Phantom Neuro Secures $19M Funding to Empower Amputees with Innovative Phantom Limb Solutions

The future of human augmentation through technology is rapidly approaching, and at the forefront of this revolution is Phantom Neuro. This innovative startup is redefining the landscape of prosthetics by developing a revolutionary wristband-like device that is implanted under the skin, enabling individuals to control prosthetic limbs with remarkable precision. Recently, Phantom Neuro secured $19 million in funding to propel its technology to the next stage of development.

Phantom Neuro’s Breakthrough Innovations

Phantom Neuro has achieved significant milestones in the medical technology field, including receiving two prestigious FDA designations: one as a Breakthrough Device and another for its TAP program. These designations are part of the FDA’s medical device accelerator program, which aims to streamline the commercialization process for promising technologies.

Understanding the Technology Behind Phantom Neuro

The startup’s technology is grounded in the concept of the phantom limb, a phenomenon where amputees continue to feel sensations in limbs that are no longer there. Phantom Neuro’s Phantom X software utilizes a specialized strip to read nerve impulses and translate them into movements of the attached prosthetic. Recent studies demonstrated that this technology achieved an impressive 94% accuracy in translating 11 hand and wrist movements. When the strip is implanted under the skin, accuracy is reported to improve even further, potentially allowing users to regain up to 85% functionality with just 10 minutes of calibration.

Funding and Strategic Partnerships

Leading the recent funding round is Ottobock, a renowned German company specializing in prosthetics and medical devices. Other investors include Breakout Ventures, Draper Associates, LionBird Ventures, Time BioVentures, and several new names such as Actual VC and Jumpspace. To date, Phantom Neuro has successfully raised a total of $28 million but has not disclosed its current valuation.

Dr. Connor Glass: Visionary Behind Phantom Neuro

Phantom Neuro was founded by Dr. Connor Glass, whose ambitious vision and personal experiences have shaped his commitment to creating impactful medical solutions. Initially aspiring to join the military, Glass faced challenges with repeated stress fractures that shifted his focus toward medicine. After an enlightening experience observing a brain operation, he pivoted from political science to pre-med, ultimately earning his medical degree in Oklahoma.

Dr. Glass’s journey led him to Johns Hopkins University, where he engaged in groundbreaking research on brain implants for controlling physical movement. Recognizing the limitations of current brain-computer interfaces, he pivoted his research toward a more scalable solution by focusing on nerve endings and the phantom limb phenomenon, ultimately founding Phantom Neuro.

The Future of Prosthetics and Beyond

Phantom Neuro’s technology is not just limited to prosthetics. The company envisions applications that extend to remote robot control and even enhancing artificial intelligence systems to mimic human movements. While the focus is initially on prosthetic arms, future plans include expanding support for prosthetic legs.

As Phantom Neuro advances its nerve-prosthetic interface, it recognizes the necessity for collaboration with established prosthetic manufacturers like Ottobock. Dr. Arne Kreitz, CFO of Ottobock, commented on the investment, stating, “Phantom is making good progress in the neural interface between prosthetics and the human body. It’s an interesting approach and not too invasive.”

For more information on advanced prosthetic technologies, visit Phantom Neuro or check out the Ottobock website for insights into the future of prosthetics.