.

Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation

Acoustic energy is focused through the skull to modulate neural tissue with millimeter-scale targeting, including deeper brain structures that other non-invasive methods struggle to reach. Still investigational in 2026, FUS is promising for high-precision modulation but faces challenges around skull calibration, dosing standards, and long-term safety validation.

Deep Brain Stimulation

Implantable electrodes deliver programmable stimulation to specific deep brain nuclei, typically via a pulse generator implanted in the chest. DBS is a mature therapy in movement disorders and is increasingly shifting toward sensing-enabled and adaptive systems that adjust stimulation based on neural biomarkers.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Stimulation of vagal fibers modulates widespread brainstem and limbic networks and can also influence autonomic and inflammatory pathways. Implanted VNS is established for epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression, while transcutaneous VNS expands access for home use with lower risk and typically more modest effects.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Epidural stimulation of spinal pathways is widely used to modulate pain transmission and is expanding into motor restoration and rehabilitation applications. Modern systems include paresthesia-free waveforms and closed-loop approaches that auto-adjust output to maintain consistent therapy across posture and movement.

Peripheral and Cranial Nerve Stimulation

Targeted stimulation of accessible nerves can influence central networks through defined pathways, enabling non-pharmacological treatment in conditions such as migraine, ADHD, and select pain syndromes. These modalities prioritize usability and safety, though efficacy can vary and correct placement and parameter selection are critical.

Photobiomodulation and Sensory Entrainment

Non-invasive approaches that aim to modulate neural function through metabolic, oscillatory, or sensory pathways, including near-infrared light and rhythmic audiovisual or somatosensory stimulation. Generally low-risk and increasingly used in research and wellness contexts, but evidence and standardization vary widely across applications.
Articles
Read more
Startups

Aleva Neurotherapeutics

Implantable MEMS‑based directional deep brain stimulation (DBS) system improving precision and outcomes in Parkinson’s and essential tremor.
Switzerland
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Experimental

Amber Therapeutics

Developing an adaptive, implantable neuromodulation device for women’s mixed urinary incontinence.
UK
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Experimental

Ampa Health

Developing a portable transcranial magnetic stimulation system to expand access to clinically validated neuromodulation treatments for mental health disorders.
USA
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Clinically Approved

BRAIN.Q

Developing non-invasive, AI-driven neuromodulation systems to promote neuroplasticity and functional recovery after neurological injury.
Israel
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Rehabilitation

BrainsWay

Developing non-invasive deep transcranial magnetic stimulation systems for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.
Israel
Neuromodulation

Clinically Approved

Non-invasive

Cala Health

Pioneering wearable, wrist-based neuromodulation (TAPS) to reduce essential tremor by delivering patient-specific stimulation to the median and radial nerves.
USA
Neuromodulation

Wearable

Experimental

Cefaly

Delivering FDA-cleared, over-the-counter external trigeminal nerve stimulation to acutely treat and prevent migraines without drugs.
Belgium
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Clinically Approved

Clarity

Developing a non-invasive headset using 40 Hz light and sound stimulation to restore brain rhythms in Alzheimer’s and related disorders
USA
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Aging

Cognito Therapeutics

Evoking gamma brain waves via light and sound headset to slow Alzheimer’s progression, slowing cognitive decline, atrophy, and functional loss.
USA
Neuromodulation

Wearable

Aging

Fisher Wallace Labs

Offering an FDA-cleared cranial electrotherapy stimulator that non-invasively treats depression, anxiety, and insomnia via home use.
USA
Neuromodulation

Clinically Approved

Non-invasive

Flow Neuroscience

Delivering a portable tDCS headset that gently stimulates the prefrontal cortex to relieve depression symptoms, med-free, at-home therapy.
Sweden
Neuromodulation

Wearable

Clinically Approved

Galvani Bioelectronics

Developing implantable bioelectronic therapies to modulate organ-specific nerve signals (e.g. splenic nerve) for chronic disease treatment.
UK
Neuromodulation

Experimental

Implantable

GrayMatters Health

Developing Prism, an FDA-cleared neurofeedback system using EEG-based biomarkers to train self-regulation of brain networks in PTSD and depression.
Israel
Neuromodulation

Biomarkers

Clinically Approved

Grey Matter Neurosciences

Developing portable, focused ultrasound headset to non‑invasively stimulate deep brain circuits and improve cognition in Alzheimer’s disease.
Canada
Neuromodulation

Aging

Non-invasive

Inner Cosmos

Developing an implantable digital neuromodulation system to deliver precision brain stimulation for the treatment of depression.
USA
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Experimental

Magnus Medical

Developing SAINT®, an image-guided, accelerated, non-invasive neuromodulation system targeting personalized brain networks to treat severe depression.
USA
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Diagnostics

Marbles Health

Offering portable, hospital‑grade non‑invasive neuromodulation (tES + EEG + cognitive training) to support recovery from mental health and neuropsychiatric conditions.
India
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Rehabilitation

Motif Neurotech

Developing minimally invasive, battery-free brain implants (DOT) that wirelessly stimulate brain circuits to treat treatment-resistant depression.
USA
Neuromodulation

Experimental

Implantable

Nalu Medical

Developing an implantable neuromodulation system with a miniaturized, battery-free architecture for chronic pain and neurological conditions.
USA
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Clinically Approved

NeuraWorx

Developing bioelectronic neuromodulation technologies to enhance cerebral waste clearance by modulating cerebrovascular dynamics and glymphatic system function.
USA
Neuromodulation

Experimental

Implantable

NeuralPulse

Creating implantable adaptive neuromodulation that probes brain responses, predicts seizures, and delivers responsive stimulation to prevent them.
UK
Neuromodulation

Diagnostics

Implantable

Neuraura

Developing wearable bioelectronic devices combining micro-electrodes and stimulation to relieve PCOS symptoms and enhance personalized chronic care.
Canada
Neuromodulation

Experimental

Wearable

NeuroEM Therapeutics

Developing wearable head devices delivering transcranial electromagnetic treatment (TEMT) for Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
USA
Neuromodulation

Aging

Wearable

NeuroOne

Developing thin-film implantable electrodes to enable high-precision neural recording, stimulation, and ablation in neurosurgical and neurological care.
USA
Neuromodulation

Clinically Approved

Implantable

NeuroSigma

Developing non-invasive trigeminal nerve stimulation devices to treat pediatric ADHD and other neurological conditions.
USA
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Pediatric

Neuroacoustics

Using non-invasive acoustic stimulation during sleep to modulate brain oscillations and improve cognition, neurological health, and sleep quality.
USA
Neuromodulation

Aging

Non-invasive

Neuroelectrics

Providing Starstim and Enobio devices for wireless EEG monitoring and non-invasive brain stimulation, applied in research, clinical trials, and therapy.
Spain
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Research Tool

Neurolief

Delivers wearable, at-home neuromodulation via Relivion, stimulating multiple cranial nerve branches to relieve migraine and depression.
Israel
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Wearable

Neuromod

Developing non‑invasive bimodal neuromodulation device (Lenire) combining tongue and audio stimulation to reduce tinnitus symptoms.
Ireland
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Experimental

Neuronoff

Developing a minimally invasive, needle-delivered neuromodulation electrode platform to expand access to peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic pain treatment.
USA
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Experimental

Neuros Medical

Developing an implantable neuromodulation system to treat chronic pain by blocking pain signals in peripheral nerves.
USA
Neuromodulation

Clinically Approved

Implantable

Neurovalens

Developing FDA-cleared, non-invasive vestibular neurostimulation wearables (Modius Sleep, Modius Stress) to treat insomnia, anxiety, and metabolic disorders.
UK
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Clinically Approved

Neuspera

Developing a wirelessly powered implantable neuromodulation system for treating pelvic health and chronic neurological conditions.
USA
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Experimental

Nexstim

Developing navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation systems for non-invasive brain mapping and neuromodulation in clinical and research settings.
Finland
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Clinically Approved

Nia Therapeutics

Delivering personalized closed‑loop deep brain stimulation via implantable neuromodulation to counter memory loss in TBI and cognitive disorders.
USA
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Rehabilitation

Noctrix Health

Developing non-invasive neuromodulation therapies to treat chronic neurological and sleep-related conditions using targeted peripheral nerve stimulation.
USA
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Experimental

Nyxoah

Developing an implantable neuromodulation system to treat obstructive sleep apnea by stimulating the hypoglossal nerve.
Belgium
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Clinically Approved

Onward Medical

Developing implantable and non-invasive neuromodulation systems to restore movement and autonomic function after spinal cord injury.
Netherlands
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Rehabilitation

Openwater

Developing wearable, open-source infrared and ultrasound platforms to diagnose and non-invasively treat diseases such as stroke, depression, and tumors.
USA
Neuromodulation

Diagnostics

Wearable

Precisis

Developing a minimally invasive neuromodulation system to treat drug-resistant focal epilepsy through targeted brain stimulation.
Germany
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Clinically Approved

Presidio Medical

Developing a closed-loop spinal cord stimulation system designed to deliver adaptive neuromodulation for chronic pain management.
USA
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Experimental

QV Bioelectronics

Developing GRACE, an implantable electric field therapy (EFT) device for glioblastoma treatment, targeting tumor cells post-resection to slow recurrence and extend survival.
UK
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Experimental

Reach Neuro

Developing implantable spinal cord stimulation systems (Avantis) that restore voluntary upper-limb movement in chronic stroke survivors.
USA
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Rehabilitation

Salvia BioElectronics

Developing an implantable neuromodulation system to treat chronic migraine by modulating neural pathways involved in pain processing.
Netherlands
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Experimental

Samphire Neuroscience

Pioneering a wearable brain-first neurotechnology, Nettle, that provides non-hormonal brain stimulation to reduce menstrual pain, low mood, and brain fog.
UK
Neuromodulation

Clinically Approved

Wearable

Sharper Sense

Developing a wearable, non-invasive neck patch that stimulates sensory-enhancing neural circuits to improve hearing, vision, and touch in real-time.
USA
Neuromodulation

Wearable

Experimental

Sinaptica Therapeutics

Delivers personalized, closed-loop rTMS-EEG neuromodulation (SinaptiStim) targeting the default mode network to slow Alzheimer's progression with Phase 2 clinical efficacy.
USA
Neuromodulation

Aging

Non-invasive

SonoMind

Developing non-invasive focused ultrasound neuromodulation to precisely stimulate deep brain regions for the treatment of drug-resistant depression.
France
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Experimental

Sooma Medical

Providing a portable tDCS-based neuromodulation system for depression and chronic pain, enabling remote clinician management and scalable home treatment.
Finland
Neuromodulation

Wearable

Non-invasive

Spark Biomedical

Developing FDA-cleared, wearable, non-invasive auricular neurostimulation (Sparrow Ascent) to provide drug-free relief for opioid withdrawal and other conditions.
USA
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Clinically Approved

Spinally

Developing FuturaLead, the world’s first intrathecal spinal cord stimulation (iSCS) lead, placed directly on the spinal cord surface, enabling superior efficacy and closed-loop neuromodulation via ECAP sensing.
Spain
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Experimental

SpineX

Delivering non-invasive spinal cord neuromodulation therapies (SCONE™, SCiP™) to treat neurogenic bladder, cerebral palsy, and related neurological impairments.
USA
Neuromodulation

Non-invasive

Rehabilitation

Synergia Medical

Developing optoelectronic, MRI‑compatible vagus nerve stimulator (NAO.VNS) to safely treat drug‑resistant epilepsy via long‑life, fast‑charge implant.
Belgium
Neuromodulation

Implantable

Experimental

Syntropic

Using 60 Hz non-invasive light stimulation via the eyes to trigger microglia-mediated neuroplasticity, offering a fast, drug-free option for depression and brain recovery.
Austria
Neuromodulation

Experimental

Non-invasive

Test startup

This is a test
Austria
Neuromodulation

Data Infrastructure

Biomarkers

Theranica

Offering Nerivio, a wearable, smartphone-controlled neuromodulation arm band that delivers drug-free, FDA-cleared relief and prevention for migraines.
USA
Neuromodulation

Clinically Approved

Wearable