Synchron Raises $200M for Brain-Computer Interface Launch
Synchron has secured $200 million in a Series D round to speed up pivotal trials and prepare for the commercial debut of its Stentrode brain-computer interface (BCI) system. The investment marks a major step in the company’s mission to bring less invasive neural technology to market.
Innovative Approach to Brain Interfaces
Unlike Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which requires removing part of the skull for implantation, Synchron’s system is inserted via a catheter. This approach reduces invasiveness but also limits signal fidelity compared to more direct implants.
Comparing Device Capabilities
- Synchron’s Stentrode has 16 electrodes.
- Neuralink’s N1 Implant features 1,024 electrodes.
Despite lower electrode density, the Stentrode enables people with severe paralysis to operate digital devices independently.
Future Development and AI Integration
Synchron plans to use part of the new funding to advance development of a next-generation transcatheter whole-brain interface with higher channel capacity. The company is also expanding its artificial intelligence operations in New York City, where its AI team is training models to interpret brain signals and potentially decode thoughts in real time.
“The company will use the money to accelerate pivotal trials and prepare for commercial launch of the Stentrode BCI system.”
Author’s Summary
Synchron raised $200 million to bring its catheter-based brain-computer interface closer to market, balancing minimal invasiveness with real-time thought decoding ambitions.