Paradromics Completes First Successful Human Brain Implant
Neurotech startup Paradromics has reached a significant milestone by successfully implanting its brain-computer interface (BCI) device in a human patient. After nearly three years of preclinical work, the company completed the procedure on May 14, led by Dr. Matthew Willsey of the University of Michigan and a team of clinicians and engineers. The implant, called Connexus, was safely inserted and removed within about 10 minutes during epilepsy resection surgery.
This achievement marks a crucial step for Paradromics, which was founded in 2015 and aims to transform brain health challenges into technological solutions. The company focuses on restoring speech and communication for people affected by spinal cord injuries, strokes, and ALS. During the surgery, the device studied how epilepsy affects brain signals while also being designed to translate neural activity into speech, text, and cursor movements.
What Sets Paradromics Apart in Brain-Computer Interfaces
Paradromics has spent several years testing the implant in sheep before moving to human trials. The Connexus device represents a new wave of BCIs that directly link the brain with external devices through artificial intelligence, converting brain signals into actionable commands. The company expects the device to retail around $100,000, signaling a potential breakthrough in assistive technology.
The concept of brain-computer interfaces dates back to 1973 when UCLA scientist Jacques Vidal first proposed using brain signals to control prosthetics. Since then, research has progressed steadily. For example, in 2003, Duke University researchers demonstrated that monkeys could control robotic arms via implanted arrays. A year later, Matt Nagle became the first paralyzed person to operate a computer cursor using BCI technology.
Competition with Neuralink and Future Plans
Paradromics’ recent success puts it in direct competition with Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which is also developing brain implants to connect humans to computers. Neuralink has already implanted devices in three patients as of April 2025. With Paradromics moving closer to clinical trials, the race to lead the BCI space is intensifying.
Once regulatory approval is secured, Paradromics plans to launch a clinical trial to test the long-term safety and effectiveness of its technology. CEO Matt Angle has expressed optimism, stating that commercial approval could come before the end of this decade. This progress suggests exciting possibilities for people living with neurological conditions and could reshape the future of brain-computer communication.
