INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, a Spanish brain-computer interface therapeutics (BCI-Tx) startup developing graphene-based neural technologies, has raised $50 million in Series B funding. The round was led by imec.xpand (which backed SOLiTHOR) with new investors EIC Fund (which invested in Dunia and Infinite Roots), Fond ICO Next Tech, CDTI-Innvierte, and Avançsa. Existing investors Asabys Partners, Aliath Bioventures, and Vsquared also participated, bringing the total amount raised since inception to $68 million.
The funding will enable INBRAIN to accelerate the development of its graphene-based BCI-Tx platform, which offers a bidirectional solution to decode and modulate neural activity with unprecedented resolution. It will support ongoing clinical trials, enable team expansion, and further develop the company’s AI-powered platform for the treatment of neurological-related diseases.
Collaborations to scale its tech
In addition to this round, INBRAIN also secured additional funding and support from Merck KGaA to advance the clinical development of its technology in Merck’s therapeutic areas of interest. This partnership will boost the translation of INBRAIN’s platform to human use, expanding its impact across both central and peripheral nervous system applications.
The company entered into a collaboration agreement with imec, the world’s leading independent nanoelectronics hub to support it in preparing to scale graphene interfaces at a commercial level.
Graphene-based brain implant
Reportedly, 30% of the world’s population is affected by neural disorders. It is said to be the leading cause of disability and the 2nd cause of mortality worldwide, according to claimed World Health Organisation. INBRAIN Neuroelectronics’s graphene-based neural implants are aimed at treating neurological disorders. Its mission is to enhance brain health by creating AI-driven, minimally invasive implants capable of precise neural modulation.
INBRAIN Neuroelectronics was founded in Barcelona in 2019 by Anton Guimera, Carolina Aguilar, Jose Garrido, and Kostas Kostarelos. Its technology harnesses the power of graphene, a two-dimensional material made of a lattice of carbon atoms. The thin material measuring 10 micrometres thick is stronger than steel and thinner than human hair. It utilises a combination of electrical and mechanical properties.
As per the company, its neural platform enables ultra-high signal resolution, using machine learning software to decode therapy-specific biomarkers. It delivers highly focused, adaptive neuroelectronic therapy that re-balances pathological neural networks. It uses AI to trigger adaptive responses for personalised neurological treatment
The implant is designed to read and interact with brain signals very precisely. It can listen to the brain’s electrical signals and speak back to help regulate them accurately. This accuracy makes it valuable in precision neurology, where treatments are tailored to individuals’ unique brain activity patterns. This precision helps manage and treat neurological disorders like epilepsy, Parkinson’s, or depression by allowing doctors to understand brain function more deeply and control specific signals as needed.
Restores function or mobility of patients
The company’s end-to-end neural platform maximises time on therapy and effectively restores function or mobility for patients. The BCIs are skin-like, bi-directional, and have a high resolution of up to 1024 contacts, enabling real-time smart neural decoding and modulation in a closed loop. The implantable compact neural processor with a wireless rechargeable battery, powering signal processing.
The AI-powered platform empowers patients and clinicians to harness their data through therapy personalisation, focusing on improving the outcomes that matter to patients.
World’s first human application of its tech
Last year, the company received FDA breakthrough device designation for its graphene-neural platform as an adjunctive therapy for treating Parkinson’s disease.
INBRAIN recently achieved a major milestone with the world’s first human application of its graphene-based BCI in an ongoing clinical trial at Salford Royal Hospital in Manchester, UK. The trial aims to evaluate the safety of its device in patients with brain cancer and will enroll up to ten participants to assess the superiority of graphene over traditional materials for neural applications.
“We’re shaping the future of brain-computer interface therapeutics,” said Carolina Aguilar, CEO and Co-Founder of INBRAIN Neuroelectronics. “This funding empowers us to advance our AI-driven graphene neurotechnology, which has already shown great results versus current commercial neuromodulation technology. We are excited to have the support of a top-tier syndicate as we work to bring this technology to patients in need of more precise, personalised treatments.”
“INBRAIN Neuroelectronics is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to BCI technology using graphene,” said Frank Bulens, Partner at imec.xpand. “This unique graphene-based BCI platform has the potential to redefine how we treat neurological disorders by offering more precise, adaptable, and intelligent therapeutics. We look forward to supporting the INBRAIN team in accelerating their clinical trials and bringing this next-generation technology to patients.”
“The success of INBRAIN’s first patient procedure and recent funding highlights the innovation we envisioned when we launched the Graphene Flagship project,” said Marcin Nowak, Investment Director at European Investment Bank. “By harnessing the remarkable properties of graphene, INBRAIN is advancing cutting-edge neurotechnology applications that could significantly improve patient outcomes and also position Europe as one of the leaders in the global BCI industry. With this important investment, we are proud to support INBRAIN in translating this technology from research into real-world impact on patients’ lives.”
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