Bridge Neurotech Launches Wearable Ultrasound Brain-Computer Interface

Bridge Neurotech, a new neurotechnology startup, has launched to develop a wearable ultrasound-based brain-computer interface. Founded by Will Biederman, the company aims to offer a noninvasive alternative to surgical implants like those from Neuralink, addressing safety concerns and expanding accessibility in the field. The first clinical study is now underway in Redwood City, California.

Bridge Neurotech’s Noninvasive Approach

Bridge Neurotech has emerged as a new player in the neurotechnology space, focusing on a wearable, ultrasound-based brain-computer interface. According to WIRED, the company was founded by Will Biederman, who previously contributed to Neuralink’s early technology during his PhD work. Unlike Neuralink and other competitors, Bridge aims to avoid invasive surgical implants, which have raised safety concerns and limited accessibility.

The startup’s approach leverages ultrasound technology to measure brain activity indirectly by tracking blood flow. This method avoids the risks associated with implanting devices into the brain but introduces challenges like signal delay due to the natural latency of blood flow changes. Biederman’s goal is to make brain-computer interfaces accessible to a broader population, given that only about 100 people worldwide have received implanted devices in clinical trials.

Challenges and Competitors

Ultrasound-based brain-computer interfaces face significant technical hurdles. According to WIRED, the technology relies on high-frequency sound waves to detect blood flow, which fluctuates in response to neural activity. However, this indirect measurement introduces a delay of a few seconds, posing challenges for real-time applications like controlling robotic limbs or rapid typing. Bone and skin also scatter and absorb sound, complicating noninvasive imaging.

To address these limitations, Bridge plans to use AI models to predict and mitigate lag time, improving the device’s performance. The company is conducting its first clinical study in Redwood City, California, where participants will wear an ultrasound probe designed to sit above the ear, near the temporal window. The study is observational, focusing on recording brain activity during tasks like listening, watching, and speaking.

Bridge is not alone in exploring noninvasive alternatives. Merge Labs, co-founded by Sam Altman, Mikhail Shapiro, Alex Blania, and Sandro Herbig, is another key competitor in this space. Merge Labs spun out of Arbor Neuroscience, a nonprofit previously known as Forest Neurotech, which was co-founded by Biederman and focuses on early-stage neurotechnology research.

Clinical Study and Future Plans

Bridge’s clinical study marks its first step toward refining its ultrasound-based interface. The company is using semiconductor silicon chips from Butterfly Network for its probes, which will record brain activity while participants engage in various tasks. The device is designed to be worn on the temporal window, a location that minimizes the scattering effects of bone.

While ultrasound offers a promising noninvasive alternative, earlier studies have shown limitations. For example, a 2024 study demonstrated that an ultrasound-based interface could decode human brain activity but required removing a portion of the skull, highlighting the technical challenges of noninvasive methods. Bridge aims to overcome these hurdles by combining ultrasound with AI-driven predictions to reduce latency.

The startup’s long-term vision is to make brain-computer interfaces safer and more accessible. If successful, this technology could expand applications beyond clinical settings, potentially reaching consumer markets. However, competing with established players like Neuralink, which has already implanted devices in 21 volunteers, will require significant advancements in performance and reliability.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

Bridge Neurotech’s launch highlights a growing interest in noninvasive alternatives to surgical brain-computer interfaces. While companies like Neuralink and Synchron focus on implanted devices, Bridge’s ultrasound-based approach could address key barriers to adoption: safety risks, regulatory hurdles, and high costs. However, the trade-offs are clear—noninvasive methods like ultrasound face signal quality and latency challenges that could limit their usefulness in real-time applications.

For founders and operators in neurotechnology, Bridge’s strategy underscores the importance of balancing accessibility with performance. AI-driven solutions may help bridge the gap, but the success of this approach will depend on clinical validation and user adoption. If Bridge can demonstrate reliable performance, it could open doors for broader applications, from medical devices to consumer products. Still, the road ahead is uncertain, and competitors like Merge Labs and Neuralink are already well-funded and further along in development.

Key takeaways

• Bridge Neurotech is developing a wearable, ultrasound-based brain-computer interface to offer a noninvasive alternative to implants.
• Only about 100 people worldwide have received implanted brain-computer interfaces in clinical trials.
• Ultrasound-based interfaces measure brain activity indirectly via blood flow, creating a natural delay of a few seconds.
• Bridge’s first clinical study is observational and involves recording brain activity from participants.
• The company aims to use AI models to mitigate lag time and improve device performance.

FAQ

What is Bridge Neurotech developing?

Bridge Neurotech is developing a wearable, ultrasound-based brain-computer interface designed to be a noninvasive alternative to surgical implants like those from Neuralink.

Who founded Bridge Neurotech?

Bridge Neurotech was founded by Will Biederman, who previously contributed to Neuralink’s technology during his PhD work.

What are the challenges of ultrasound-based brain-computer interfaces?

Ultrasound-based interfaces face challenges like signal delay due to measuring brain activity indirectly via blood flow. Bone and skin also scatter and absorb sound, complicating noninvasive imaging.

How is Bridge Neurotech addressing these challenges?

Bridge plans to use AI models to predict and mitigate lag time, improving the performance of its ultrasound-based interface.

Who are Bridge Neurotech’s competitors?

Bridge Neurotech’s competitors include Neuralink, Merge Labs, Synchron, Paradromics, and Precision Neuroscience, all of which are developing brain-computer interface technologies.

What is the status of Bridge Neurotech’s clinical study?

Bridge is conducting its first clinical study in Redwood City, California. The study is observational and involves recording brain activity from participants.

Related on Lazyfounder

• More technology news