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April 14, 2026 • Tim Fernholz

Science Corp. Advances Biohybrid Brain-Computer Interface Towards Human Trials

Science Corp. Advances Biohybrid Brain-Computer Interface Towards Human Trials Science Corp. Advances Biohybrid Brain-Computer Interface Towards Human Trials Science Corp. Advances Biohybrid Brain-Computer Interface Towards Human Trials

Max Hodak’s Science Corp. is preparing to place its first sensor in a human brain

Science Corporation, a startup founded by former Neuralink president Max Hodak, is moving towards human trials for its novel biohybrid brain-computer interface (BCI). The company has enlisted Dr. Murat Günel, chair of Yale Medical School’s Department of Neurosurgery, to lead the first U.S. human trials.

Science Corp.'s Vision and Technology

Science, founded in 2021, aims to create a more organic approach to BCIs by integrating lab-grown neurons with electronics. This contrasts with conventional methods that use metal probes, which can cause brain damage over time. The company's most advanced product, PRIMA, is designed to restore vision in patients with macular degeneration and similar conditions.

Max Hodak's broader vision for Science Corp. is to establish reliable communication links between computers and the human brain, not only for treating diseases but also for potential human enhancement, such as adding new senses.

The Biohybrid Sensor

  • Concept: The biohybrid sensor embeds lab-grown neurons that can be stimulated by light. These neurons are designed to naturally integrate with the patient's brain neurons, creating a biological bridge between electronics and the brain.
  • Development: Led by co-founder and chief science officer Alan Mardinly, the development team has created prototypes and is focusing on growing neuron cells for medical applications.
  • Pre-clinical Success: A working paper released in 2024 demonstrated the device's safe implantation and ability to stimulate brain activity in mice.

Human Trials and Future Applications

  • First Step: The initial human trials will involve testing an advanced sensor (without embedded neurons) placed on top of the brain, inside the skull, rather than directly into brain tissue.
  • Patient Selection: The company plans to recruit patients who are already undergoing significant brain surgery, such as stroke victims.
  • Regulatory Approach: Science Corp. does not plan to seek FDA approval for these initial trials, citing the minimal risk posed by the small device.
  • Potential Benefits: If successful, the device could help treat various neurological conditions, including:
    • Delivering gentle electrical stimulation to damaged brain or spinal cord cells to encourage healing.
    • Monitoring neurological activity in patients with brain tumors to provide early seizure warnings.
    • Potentially offering more effective treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease by combining electronic stimulation with transplanted cells to halt disease progression.

Timeline

Dr. Günel estimates that human trials could potentially begin in 2027, though he describes this as an optimistic outlook.

Key Takeaways:

  • Science Corp. is pioneering a biohybrid approach to brain-computer interfaces, combining electronics with lab-grown neurons.
  • The company is preparing for initial human trials of its sensor, focusing on safety and efficacy in measuring brain activity.
  • Potential applications range from restoring vision and treating neurological disorders to exploring human enhancement.
  • This approach aims to overcome the limitations of traditional electrode-based BCIs by minimizing brain damage and fostering natural integration.