INBRAIN Gets €4M Spanish Grant for Graphene-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces

INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, a clinical-stage neurotechnology company based in Barcelona, Spain, has secured a significant grant of 4 million euros from the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism through the Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan (PERTE Chip). This funding aims to accelerate the development of INBRAIN's high-precision brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, which leverages graphene to decode and modulate brain activity in real time. The primary objective is to provide new and effective treatments for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, stroke rehabilitation, and epilepsy, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and reducing side effects. Project Background and Significance On May 5, 2025, the Spanish government announced a temporary allocation of 53.2 million euros to fund 37 innovative projects across 11 autonomous communities. INBRAIN's project was selected for its potential in combining advanced materials, semiconductor manufacturing, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) computing tools. The company's graphene-based neural interface platform stands out due to its ultra-high precision, adaptability, and biocompatibility, making it suitable for treating a range of neurological conditions. The PERTE Chip program is part of Spain's broader strategy to strengthen its microelectronics and semiconductor industries, fostering innovation and promoting technological sovereignty. By supporting companies like INBRAIN, the program aims to position Spain as a leader in deep technology and advanced medical devices, ultimately contributing to the country's economic recovery and ensuring that European healthcare is less dependent on external suppliers. Company Vision and Technology Features Founded by Carolina Aguilar, INBRAIN Neuroelectronics is at the forefront of developing real-time precision neurotechnologies. Their BCI-Tx platform uses advanced AI algorithms to continuously monitor brain activity and adjust treatment protocols in real time. This capability allows for personalized therapy that can be finely tuned to individual patients, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing adverse effects. The BCI-Tx platform has already captured international attention, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designating INBRAIN’s graphene-based BCI device as an innovative medical device for treating Parkinson's disease. Beyond this, INBRAIN plans to collaborate with Merck Group and its internal electronics subsidiary INNERVIA Bioelectronics to explore applications in systemic diseases and peripheral nervous system disorders. The company's vision is to create groundbreaking solutions that not only treat neurological conditions but also prevent and manage them effectively. Impact and Future Prospects Carolina Aguilar, CEO and co-founder of INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for the national support: "We are honored to receive this funding as part of Spain's efforts to advance cutting-edge neurotechnology. This grant is crucial for accelerating our development of precision neurotechnologies that could revolutionize the treatment of neurological diseases and establish Spain as a leader in deep tech healthcare innovation." Miquel Sàmper, Minister for Business and Labor of the Catalonia region, echoed this sentiment: "The Catalan government fully supports innovative enterprises like INBRAIN Neuroelectronics. Their work in neurotechnology, incorporating advanced materials like graphene, is pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation and reinforcing Catalonia's, Spain's, and Europe's position as leaders in key technology sectors. Supporting such projects is vital for building national technological autonomy and maintaining long-term competitiveness in the medical technology industry." Technical Breakdown The graphene-based neural interface platform developed by INBRAIN is designed to offer high-precision and adaptable modulation of brain activity. Graphene, known for its exceptional electrical conductivity and biocompatibility, serves as the foundation for creating interfaces that can accurately read and influence neural signals. The platform's ability to integrate seamlessly with biological tissues reduces the risk of immune rejection and inflammation, common issues with traditional neuro-prosthetics. For Parkinson's disease, the BCI-Tx device can detect specific brain patterns associated with motor symptoms and deliver targeted electrical stimuli to mitigate these effects. In stroke rehabilitation, it can help in retraining motor functions by providing precise feedback during physical therapy sessions. For epilepsy, the device can predict seizures and intervene early to prevent their onset. These capabilities highlight the platform's versatility and its potential to transform how neurological disorders are managed and treated. International Recognition and Collaborations INBRAIN's achievements have earned recognition beyond Spain. The FDA's designation of the BCI-Tx device as an innovative medical device for Parkinson's disease underscores the global belief in the company's potential. This status will facilitate faster regulatory approval and market entry, enabling INBRAIN to bring its technology to more patients in need. Moreover, collaborations with industry giants like Merck Group and INNERVIA Bioelectronics are pivotal for scaling up production and exploring new applications. These partnerships will not only enhance the company's research and development efforts but also broaden the scope of its technology to address a wider array of health challenges. Industry Experts' Evaluation Experts in the neurotechnology sector view INBRAIN's receipt of the PERTE Chip grant as a significant milestone. According to Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a leading neuroscientist, "The selection of INBRAIN for this grant demonstrates a commitment to advancing neurotechnology in Europe. Graphene-based BCIs have the potential to set new standards in therapeutic interventions, offering unprecedented levels of precision and customization." This funding is expected to propel INBRAIN into a new phase of growth and innovation, solidifying its position as a leader in the field. As a rapidly growing tech startup, INBRAIN not only gains national validation but also strengthens its international presence, showcasing its competitive edge and potential to disrupt the medical technology landscape. Company Profile INBRAIN Neuroelectronics is a pioneer in real-time precision neurology, offering the first graphene-based brain-computer interface treatment platform (BCI-Tx). By integrating advanced neural decoding and precise micro-level regulation, the company develops personalized and adaptive therapies for various neurological disorders. For more information, visit [company website]. In summary, INBRAIN Neuroelectronics' success in securing the PERTE Chip grant highlights the Spanish government's commitment to fostering innovation in healthcare technology. The company's graphene-based BCI technology holds the promise of transforming treatment paradigms for neurological conditions, positioning Spain and Europe as global leaders in advanced medical solutions.