Synchron

Type: Company (Minimally Invasive BCI)

Synchron occupies the middle ground in the brain-computer interface landscape with its Stentrode device — a stent-based electrode array delivered through the jugular vein and positioned in a blood vessel adjacent to the motor cortex. This endovascular approach avoids the craniotomy required by intracortical arrays like Neuralink's N1, dramatically reducing surgical risk and recovery time.

The Stentrode has been demonstrated controlling an iPad through thought — a patient was able to send messages, browse the web, and perform other tablet interactions using neural signals decoded from the device. While the signal bandwidth is lower than intracortical arrays (the electrodes sit outside the brain rather than within it), the reduced invasiveness makes the risk-benefit calculation favorable for a broader patient population.

Synchron's competitive position is that they offer "good enough" neural signal quality without brain surgery. For many patients, especially those who might not qualify for or choose to undergo craniotomy, this tradeoff is compelling. The company is positioning for a larger addressable market than pure intracortical approaches.

Feasibility Trial Results

• 12-month safety and efficacy data from 6 patients with severe paralysis
• Primary endpoint met — first FDA-approved permanently implanted BCI to achieve this
• No serious adverse events related to the device
• Proven long-term stability — 12+ months without repositioning
• $200M Series D secured for pivotal trials in 2026
• Market entry: Potentially 2028-2029 if pivotal trials succeed

Key Contributions

• Stentrode: endovascular BCI delivered through jugular vein, no craniotomy (Non-Invasive BCI)
• iPad control demonstration — messaging, browsing through thought (Non-Invasive BCI)
• 12-month primary endpoint met in feasibility trial, 6 patients (Stentrode Primary Endpoint)
• $200M Series D for pivotal trials 2026 (Stentrode Primary Endpoint)

Mentioned In

• Invasive vs. Non-Invasive BCI — Minimally invasive tier example
• Neuroprosthetics — Alternative approach to motor function restoration
• Neural Signal Decoding — Medium-bandwidth signal source
• Invasive BCI Devices — Stentrode feasibility trial and pivotal trial plans
• BCI Clinical Applications — Motor paralysis and communication restoration
• BCI Signal Acquisition — Endovascular (intervention tier) acquisition approach

Related Entities

• Neuralink — Invasive BCI competitor