In the race to develop brain-computer interfaces, Synchron, a startup backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates (Trades, Portfolio), is gaining attention with its less invasive technology. Unlike Elon Musk's Neuralink, Synchron's device, Stentrode, does not require skull removal or brain surgery. Instead, it is inserted via the jugular vein, significantly reducing surgical risks and making it more patient-friendly.
Tom Oxley, a 44-year-old doctor and neuroscientist from the U.S., founded Synchron 12 years ago, driven by his desire to help patients with conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) reconnect with the world. Stentrode is aimed at patients with severe paralysis resulting from conditions like ALS, stroke, or spinal cord injuries. It is a small device implanted into the brain's blood vessels, where it detects brain signals and transmits them to a receiver implanted in the chest, similar to a pacemaker. This receiver uses Bluetooth to send commands to a computer or iPad, enabling patients to access text and control applications.
Despite financial challenges in 2020, including near depletion of resources, Synchron secured a breakthrough in 2021 when Khosla Ventures invested $40 million after discovering Synchron’s patents. In 2022, Synchron successfully implanted its device in six U.S. patients and raised $75 million from Arch Ventures. The company recently completed the first of two major FDA clinical trials, proving the device's safety.
While Neuralink remains a formidable competitor, Oxley respects Musk's influence in the field. In fact, they once conversed for an hour when Musk showed interest in Synchron during its initial U.S. trials, though it did not result in investment. Oxley believes that the ultimate solution involves minimal invasion of the patient's body, which is why some investors prefer Synchron's approach.
Synchron's advancements highlight the potential for brain-computer interfaces to improve the lives of individuals with severe paralysis, positioning it as a significant contender in the field amid growing interest from tech giants.
