Manava Plus is a biotech/medtech startup dedicated to treating spinal cord injuries (SCI) with advanced neurotechnology. The name “Manava” evokes “human” or “life” – reflecting the goal to make permanent paralysis only a temporary challenge. The company is developing a bio-hybrid neural implant that can bridge interruptions in the spinal cord, effectively reconnecting the brain with the body to restore lost motor and sensory functions in paralyzed individuals.

While specific technical details are under wraps, Manava Plus’s approach likely combines electrical stimulation, engineered tissues, and AI. One component is an implantable neurostimulator that can be delivered minimally invasively (perhaps via injection) to the spinal cord below the injury. This stimulator would automatically activate circuits in the cord to initiate stepping or other movements, possibly coordinated with the patient’s attempted intentions (detected via residual signals or a brain interface). The term “bio-hybrid” suggests inclusion of biological elements – perhaps regenerative gels or scaffolds seeded with cells – to encourage regrowth across the injury gap. In essence, their system might both regenerate connections over time and provide immediate neuromodulation to act as a neural bridge. The use of AI could be to personalize stimulation protocols and optimize outcomes for each patient as they recover.

The primary beneficiaries would be patients with chronic spinal cord injuries leading to paraplegia or tetraplegia. Manava’s implant aims to give back voluntary control of muscles and possibly restore some sensation. For example, a man with a complete thoracic spinal lesion might, after the implant, regain the ability to initiate rudimentary leg movements or control bladder function – tasks governed by circuits below the injury. Over time, as the neural pathways are retrained or even partially regenerated, the goal is for the patient to walk and feel again without external support. This transformative vision is in early development, but parallels exist (e.g., electrical epidural stimulation enabling some SCI patients to step with support). Manava Plus is distinctive in aiming for a fully implantable solution that non-surgeons can deploy (moving treatment “out of the operating room and into the office”). If successful, it would revolutionize paralysis care by merging neural engineering with regenerative medicine, turning long-term disability into a treatable condition.