Coherence Neuro raises $45 million, including from OpenAI, for a brain implant that detects and slows tumors

The San Francisco-based start-up wants to use AI to decode the electrical signals of brain tumours and counter them with stimulation. A long-term trial on glioblastoma is planned.

Coherence Neuro has completed a $45 million seeding tour involving Peter Thiel's OpenAI Startup Fund and Founders Fund. Unlike most brain-machine interfaces, which aim to render functions to paralyzed people, the young company is tackling cancer: its AI models seek to recognize the tenuous electrical signals associated with brain tumours to determine whether they progress, regress or recur. The device is also designed to deliver a slight stimulation designed to slow their growth, adjusting with data.

First human tests

This summer, the implant was placed about 30 minutes in three patients already operating a tumour at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, as a first safety check; seven other patients should test both registration and stimulation. Lifting should fund a long-term implanted clinical trial in patients with glioblastoma. Its CEO Ben Woodington states that OpenAI will not have access to any brain data or health data, unlike the research partnership announced in January between OpenAI and Merge Labs.