Brain-Computer Interfaces & Neurotech
Synchron
by Synchron, Inc.
Endovascular brain-computer interface enabling thought-controlled devices without open brain surgery
Category
Brain-Computer Interfaces & Neurotech
Founded
2016
Headquarters
New York, NY, USA
Overview
Synchron has developed the Stentrode, a first-of-its-kind endovascular brain-computer interface that is implanted through blood vessels in the brain without requiring open-skull surgery. The device is delivered via a minimally invasive catheter procedure through the jugular vein to the superior sagittal sinus, adjacent to the motor cortex, where it records electrocorticography-equivalent neural signals. The BrainOS software decodes these signals into digital commands in real time. Patients with severe motor paralysis — including those with ALS, spinal cord injury, and stroke — use Synchron's technology to control computers, smartphones, and home automation systems through thought alone. The COMMAND trial, conducted in the United States, demonstrated that ALS patients could send messages, browse the internet, and control smart home devices independently. In 2021, Synchron became the first company to receive FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) approval for permanent BCI implant trials in the US. Synchron's endovascular approach is its defining differentiator: by avoiding open brain surgery, the implantation procedure is completed in under two hours under local anesthesia, with patients discharged the same day or next morning. This substantially reduces the risk of infection, hemorrhage, and scar tissue formation compared to penetrating electrode arrays. The company has backing from Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and DARPA, and has partnerships with Microsoft for software integration.
Key Features
Bidirectional Neural Interface
Support for both neural recording and targeted neurostimulation in a single device.
Chronic Implant Monitoring
Long-term monitoring of implant health, signal quality, and tissue response over years.
Speech Decoding Engine
Neural-to-speech translation enabling communication for patients with speech impairments.
Motor Intent Decoding
Decode intended motor actions from neural signals to control prosthetics and assistive devices.
Adaptive Calibration
Self-calibrating algorithms adapt to neural signal changes over time without manual recalibration.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Miniaturized electronics enable chronic implantation with minimal impact on daily activities
- +Machine learning decoders translate neural activity into device commands with 95%+ accuracy
- +Wireless implant design eliminates infection risks associated with percutaneous connectors
- +Real-time signal processing enables millisecond-latency brain-to-device communication
- +High-density neural recording captures thousands of neurons simultaneously with minimal tissue damage
- +Clinical trials demonstrate restoration of motor function for paralyzed patients
Cons
- −Long-term biocompatibility and device longevity remain unproven beyond 5-10 year timeframes
- −Invasive implant procedures carry inherent surgical risks including infection and tissue damage
- −Limited patient population eligible for current-generation devices restricts market size
- −Signal degradation over time requires recalibration or potential device replacement
- −Regulatory pathway for novel neural interfaces is complex and evolving
Use Cases
Research Workflow Optimization
AI-powered optimization of research workflows to accelerate discovery timelines and improve reproducibility.
Data Analysis & Insights
Machine learning analysis of complex biological datasets to extract actionable insights and identify patterns.
Collaboration & Knowledge Management
Platform-enabled collaboration across distributed research teams with integrated data sharing and knowledge capture.