Invasive and Non-Invasive Neural Interfaces: Forecasts and Applications 2018-2028

Neural interfaces have long been a useful tool in research, but have recently garnered attention from both the government and independent investors alike. This report provides an overview of those interests and collaborations responsible for the production of innovative technologies that meld man with machine. The 2013 NIH BRAIN initiative, for example, has multiple industry partners who develop and provide neural interfacing technology including Inscopix, Blackrock Microsystems, Ripple Neuro, and NeuroNexus; all of which this report covers in detail. Additionally, prominent businessmen and venture capitalists like Bryan Johnson have gone so far as to establish their own companies (e.g. Kernel) in pursuit of brain machine interface development. Academic institutions however today still hold a lead when it comes to top patenting assignees, with schools like the University of California, MIT, and Case Western Reserve all contributing major technological advances to the field. This new report contains an entire chapter dedicated to elucidating these, and other important patent trends for neural interfaces (including timelines, geographic breakdowns, and technology areas).

 

 

Figure: Shows the top 20 assignees for "neural interface" patents.

 

The resulting applications for neural interface technology are broad, ranging from research to medical devices, and in non-invasive tech, even the consumer market. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of the current competitive landscape for these technologies. Invasive probes, for example, have been a neurophysiological staple for years, as scientists endeavor to decode the complex architecture of the brain. New techniques like optogenetics, used in tandem with conventional probes for neurophysiology, have the potential to disentangle the complex web of pathways responsible for a given behavior or disease. Additionally, probes are being made stronger, thinner, yet more flexible. These characteristics are tremendously advantageous in terms of biocompatibility for potential human applications where long-term stability is key. Advances in probe microfabrication over the years have proved indispensable in making new, translatable discoveries possible. Yet report details other hardware developments too, that have been crucial in propelling benchwork forward. Wireless transmission and induction power have played a role in tether-less headstages that allow experimental mice the ability to move freely, unencumbered by the wires connecting them back to traditional data acquisition systems. Wireless communication from implanted probes may play a major part in the development of certain medical devices for humans, a venture some believe may gain traction in the form of clinical trials within the next 5 years.

 

On the non-invasive side, EEG (electroencephalography) and fNIRs (functional near-infrared spectroscopy) technology has forged a path both in research and the consumer market. While EEG probes have been commonly used in the monitoring and diagnosis of patients over decades, fNIRS has grown into a sort of "mobile-MRI" technology capable of adding an extra dimension to neurological assessment. Both of these are essential in the clinic, where they are commonly used for a variety of indications including epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and sleep disorders. Emerging applications however, continue to arise, as these non-invasive technologies like the mindBEAGLE by Guger Technologies may help patients in a "locked-in" state communicate. In consumer goods, these non-invasive biosensors are integrated into easy-to-wear headsets useful for applications like education and training, health and wellness, and entertainment. Users can wirelessly track their levels of concentration, both during meditation and in school, and check their results on their own phone. In the entertainment sector, EEG-based technology has combined with other fields like artificial reality to create new engaging viewing experiences, while long-standing companies like Mattel team up with Neurosky to make the next generation of mind-controlled toys. The report is therefore a 'must-read' for those looking to dissect apart the billion-dollar market potential for non-invasive interfaces, finding niches in both the clinic and consumer sectors.

 

The future of neural interface technology, both invasive and non-invasive, is an exciting one. It holds tremendous promise for the future or research, healthcare, and everyday consumer electronics. A corresponding segmented market forecast for neural interfaces is included in the report; framing this industry that may amount to a minimum $2B for 2028 alone. A conservative estimate, there remain still several technologies today that may be even more prosperous beyond the next decade after various regulatory approvals have been accomplished, creating an environment where getting in on the ground floor now, is essential.

All report purchases include up to 30 minutes telephone time with an expert analyst who will help you link key findings in the report to the business issues you're addressing. This needs to be used within three months of purchasing the report.

If you have any questions about this report, please do not hesitate to contact our report team at research@IDTechEx.com or call one of our sales managers:

AMERICAS (USA): +1 617 577 7890

ASIA (Japan and Korea): +81 3 3216 7209

ASIA: +44 1223 810259

EUROPE (UK) +44 1223 812300