Accelerator Centre provides an essential combination of in-house mentorship, educational programming, facilities, networking, and access to funding and facility services with a goal of building successful companies. The company's in-depth programming, unique accountability model, and long-term view, distinguishes it from other accelerators and incubators within the Canadian commercialization landscape.  It helps entrepreneurs move from start-up to scale-up, accelerate the time to market, and help attract customers, investment. and revenue. Accelerator Centre was founded on 2006 and is headquartered in Waterloo, Canada.

Accelerator Centre

SOSV is a global, deep tech venture capital firm that operates the HAX and IndieBio startup development programs focused on human and planetary health. SOSV invests $500,000 in startups at their inception as they onboard either HAX or IndieBio for a 4-6 month period designed to accelerate the raise of their next institutional round. SOSV joins the later rounds of HAX and IndieBio graduates.  HAX, based in a 35,000 sq ft facility in Newark, NJ, is equipped with machine tools, 3D printers, chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering labs, as well as on-staff engineering and design experts. SOSV's IndieBio has locations in NYC and San Francisco, both of which offer extensive services and facilities to founders including on-site BSL-2 labs, well equipped lab benches and hoods, and advanced lab equipment, such as chromatography equipment.

SOSV

IndieBio is the world’s first accelerator devoted to startups using biology to solve the world's largest problems. IndieBio is an SOSV program. SOSV is a global venture capital firm that operates startup accelerator investment programs. At the close of 2020, SOSV had more than 1,000 portfolio companies and $855 million in assets under management.

IndieBio

The Ontario Centres of Excellence invests in projects and people to accelerate industry R&D to impact the Ontario economy through the commercialization of leading edge research.  OCE invests in - Industry-Academic collaborative research - Commercialization of academic research through licensing and spin off companies - Early stage seed financing of start-ups - Skills development for high quality personnel  The Ontario Centres of Excellence is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1987. Core funding is provided by the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation

Ontario Centres of Excellence

NURO

NURO is the manufacturer of the NUOS, PAD, KOMPOS and MENTIS surgery-free neurological platforms. For more information, please visit www.nuro.world.

Nurosene Health is a healthtech company focused on delivering innovative AI-derived technology solutions for mental performance and wellness. In March 2022, the company launched its Nuro App, designed by a team of scientists, doctors, and neurological experts to improve mental well-being. The Nuro App targets massive industry verticals such as Health &amp; Wellness (USD 1.5 trillion market as of 2022), Performance (USD 10 billion by 2025), Self-Improvement (USD 14 billion by 2025), and Mental Health (264 million+ affected globally as of 2022).

NUROSENE ADVANCES BRAIN HEALTH WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS SCIENCE-FIRST NURO APP

NURO CORP

Bridging the gap between the human brain and computer

Brain-computer Interfaces

NURO welcomes Iram Hasan as Chief Technology Officer

Nurosene Health is a healthtech company focused on delivering innovative AI-derived technology solutions for mental performance and wellness. In March 2022, the company launched its Nuro App, designed by a team of scientists, doctors, and neurological experts to improve mental well-being. The Nuro App targets massive industry verticals such as Health & Wellness (USD 1.5 trillion market as of 2022), Performance (USD 10 billion by 2025), Self-Improvement (USD 14 billion by 2025), and Mental Health (264 million+ affected globally as of 2022).
The Nuro App features a diverse onboarding process utilizing the company's proprietary Virtual Neural Scan to gather insights related to overall brain health and performance. It also includes passive data collection, personalized daily brain exercises called Nuro Brain Flows, and weekly assessments to track progress in areas like stress, movement, nutrition, and sleep. The app aims to activate blood flow and glucose to various neural networks, improving brain coherence and performance.

Neuralink is a neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk with the goal of developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The company's flagship product is the N1 Implant, a coin-sized device that is surgically implanted in the brain. The implant contains 1,024 electrodes distributed across 64 ultra-thin threads that can monitor neural activity and electrically stimulate the brain. It wirelessly transmits brain data to external devices, allowing users to control computers or mobile devices directly with their thoughts.
Neuralink's initial focus is on providing digital freedom for people with quadriplegia by enabling them to interact with technology using neural signals. The N1 Implant will be placed in the motor cortex region of the brain that controls movement intention. As of March 2024, Neuralink has implanted its device in at least one human participant, allowing them to control a computer mouse cursor and play video games purely by thinking.
The implant surgery is performed using a custom robotic system developed by Neuralink. This surgical robot automatically inserts the electrode threads into the desired brain region with high precision. Neuralink claims the robotic implantation process aims to be as minimally invasive as procedures like LASIK eye surgery.
Key customers and partnerships
In November 2023, Neuralink announced its first clinical trial, dubbed the "Prime Study," to evaluate the N1 Implant's safety and functionality in human participants with quadriplegia caused by cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study is expected to enroll participants aged 22 and older over a period of six years.
Neuralink has previously collaborated with the University of California, Davis to conduct animal testing of its brain implants on monkeys and other research animals. However, this partnership ended in 2020 amid allegations from an animal rights group regarding the treatment of monkeys during experiments.

Neuralink

Kernel is a neurotechnology company developing non-invasive brain imaging devices. Their flagship product, Kernel Flow, is a wearable headset that uses time-domain functional near-infrared spectroscopy (TD-fNIRS) technology to measure brain activity. Kernel Flow emits near-infrared light and detects changes in blood oxygenation levels in the brain's cortical areas, similar to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). However, it offers advantages such as portability, affordability, and the ability to measure brain activity in natural environments.
Kernel Flow features 52 modules arranged in four plates that fit on either side of the head. Each module contains two laser sources that generate picosecond pulses of light and six detectors that capture the reflected light. By recording the photon arrival times, the system can measure changes in oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations, providing insights into brain function.
Kernel has conducted studies demonstrating the efficacy of Kernel Flow in various applications, including measuring the psychedelic effects of ketamine, predicting gaming expertise, and assessing cognitive decline. As of January 2022, the company had provided 50 systems to partners for evaluation and launched commercial sales for research teams.

Kernel

Synchron is a neurotechnology company developing an implantable brain-computer interface (BCI) system designed to enable patients with severe paralysis to wirelessly control digital devices through their thoughts and improve functional independence. Their flagship technology, the Stentrode, is an endovascular brain implant that is inserted into the brain's motor cortex via the jugular vein using a minimally invasive endovascular procedure, eliminating the need for open brain surgery.
The Stentrode contains electrodes that detect motor intent signals from the brain, which are wirelessly transmitted to an external device. Using machine learning algorithms and signal processing techniques, these neural signals are then translated into digital commands, allowing the user to control personal devices like computers and smartphones for tasks such as texting, emailing, online shopping, and accessing telehealth services.
In August 2020, Synchron received FDA Breakthrough Device designation, followed by the first Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) in July 2021 for evaluating a permanently implanted BCI. The company has conducted clinical trials in Australia and the US, with the first US implantation occurring in July 2022 at Mount Sinai Health System in New York. As of January 2023, Synchron reported that the Stentrode remained safe and functional in four Australian patients after 12 months, with no serious adverse events or significant signal deterioration.

Synchron

Paradromics is an Austin, Texas-based neurotechnology company developing a high data-rate brain-computer interface (BCI) called the Connexus Direct Data Interface (DDI). The Connexus DDI is designed to collect an unprecedented number of individual neural signals from the brain using a fully implantable device intended for long-term daily use.
The first application of the Connexus DDI is an assistive communication device that translates brain signals into speech and movement in real-time. This revolutionary technology aims to restore the ability to communicate and interact with technology independently for people with conditions like ALS, spinal cord injuries, and stroke that cause severe motor impairment.
In May 2023, Paradromics raised USD 33 million in a Series A funding round led by Prime Movers Lab, with participation from Westcott Investment Group, Dolby Family Ventures, and Green Sands Equity. This investment will enable the company to launch its first-in-human clinical trial for the Connexus DDI.
Additionally, in a significant milestone, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the Connexus DDI a Breakthrough Device Designation in May 2023. This designation recognizes the transformative potential of the device and allows for an expedited review process, accelerating its availability to patients.

Paradromics

Cognixion is a leading developer of non-invasive Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology. Their flagship product, the Cognixion ONE Axon, utilizes electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to provide a non-invasive brain-computer interface. It enables patients with advanced disease progression, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Motor Neuron Disease (MND), traumatic injuries, and cerebral palsy, to communicate their responses with their thoughts and mental attention in a wearable, augmented reality headset.
The Cognixion ONE Axon integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI), including GPT large language models, to rapidly support the user's communication intentions and desired outcomes. It provides contextual predictions and suggestions that can be quickly selected and communicated audibly and visually on the front visor as a communication aid. The device aims to become the first FDA-cleared device allowing fully paralyzed or locked-in patients to communicate via a non-invasive brain-computer interface once eye-tracking is no longer usable due to ocular motor decline.
Cognixion's technology combines AI, Augmented Reality, and Assistive Technology, designed to help people with severe motor impairments communicate and interact more effectively and independently with the world around them. Unlike invasive BCI technologies, Cognixion's device can be prescribed and utilized without surgical procedures or significant training, providing a new level of independence and autonomy.
Key customers and partnerships
In May 2023, the Cognixion ONE Axon received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Breakthrough Device designation, which will streamline its development and validation process with prioritized feedback from FDA review staff. This designation is awarded to devices that demonstrate the potential to provide more effective treatment for life-threatening or debilitating conditions where no clear alternatives exist.

Cognixion

Non-invasive hardware typically involving wearable devices that can record, monitor and interact with brain activity using methods like electroencephalography (EEG), enabling the control of prosthetic limbs, operating computers, and more

Physical devices implanted in the body, often in the brain, to interface with neural signals such as electrodes or neural implants

Companies that offer software platforms for BCI applications, including cloud platforms that enables neural data storage

Companies that gather, store, analyze, and interpret neural data collected via BCIs in order to generate valuable insights for clinical decision making

Most BCI companies personalize the BCI devices based on the patient's condition and goals

Most BCI companies leverage a digital means of extracting and interpreting neural data, some of which use mobile applications to provide insights

The products/platforms offered by most companies utilize AI/ML in enhancing their offering

NURO

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