Bridge Neurotech Launches With $13.5M for Ultrasound Brain Interface
Bridge Neurotech has raised $13.5 million and begun an observational clinical study in Redwood City, California, for a wearable brain-computer interface.
Bridge Neurotech launched with $13.5 million in funding, including from General Catalyst, to develop a wearable brain-computer interface powered by ultrasound. The company is beginning its first clinical study in volunteers in Redwood City, California.
The study is observational. An ultrasound probe is placed on the side of the head of healthy adults and people who have undergone skull surgery, according to wired.com. Participants will have brain activity recorded while they listen, watch, move, and speak.
Bridge founder and CEO Will Biederman developed the chip Neuralink licensed for its first devices during his PhD work. The company's probes use semiconductor silicon chips made by Butterfly Network.
Bridge plans to use predictive AI models to reduce lag time in its interface.
Merge Labs spun out of Forest Neurotech in January, with Sumner Norman and Tyson Aflalo among its cofounders, along with Sam Altman, Mikhail Shapiro, Alex Blania, and Sandro Herbig. Arbor Neuroscience, previously known as Forest Neurotech, was founded in 2023 by Biederman, Norman, and Aflalo. Only about 100 people worldwide have received an implanted brain-computer interface in clinical trials, including at least 21 Neuralink volunteers.
Quick answers
Where is Bridge Neurotech's first clinical study taking place?
The study is being conducted in Redwood City, California.
Who is the founder and CEO of Bridge Neurotech?
Will Biederman is the founder and CEO.
What technology does Bridge Neurotech use for its brain-computer interface?
Bridge Neurotech plans to build a wearable brain-computer interface powered by ultrasound, using semiconductor silicon chips made by Butterfly Network.