--- title: "Clinical trials for Synchron's brain implant technology put on hold due to performance issues" url: https://newscentral.site/clinical-trials-for-synchron-s-brain-implant-technology-put-on-hold/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Technology" published: 2026-11-12T15:58:21.000Z updated: 2026-11-12T16:44:00.779Z id: b5e0f6d0-c6b3-4d64-9976-558a47caa2ee source: "Wired https://www.wired.com/story/synchron-pauses-trials-of-its-brain-implant-due-to-performance-issues/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/clinical-trials-for-synchron-s-brain-implant-technology-put-on-hold/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Clinical trials for Synchron's brain implant technology put on hold due to performance issues The company is undergoing significant restructuring efforts, including job cuts and a scaling back of operations in New York. A Brooklyn-based startup has put its clinical trials on hold due to issues with the performance of its brain implant technology. The company, a rival to Elon Musk's Neuralink, is also undergoing significant restructuring efforts, including job cuts and a scaling back of operations in New York while expanding its presence in San Diego to support development of an entirely new device. Synchron has been at the forefront of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, which enables people to control digital devices by reading brain signals and translating them into commands. This innovative approach aims to revolutionize the way we interact with technology. The company's Stentrode implant is a minimally invasive device that doesn't require brain surgery or resting in the brain itself. Instead, it is inserted into the jugular vein at the base of the neck, guided by a catheter to sit atop the motor cortex of the brain. Ten volunteers across the US and Australia have successfully tested the first-generation Stentrode, which allowed them to perform tasks such as sending emails, browsing the internet, shopping online, and even controlling devices like Amazon Alexa and Apple's iPad and Vision Pro with their thoughts. The clinical trials of Synchron's brain implant, known as the Stentrode, have been put on hold due to performance issues with the device. According to sources close to the trials, the problem lies not with the Stentrode itself but rather with its ability to function as intended. This decision was made by Synchron, the company behind the technology, and is not a result of any safety concerns related to the device. Synchron has stated that it will upgrade the entire system, including the lead design and manufacturing process, which will be brought in-house. This move aims to address the performance issues and ensure the Stentrode meets the required standards. The company's decision to pause the trials is not a reflection of any safety concerns, but rather an effort to refine the technology before moving forward with the next phase of testing. Synchron has assured that it will continue to support participants who have already received the Stentrode implant and provide them with ongoing care throughout their lifetime. Synchron's brain-computer interface technology has shown great promise, but recent performance issues have prompted a pause in its clinical trials. The company remains optimistic about the potential of its Stentrode implant to become a leading treatment option for neurological disorders. In a bid to address the technical problems, Synchron is expanding its operations in San Diego, with multiple job openings listed on its website and LinkedIn page. These positions include roles for electrical and mechanical engineers, microchip designers, and materials scientists, who will work together to design and manufacture an upgraded version of the implant's lead. The upgraded device will also feature a new component that goes beyond the blood vessels, according to Synchron's website. This separate device is still shrouded in mystery, but it appears to be an innovative step forward in brain-computer interface technology. The company has hinted at developing a more complex and natural system for controlling devices. The rapid growth of the brain-computer interface field has attracted significant investment from top venture capital firms. Synchron's valuation stands at nearly $1 billion following its recent funding round, which brought in $200 million. The company is backed by influential investors including Khosla Ventures and the venture firms associated with Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos. Neuralink, another prominent player in the field, has been valued as high as $42 billion in secondary market transactions this summer. Synchron's early struggles with its implant have not dampened investor enthusiasm for brain-computer interface technology, which is seen as a promising area of research and development. The coin-sized brain implant developed by Synchron has been experiencing technical difficulties since its early trials began. The device, which features 64 tiny and flexible wires that are inserted into the brain, has shown promise in restoring motor functions for people with severe disorders. However, its performance issues have raised concerns about the technology's readiness for commercial use. One of the implant's users, Arbaugh, experienced a setback when several of the wires came out of his brain, resulting in a loss of control over the cursor. Fortunately, Neuralink was able to adapt by modifying its recording algorithm, allowing them to restore functionality. This incident highlights the challenges that still need to be overcome before these devices can be widely used. Despite the setbacks, the development of brain-computer interfaces is gaining momentum due to advancements in artificial intelligence. AI models have proven capable of reading brain patterns more accurately and quickly than traditional algorithms, which has sparked significant investment in the field. Companies like Merge Labs, cofounded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, are emerging with substantial funding and collaborations with leading tech companies, underscoring the potential for breakthroughs in this area. --- Source: [Wired](https://www.wired.com/story/synchron-pauses-trials-of-its-brain-implant-due-to-performance-issues/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/clinical-trials-for-synchron-s-brain-implant-technology-put-on-hold/