Overview
Synchron has closed a $200 million Series D round in October 2025 to advance its Stentrode brain-computer interface. Unlike competitors requiring open brain surgery, Synchron's device is implanted through the jugular vein using existing neurovascular techniques — a procedure that takes roughly two hours with no craniotomy.
How Stentrode Works
The Stentrode is a small, stent-like device threaded through blood vessels to the motor cortex. Once deployed, it expands against the blood vessel wall and its 16 electrodes detect neural signals associated with intended movement. These signals are transmitted wirelessly to an external decoder that translates thought into digital commands.
Clinical Progress
Synchron has implanted its device in multiple patients with ALS and other motor neuron diseases as part of FDA-approved clinical trials. Patients have used the system to send texts, shop online, and control smart home devices — all through thought alone. Notably, the procedure has shown no serious adverse events.
Competitive Landscape
While Neuralink has received more media attention, Synchron's blood vessel approach avoids the risks of open brain surgery, potentially making BCI accessible to a much larger patient population. The $200M raise positions Synchron to pursue pivotal trials needed for FDA approval.
