NeuroBionics, an 18-month-old MIT-spinout, is poised to revolutionize the treatment of neurological conditions such as depression, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease with its innovative bioelectric fibers. These tiny fibers, the width of a human hair, are designed to be piped through blood vessels in the brain using a procedure similar to stent placement, delivering neuromodulation therapy in a minimally invasive manner.

The company's approach has garnered significant attention from investors, including Steve Jurvetson of Future Ventures, who believes that NeuroBionics' technology could address a wide range of applications, including pain, incontinence, and other conditions related to the peripheral nervous system. The startup has just closed $5 million in funding led by Dolby Family Ventures, with participation from Future Ventures, GreyMatter Capital, and several other backers, which will be used to complete work on its clinical device.

NeuroBionics' bioelectric fibers are powered by a standard implantable battery, designed to last five to 10 years, and are made from carbon nanotubes, which are cheaper, longer-lasting, and less toxic than traditional metal electrodes. This innovative material choice also enables easier MRI imaging, as metal can create bright spots in MRI images, making it harder to see the brain.

The company's CEO, MJ Antonini, co-founded NeuroBionics while a student at MIT, where he secured three patents that give the university a small ownership stake in the business. Antonini's unique background, with a doctorate degree from both Harvard and MIT through the Harvard–MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, has enabled him to bridge the gap between medical research and commercial application.

While the potential impact of NeuroBionics' technology is significant, it will take time to come to fruition. The company plans to complete its clinical device and then demonstrate its safety and efficacy in pigs, followed by FDA review and first-in-human early feasibility studies. Antonini estimates that the technology may not hit the market until 2030, but patient investors like Jurvetson are crucial in supporting the startup's ambitious goals.

Jurvetson believes that NeuroBionics' minimally invasive approach could open up the market for deep brain stimulation, which has been shown to be effective in treating a range of conditions, including stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, chronic pain, and tremor. Currently, only a concentrated pocket of large and advanced hospitals offer this surgery, but NeuroBionics' technology could make it more accessible to a wider population.

As the company navigates the next steps in its development, it's clear that NeuroBionics is poised to make a significant impact in the treatment of neurological conditions. With its innovative technology and patient investors, the startup is well-positioned to bring its vision of minimally invasive neuromodulation therapy to reality.