Health and Healthcare Systems

Applying technology to neurological conditions could address global health challenges

Realizing the full potential of neural interfaces requires collaboration across industries and sectors.

Realizing the full potential of neural interfaces requires collaboration across industries and sectors. Image: Photo by Rollz International on Unsplash

Tom Oxley
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Synchron
This article is part of: World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
  • Chronic neurological conditions, such as paralysis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, affect millions globally.
  • Applying technology to neurological conditions could represent a paradigm shift with the potential to transform treatment, restore independence and redefine the possibilities for millions living with neurological impairments.

Chronic neurological conditions, such as paralysis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, affect millions globally and impact individuals, families and healthcare systems. Despite significant advances in medicine, these disorders often remain inadequately addressed, leaving patients with limited treatment options and little hope for restoration of function. An emerging technology, however, offers new hope for patients, neural interfaces.

The use of technology represents a paradigm shift with the potential to transform treatment, restore independence and redefine the possibilities for millions living with neurological impairments.

I will be attending the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 for the first time and I believe it’s critical to spotlight how breakthrough technology can align with global health priorities, addressing some of humanity's most pressing challenges.

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The scale of the neurological health crisis

Neurological disorders represent a significant and growing burden worldwide. Consider this: 1.3 billion people globally are living with a disability, according to the World Health Organisation, yet effective restorative treatments remain elusive. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, affect millions more, while stroke continues to be a leading cause of long-term disability. These conditions diminish individual quality of life and strain healthcare systems and economies. In the United States, for example, upper limb paralysis costs the healthcare system an estimated $8 billion annually.

This growing crisis demands innovative solutions that go beyond symptom management to restoration and functional improvement. Neural interfaces offer such a pathway, potentially transforming the lives of those affected while alleviating the economic and social burden these conditions impose.

At its core, a neural interface enables direct communication between the brain and external devices. By decoding brain signals, neural interfaces can restore function in ways previously deemed impossible. For instance, patients with paralysis can now control robotic arms or prosthetics through thought alone. These applications are not science fiction and are already a reality in clinical settings.

The potential of neural interfaces extends far beyond paralysis. Emerging research suggests these devices could play a role in treating neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis, offering hope to millions who currently face progressive decline. As this field evolves, the promise of neural interfaces lies not just in addressing physical impairments but also in improving cognitive and mental health, expanding the scope of what medicine can achieve.

Synchron is at the forefront of this revolution, developing non-invasive, minimally disruptive neural interfaces that work in real time to address complex neurological conditions. Unlike traditional neural interfaces that require invasive brain surgery, Synchron’s technology is designed to be implanted through the natural highways of the brain, blood vessels, making it potentially safer and more accessible.

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For patients with locked-in syndrome, neural interfaces are not just medical devices, they are bridges to independence, dignity, and connection, enabling them to communicate with their loved ones via thought-powered devices. From motor disabilities to mental health disorders, brain-computer interfaces could fundamentally reshape how we approach brain health, making advanced treatments a reality for diverse conditions.

Realizing the full potential of neural interfaces requires collaboration across industries and sectors. Synchron is partnering with healthcare institutions, researchers, patient advocates and biotech companies to accelerate progress in the brain-computer interface space. These collaborations are not just fostering technological breakthroughs; they are building the foundation for widespread adoption and integration of brain-computer interfaces into healthcare systems.

We recently announced that our neural interface system can integrate with Amazon Alexa and Apple VisionPro. We also announced a collaboration with NVIDIA to use its Holoscan platform to redefine the possibilities of real-time neural interaction. We are currently running our US-based clinical study, COMMAND and have implanted six patients in that study. The next step will be US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for our pivotal study, the last step before potential FDA approval.

With any transformative technology, ethical and regulatory considerations are paramount. Neural interfaces touch on deeply personal aspects of human identity and autonomy, raising questions about privacy, consent and safety.

At Synchron, we are committed to navigating these challenges responsibly. This means working closely with regulatory bodies to ensure rigorous safety standards, while prioritizing patient welfare. It also means engaging with ethicists, patient communities and policymakers to address concerns and build trust in this emerging technology.

A vision for global health equity

One of the most compelling aspects of neural interface technology is its potential to address healthcare disparities. By offering innovative treatments that are minimally invasive and scalable, Synchron aims to make advanced neurological care accessible to underserved populations worldwide.

This vision aligns with broader efforts to improve global health equity. Imagine a world where patients in low-resource settings can access life-changing neural interface therapies, breaking down barriers to care and empowering individuals regardless of geography or socioeconomic status. Such a future is within reach, but it requires intentional efforts to integrate brain-computer interfaces into global healthcare strategies.

It's time to catalyze action on neurological interfaces

By merging cutting-edge innovation with a commitment to equity, Synchron’s advancements in neural interfaces offer a pathway to revolutionize healthcare on a global scale.

At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, we have an opportunity to catalyze action. Policymakers, industry leaders and innovators must come together to accelerate the development and integration of neural interfaces into mainstream healthcare. By fostering international partnerships and investing in this transformative technology, we can improve lives and redefine what is possible in medicine.

The time for action is now. We must amplify the promise of neural interfaces and inspire a global movement towards innovation, collaboration and equity in healthcare. Together, we can unlock a future where neurological conditions no longer dictate the limits of human potential.

Let’s build that future — one thought at a time.

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