Synchron's update

Synchron, a company originally founded in Australia and closely linked with The University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, has achieved a major milestone in advancing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology.

The company developed a minimally invasive BCI device, initially tested in animal models and later implanted in humans during a groundbreaking trial in Australia. This trial was led by Professor Peter Mitchell, who pioneered the intracranial device implantation via a transvenous approach—avoiding open cranial surgery. Associate Professor A. Morokoff assisted by connecting the lead to the transmitter device over the upper chest wall. The device was successfully implanted in four patients at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, enabling participants to control a computer using their thoughts.

_{Stentrode recipient Rodney Gorham at his Melbourne home. Gorham suffers ALS and can’t control a computer with his hands.}

Now headquartered in the United States, Synchron has completed a second trial involving six patients and recently announced securing $54 million in funding from the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund and Series D US venture capital investment. This funding will support further clinical trials and the eventual commercialisation of the BCI platform, including expansion of the Melbourne-based Synchron team.