Six innovative startups are combining neurotechnology and brain science to advance the field. Neuralink aims to develop brain-computer interfaces to enable superhuman cognition. Kernel has developed a portable brain-scanning helmet to analyze neurons and reveal how the brain works. Synchron is developing minimally-invasive brain-computer interface technology to diagnose neurological disorders. Flow Neuroscience created a wireless depression treatment headset using brain stimulation and behavioral therapy. Headsafe's portable device can quickly assess brain function to diagnose concussions. Thync developed wearable devices using electrical stimulation to reduce stress and improve sleep.

1. Brain Science and
Technology
Brain Science and
Technology
6 INNOVATIVE
Startups to Keep in Mind
The human brain is the complex, and in many ways mysterious, organ responsible for human
actions and thought. From cognitive behavior to conscience and sub-conscience, the myriad ways
the human brain works has been the focus of scientific research for centuries.
With rapid advances in technology, brain science and research continue to experience frequent
breakthroughs in how we understand the workings of the mind and better utilize its abilities.
Looking at the various aspects of brain science, outlined here are six startups that are combining
neurotechnology and brain science to make ambitious advancements in this field.
Neuralink1
Building on an existing and technology
shrinking it, Kernel has taken a
room-sized brain-machine that examines
and measures electrical impulses and
blood flowing through the brain and
condensed it into a helmet, making the
machine much cheaper and more
accessible.
These machines analyze neurons as they
fire and can reveal more about how the
brain works. Kernel founding CEO Bryan
Johnson said, “This triggers a new era of
access to the mind and the ability to ask
all sorts of new questions about
ourselves.”
Initially intending to build memory
prostheses, allowing for external storage
and upload of human memories, Kernel
has changed tack and will utilize the
machines and its technology to identify
and treat brain diseases such as
depression and Alzheimer’s.
Kernel2
Based in California and Melbourne,
Australia, Synchron is a brain-computer
interface company that is developing
“minimally-invasive technology . . . with
broadband capability” products. These
products can be used to help diagnose
and identify various neurological
disorders, including speech deficits,
depression, epilepsy, and paralysis.
One of Sychron’s products is the
Strentrode, which is an implant that is
designed to provide a safe way for
paralyzed patients to have brain control
of mobile-assistive devices. According to
Synchron’s website, a first-in-human
clinical trial is underway to evaluate the
safety and efficiency of Strentrode.
With the backing of, among others, the
US Department of Defense, Synchron
looks set to make an impact in the
advancement of neurotech and brain
science.
Synchron3
Flow Neuroscience
Combining brain stimulation and behavior therapy, Flow Neuroscience has
created a medication-free depression treatment headset. Brain stimulation is
delivered through the wireless headset, which is controlled by the Flow -
Depression app.
As well as the headset, Flow Neuroscience provides users with a complete
treatment program that can help them make lifestyle changes to possibly
reduce depression and its symptoms.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million around the
world and of all ages suffer from depression, making it the leading cause of
disability
worldwide.
Effectively combating, curing, or managing depression has often involved the
use of medication, albeit with side effects and the potential for addiction.
Encouragingly, Flow Neuroscience claims that brain stimulation technologies
like the company’s headset will help 24 percent of people overcome depression,
while 41 percent will feel at least 50 percent better after six weeks of treatment.
4
Australian company Headsafe
received some breakthrough news at
the start of May 2020 when its flagship
product, NUROCHEK, was granted FDA
clearance, allowing the company to
begin commercial operations in the
United States.
The NUROCHEK system is a portable
device that can quickly and accurately
assess brain function in under 3
minutes. The data is then transferred
to a smartphone app for analysis and
cloud storage. The standard process
for attaining the same results requires
going to the hospital for a SCAT 5, a
test that takes 20 minutes.
NUROCHEK’s primary function, at
present, is to quickly diagnose a
concussion. Headsafe aims to become
a constant feature in elite sports
medicine as well as a vital tool in
diagnosing concussions during school
and community sports.
Headsafe5
A startup that focuses on bioelectronic
products, Thync has so far developed
two wearable devices that attach to
the back of the neck and can combat
stress and ensure better sleep.
Thync’s lead product, the Thync Relax
Pro, uses low levels of electrical
stimulation to activate nerve pathways
in the head and neck, which
encourage reductions in stress and
greater quality of sleep.
Thync has also launched two patches
focusing on increasing energy levels:
the UseYourHead Energy Patch and
the FeelZing Patch.
Thync6
Neuralink made headlines in 2018 when its founder and primary financier,
Elon Musk, claimed the company wanted to “enable anyone who wants to
have superhuman cognition.” But how exactly are they aiming to achieve
that?
While there is plenty of mystery surrounding Neuralink, Musk said the goal is
to have humans “effectively merge with AI” by building implants to link
human brains with computers.
This would, in theory, allow humans to create a snapshot of themselves
through which they can live on even when their bodies die. “If your biological
self dies, you can upload into a new unit. Literally,” Musk said. It may seem a
fanciful ambition, but Musk believes enough in Neuralink to put $100 million
of his own money into the company.