Neurinnov is a spin-off from academic research (INRIA/Université de Montpellier) creating implantable neurostimulators to restore function in people with severe paralysis. Its primary focus is on tetraplegic patients with spinal cord injuries – the company’s neuroprosthetic system aims to reanimate paralyzed upper limbs by selectively stimulating nerves to produce coordinated hand and finger movements.

Neurinnov has developed a high-selectivity nerve stimulation platform. Unlike traditional FES that often triggers all muscles innervated by a nerve, Neurinnov’s implant uses multiple electrodes and current-steering algorithms to activate specific subsets of nerve fibers. This allows isolated contraction of target muscles (for example, stimulating finger flexors without also contracting extensors). The implantable stimulator and electrode array are placed on peripheral nerves in the arm, and an external controller (likely worn on the body) interprets the user’s intent (possibly from residual movements or brain signals) to command grasp or release actions. The approach yields fine-grained control, enabling complex movements like pinching or holding objects, which Neurinnov has demonstrated in early clinical studies.

The immediate application is for individuals with complete tetraplegia, to regain essential hand functions like grasping utensils or operating a wheelchair, thereby greatly increasing autonomy. In pilot trials, paralyzed participants fitted with Neurinnov’s system were able to perform tasks such as holding a can or drinking through a straw after training. The technology addresses a critical unmet need, as 77% of tetraplegic patients rank hand movement return as their top priority. Beyond spinal cord injury, the underlying selective stimulation platform has potential in other neuromuscular impairments (e.g. stroke-related paralysis) and in research on motor control. Neurinnov’s work thus represents a new standard of care for extreme paralysis – using implantable neurotechnology to restore lost movement with precision.