As technology evolves, particularly in the healthcare sphere, engineers move more and more into human biology. Neurotech, in particular, is highly interesting and lucrative. Could we be communicating with our computers telepathically in future? Many startups believe this is only the tip of the iceberg.
What is Neurotech?
Neurotech, as the name suggests, is a technology that works directly with the brain and brainwaves. Typically, hardware and programs developed in this sphere target the nervous system. An excellent example of neurotechnology might be a tool that receives brainwaves and deciphers them into computer commands.
Neurotech can be helpful in measuring brain activity. It’s also considered non-invasive in many ways, helping to measure neurological concerns and disorders. However, for neurotech potential to grow more diverse, technology needs to diversify, too.
That’s where innovators across the US, and the world, are working hard. Some engineers work to help relieve some neurological conditions and disorders. Others, meanwhile, help us to develop and improve specific skills.
How are Startups Innovating in this Field?
Neurotech is a very broad sphere that can often be complex. Therefore, we need to consider what ventures are doing to help bring innovations to the masses. What do they target, and how?
Perhaps the biggest-profile neurotech innovation on the planet right now is Neuralink. That’s largely thanks to its association with Elon Musk, proprietor of SpaceX and Tesla. Specifically, Neuralink aims to connect human brains and computers so that we can telepathically control devices. Musk recently demonstrated a monkey playing a simple videogame with its mind – science fiction or reality?
Elsewhere, San Francisco venture Halo Neuroscience is helping people adapt to the pressures of sport. Specifically, their brain stimulation technology works to communicate directly with muscle movement. The Halo Sport is said to help improve our form and help people improve in their chosen activities.
Dreem is another San Fran venture (with French roots). However, this company focuses on sleep. Using electrodes and a simple headband, their device picks up on brain activity during sleep cycles. It learns about brain activity during monitoring periods and plays gentle sounds to help stimulate deeper sleep.
One of the biggest names in neurotech innovation right now is Kernel. Kernel’s initial modus operandi revolved around off-brain memory storage! However, with funding of more than $100 million, their hippocampus prostheses are under development to help support brain disorders. For example, their impulse monitoring technology could help people who have Alzheimer’s Disease.
Are We Destined to Merge with Technology?
Many believe that the future of technology lies beneath the skin. Certainly, a handful of the ventures analyzed here would agree. While Musk’s Neuralink is the public face of the technology right now, many more innovators are bursting forward. Could the key to resolving neurological issues be within our grasp?
Innovators keen to learn more about brain technology innovations may find intriguing new options across databases such as Fundz. Science fiction is becoming a reality – and we’re here to witness it all!
SOURCES
https://www.cbinsights.com/research/neurotech-startups-to-watch/
https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/5-top-emerging-neurotechnology-startups/
https://tech.co/news/neurotech-companies-want-read-brain-2017-08
https://matrixmarketinggroup.com/neurotech-startups-watch-21-2019/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/971627/stryker-net-sales-by-neurotechnology-product/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2017.00093/full
Topic: Startups
