U.K. Government Funds Next-Generation Neural Implant Research

MintNeuro has recieved £17 million in funding from the U.K. government’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) to develop chip-scale neurotechnologies for adoption in clinical settings.

The non-dilutive funding has been awarded to MintNeuro and its partners as part of the U.K. R&D funding agency’s £69 million Precision Neurotechnologies program, led by Director Jacques Carolan. MintNeuro will lead the custom development and integration of low-power, function-specific integrated circuits and systems for each of the three funded projects, aligned with the program’s mission to develop precise, less invasive, and biologically integrated neurotechnologies.

“The standard was exceptionally high. The fact that MintNeuro is central to so many of the successful applications speaks volumes to both the quality of the work and the critical role MintNeuro is playing in the U.K. ecosystem,” Carolan said.

Precision 4D Control of Cortical Circuit Function

In this £8.2 million project led by Andrew Jackson (MintNeuro, Newcastle University), MintNeuro is joining forces with teams from Newcastle University, University of Oxford, and Imperial College London to deliver data-driven, AI-enhanced brain stimulation technology. The goal is to define and selectively target behaviorally-relevant neural populations within cortical circuits with unprecedented precision and cell-type specificity. By integrating multi-modal machine learning with advanced stimulation techniques, the project will enable 4D (multipolar, time- and space-variant) closed-loop control of pathological network dynamics and brain states underlying awake behavior. This has the potential to create more effective, adaptive treatments for existing indications (e.g. epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease) and emerging treatment areas (e.g. stroke, depression).

Brain Mesh: A Distributed Network Interface to Mesoscale Cortical Circuits in Large Animals

Led by Jacob Robinson (Motif Neurotech, Rice University), this £4.7 million project is a collaboration between MintNeuro, Motif Neurotech, and Rice University to develop the Brain Mesh, a distributed network of ultra-small, wireless neural implants. Each millimeter-sized device, or Mesh Point, will be capable of sensing neural signals and delivering precise stimulation, creating a distributed, scalable system for monitoring and modulating brain activity. Leveraging its interactions with mesoscale cortical circuits, the Brain Mesh will provide a more precise, holistic way to interact with the brain compared to traditional implants for clinical translation, paving the way for more comprehensive neuromodulation treatments for mental health disorders such as severe depression.

Minimally Invasive Multiplexed Temporal Interference Brain Stimulation Network

Led by Nir Grossman (U.K. Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London), this £4.1 million project brings together MintNeuro, Imperial College London, and Newcastle University to develop a minimally-invasive brain stimulation technology capable of precisely targeting multiple brain regions. This system will leverage multiplexed temporal interference (TI) stimulation to modulate neural circuits with implant-like precision, but without the need for a surgical brain implant. The project will focus on developing the TI stimulation principle, creating a prototype device, and demonstrating its capabilities. The overall project vision is to enable targeted neuromodulation across the brain, paving the way for new treatments for many neurological and psychiatric disorders.

“ARIA’s Precision Neurotechnologies program is a global pathfinder, uniting frontier innovations to unlock new methods to interface with the brain and bringing the promise of hugely beneficial impacts for addressing the complex and devastating medical conditions that affect so many people worldwide,” MintNeuro Co-Founder/CEO Dorian Haci stated. “These landmark projects will drive advancements in treating brain disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and neuropsychiatric conditions, where current solutions remain limited.”

MintNeuro is focusing on the intersection of neurotechnology and semiconductors, pioneering advanced integrated circuits for next-generation neural implants. With deep expertise in chip design and a pre-validated technology platform, MintNeuro delivers rapid, customized solutions that empower medical device developers to accelerate innovation. Its compact, low-power, and modular chips seamlessly integrate functions like sensing, stimulation, and processing, unlocking capabilities that were previously unattainable.

“We are excited to be a key partner in these projects, which push the boundaries of neural interface technology and accelerate translation to human applications,” MintNeuro Co-Founder/Chief Technology Officer Tim Constandinou added. “At MintNeuro, our modular integrated circuit platform provides the foundation for scalable, less invasive, and efficient neural implants. These breakthroughs are only possible with advanced semiconductor solutions, and we are proud to lead this transformation.”

Founded as a spinout from Imperial College London, MintNeuro leads in advanced semiconductor technology for neural implants. With strong roots in academic research and a dedication to innovation, the company boasts a portfolio of intellectual property underpinning its solutions. MintNeuro’s proprietary chip technology tackles core challenges in neurology with scalable, low-power solutions that enhance the efficiency and accessibility of implantable devices. Strategic partnerships with institutions and medical device companies place MintNeuro at the forefront of adaptable systems addressing a range of neurological conditions, including epilepsy, movement disorders, and cognitive dysfunctions.

Created by an Act of Parliament, and sponsored by the U.K. government’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, ARIA funds breakthrough R&D in under-explored areas to catalyze new paths to prosperity. ARIA’s programs are shaped and led by program directors, as well as scientific and technical leaders with deep expertise and a focused, creative vision for the ways in which technology can enable a better future.