Synchron Australia Pty Ltd
Project Title: Stentrode; enabling people with paralysis to communicate with the power of their mind
Synchron is developing a brain-machine interface (BMI) technology (the Stentrode System) which is intended to enable people with paralysis to communicate and/or augment their mobility with assistive devices - all with the power of thought alone.
The Stentrode™ is the world's first electrode array embedded in a stent, designed for implantation and capable of recording high fidelity neural signals without any open-brain surgery. Implantation is through a minimally invasive procedure – a method now validated in human implants.
The Stentrode is designed to decode neural signals into electronic commands, thereby enabling patients with paralysis direct brain-control of computers and other electronic devices such as wheel chairs and electronic/motorized artificial limbs. Such direct brain control can reduce paralysis patients’ dependency on carers, enabling them to live more productive and higher quality lives.
Support from the BMTH program will allow further development of the Stentrode system so that it is both technically robust and supports a positive user experience, especially in view of the disability of the patients it is intended to help.
BMTH Round: Three
State: Victoria
Funding:
- MTPConnect Grant: $989,175
- Industry Contribution: $980,137
Duration: October 2020 - November 2022 (Terminated - awardee initiated, final reports pending)
Visit Synchron for more information.
Listen to MTPConnect Podcast: Episode 108 - Synchron's Breakthrough Brain-Computer Interface Helping Treat Paralysis
Contact Project Lead: Mr Amos Meltzer