--- title: "Neurotech Startup Bridge Launches with Non-Invasive Brain-Computer Interface" url: https://newscentral.site/neurotech-startup-bridge-launches-with-non-invasive-brain-computer/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Technology" published: 2026-10-06T15:00:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-06T15:40:57.171Z id: bbe90227-044d-4a87-a149-1f1aaa3e6871 source: "Wired https://www.wired.com/story/bridge-neurotech-startup-rival-sam-altman-merge-labs/" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/neurotech-startup-bridge-launches-with-non-invasive-brain-computer/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Neurotech Startup Bridge Launches with Non-Invasive Brain-Computer Interface A new neurotechnology startup called Bridge is launching to develop a wearable device that can translate brain signals into practical actions without the need for surgical intervention. A New Neurotech Startup Launches to Rival Sam Altman's Merge Labs A new neurotechnology startup has emerged in a rapidly growing field, aiming to translate brain signals into practical actions. The company joins a list of prominent players, including Elon Musk's Neuralink, Synchron, Paradromics, and Precision Neuroscience, all working on brain-computer interfaces for individuals who have lost motor or speech abilities. These existing approaches typically require surgical intervention, which is why the founder and CEO of Bridge, Will Biederman, has chosen to take a different route. According to Biederman, his vision diverges from those of other companies in this field, and he wants to develop a wearable device that can be used by many more people than an implanted brain-computer interface. Biederman developed the chip initially licensed for use by Neuralink as part of his PhD work, but his goal with Bridge is to create a non-invasive solution. This contrasts with the 100 or so individuals worldwide who have received implanted brain-computer interfaces as part of clinical trials, including those testing Neuralink's device. The risks associated with neurosurgery cannot be underestimated, Biederman emphasizes, which means that any new devices in this space must offer high levels of safety and benefit. The performance of wearable brain-computer interfaces has been hindered by poor signal quality due to the weakening of electrical signals as they pass through bone and skin before reaching external sensors. As a result, most companies in this space have resorted to recording electrical impulses directly from neurons in the brain, which has enabled paralyzed individuals to control electronic devices, move robotic arms, and communicate in real time with their thoughts. However, Bridge Neurotech is challenging conventional wisdom by exploring an alternative approach using ultrasound technology. This method involves bouncing high-frequency sound waves off moving red blood cells to measure the speed and direction of blood flow in the brain. Research has shown that fluctuations in blood flow closely follow neural activity, making it a viable indirect indicator of brain function. Bridge Neurotech is currently trialing an instrument that uses this principle to image brain function in the UK. The company's approach differs from those taken by Neuralink and others, which rely on direct recordings from neurons. This distinction has sparked debate among experts, with some arguing that the natural delay between neural activity and blood flow changes could be a significant drawback for applications requiring real-time feedback. The ultrasound-based brain-computer interface developed by Bridge neurotech startup has a notable limitation - it can only capture slower variations in neural activity. This lag time could be a significant issue for applications requiring real-time feedback, such as controlling robotic limbs or typing rapidly. To address this challenge, Bridge is planning to utilize predictive AI models to minimize the delay and enhance the performance of its interface. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, the company aims to bridge the gap between neural activity and blood flow changes. The startup's first clinical study is underway in Redwood City, California, where a small group of volunteers will have an ultrasound probe placed on the side of their head. This observational study involves healthy adults as well as individuals who have undergone skull surgery, with no treatments or diagnoses involved. The device used by Bridge resembles something akin to headphones and sits on the temporal window above the ear. The probes are equipped with semiconductor silicon chips from Butterfly Network's portable ultrasound technology, which will record brain activity while participants engage in various activities like listening, watching, moving, and speaking. The skull's thinnest part makes it an ideal location for imaging brain activity through ultrasound technology, according to Bridge co-founder Biederman. This is crucial because bone can scatter and absorb sound waves, posing technical challenges for noninvasive imaging. Researchers at Caltech and the University of Southern California had previously demonstrated the feasibility of using ultrasound-based brain-computer interfaces in a 2024 study, but their method required part of the skull to be surgically removed. This "window" allowed ultrasound waves to pass through, enabling researchers to read and decode brain activity. Bridge will need to overcome this technical hurdle if it is to succeed with its noninvasive interface vision. --- Source: [Wired](https://www.wired.com/story/bridge-neurotech-startup-rival-sam-altman-merge-labs/) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/neurotech-startup-bridge-launches-with-non-invasive-brain-computer/