The Mind Race: Paradromics Challenges Neuralink with Groundbreaking Brain Implant in Just 20 Minutes
- Lidi Garcia
- Jun 4
- 2 min read
Paradromics has successfully tested a brain device on a human for the first time. The technology, called Connexus BCI, was created to help people with paralysis communicate using brain signals. The surgery was quick and safe, and marks the beginning of clinical trials that could eventually bring greater independence to people with severe motor disabilities.
Our brains communicate with the body through electrical signals. Modern technologies, called brain-computer interfaces (or BCIs), are being developed to capture these signals and translate them into commands for computers, allowing people with physical limitations such as paralysis to communicate or interact with the digital world.
These technologies have been tested by companies such as Elon Musk's Neuralink and now, more recently, by the American startup Paradromics.
In May 2025, Paradromics reached an important milestone by successfully implanting its brain device in a human for the first time. The surgery took place during a previously scheduled epilepsy procedure at the University of Michigan.
The medical team was able to implant and then remove the device in less than 20 minutes, using surgical techniques already familiar to neurosurgeons. This shows that, in addition to being safe, the procedure can be integrated into existing medical practice without major changes.
The device tested, called Connexus BCI, is primarily intended to help people with severe motor disabilities, such as those caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke or spinal cord injuries, to communicate again.
It does this by recording electrical signals directly from individual neurons in the brain and, with the help of artificial intelligence, converting these signals into actions, such as moving a cursor or forming words on a screen.
While Connexus has not yet been approved by the FDA, the results of the first human trial were promising.
The device worked as expected, recording brain signals with high accuracy and without causing harm. This marks the transition of Paradromics from an experimental company to one that can now begin larger clinical studies with real patients.
The surgery was conducted by Dr. Matthew Willsey, a neurosurgeon and biomedical engineer, along with Dr. Oren Sagher, an epilepsy specialist, and a multidisciplinary team.
According to the doctors, in addition to testing the Paradromics device, the procedure also helped to better understand how epilepsy affects brain signals.
Dr. Matthew Willsey (right) and Dr. Stephen Ryu, Chief Medical Officer of Paradromics (left).
In the coming months, the company plans to perform more similar surgeries and begin a formal clinical trial later this year to study the continued use and safety of the Connexus BCI in people with severe mobility challenges.
The company has also announced international collaborations, such as with Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, indicating that its plans extend beyond the United States.
This new generation of brain devices represents real hope for many people with severe mobility difficulties. While it’s still early days, recent advances show that we’re getting closer to turning these innovations into real clinical solutions.
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