Neurotech startup Paradromics has reached a significant milestone by successfully implanting its brain-computer interface (BCI) system in a human for the first time. The Paradromics team conducted the procedure on May 14 at the University of Michigan, during a neurosurgery session for epilepsy treatment.
Paradromics used this opportunity to implant and remove its device within a 20-minute window during the surgery. The trial run demonstrated that the Connexus Brain-Computer Interface can be implanted safely and effectively capture neural activity.
A major step forward in brain-computer innovation
Paradromics has been developing its BCI technology for nearly a decade. According to CEO Matt Angle, this first human implant is a leap forward that validates years of hard work.
“We’ve shown in sheep that our device is best in class from a data and longevity standpoint, and now we’ve also shown that it’s compatible with humans,” Angle told CNBC. “That’s really exciting and raises a lot of excitement for our upcoming clinical trial.”
The company’s device aims to assist individuals with severe motor impairments, such as paralysis, by enabling them to communicate through a computer interface.
Inside the Connexus system
A brain-computer interface like Connexus works by translating brain signals into external commands, allowing for direct interaction between the mind and machines. Paradromics’ unique approach focuses on recording neural activity at the level of individual neurons, capturing highly detailed signals.
Angle explained the difference using a compelling metaphor: recording inside a stadium lets you hear individual voices, while recording from outside only catches the general noise. Paradromics wants to be inside the stadium.
Regulatory hurdles and upcoming trials
Although Paradromics has not yet received FDA clearance, the University of Michigan was able to conduct the procedure for research purposes under guidelines that permit testing when the risk is minimal. Dr. Oren Sagher led the clinical aspect, while Dr. Matthew Willsey directed the research component.
“It’s absolutely thrilling,” said Dr. Willsey. “It’s motivating, and this is the kind of thing that helps me get up in the morning and go to work.”
The company now awaits regulatory approval to launch full-scale human trials to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of its system.
Paradromics vs. the competition
Paradromics joins a competitive field that includes Elon Musk’s Neuralink, Synchron (backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates), and Precision Neuroscience. Each company takes a slightly different approach to BCIs, but all aim to revolutionize human-computer interaction.
What sets Paradromics apart is its emphasis on high-resolution, long-term data capture. The company has raised nearly $100 million and recently announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Neom project, although investment details remain confidential.
A moment years in the making
“You do all of these steps, you validate the hardware, you have this really high degree of rational certainty that things are going to work,” said Angle. “But still emotionally when it works and when it happens the way you expected it to, it’s still very, very gratifying.”
With this successful demonstration behind them, Paradromics is preparing to move confidently into clinical trials, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with brain-computer interfaces.
