Bridge Neurotech raises $13.5M to read brains with ultrasound, no implant

Bridge Neurotech Raises $13.5M to Read Brains with Ultrasound, No Implant

Bridge Neurotech has emerged from stealth with $13.5M in funding to develop a brain-computer interface (BCI) that requires no surgery or implant. The startup aims to use ultrasound to read brain activity through the skull.

Founded by Will Biederman, a chip designer who contributed to Neuralink's first implants, Bridge is enrolling volunteers for its first human study in Redwood City, California. Participants will perform simple tasks while the device measures their brain activity.

Key Features:

• Functional Ultrasound Imaging Platform: Bridge is building a platform that combines AI models to decode brain signals captured via ultrasound.

• Non-Invasive Approach: Unlike implant makers like Paradromics and Neuralink, Bridge's technology reads signals from outside the head. Other competitors, such as BrainCo, offer wearable brain tech that also operates non-invasively.

• Partnership with Butterfly Network: Bridge has signed a research deal with Butterfly Network, a company specializing in chip-based ultrasound devices. The partnership grants Bridge access to Butterfly’s Ultrasound-on-Chip technology.

Background:

Will Biederman, a veteran in brain-computer interface technology, previously co-founded Forest Neurotech and contributed to the chip used in Neuralink's initial implants. He left to focus on miniaturized fUSI devices for brain imaging during his time at Verily and Google.

Competitive Landscape:

Bridge joins a growing field of startups exploring non-invasive BCI technology. Merge Labs, backed by Sam Altman, is also developing an ultrasound-powered BCI.