Paul Le Floch: Pioneering Neural Implant Materials with Axoft
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
Release Date: 04/23/2024
Chad Andresen on Lunosa’s Injectable Neurostimulator and Lessons from Stimwave
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode, we sit down with , Chief Business Officer of , to explore a groundbreaking approach to treating obstructive sleep apnea. Lunosa is developing a self-expanding, injectable neurostimulator that aims to replace invasive facial surgeries with a minimally invasive, high-impact solution — tapping into a $10 billion market. Chad also reflects on his time at , a pioneering neuromodulation company that saw both innovation and controversy. He shares insights from testifying against Stimwave’s former CEO, lessons learned from the company’s collapse, and how those experiences shape...
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Frederik Ceyssens and the ReVision Implant Team: Building a Visual Cortical Prosthesis to Restore Sight
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this special on-location episode recorded in Leuven, Belgium, we sit down with the co-founders and technical leaders of — (CEO), (CTO), and (CSO). The team shares their journey developing a high-density, intracortical visual prosthesis aimed at restoring vision for the blind. From developing reliable insertion technology to achieving long-term biocompatibility in nonhuman primate models, ReVision Implant is at the forefront of neurotech innovation. Tune in to hear about their challenges, breakthroughs, and what’s next in the race to cure blindness through brain stimulation. This...
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Julio Martinez-Clark: Accelerating Clinical Trials Through Latin America with Bioaccess
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode, we speak with , CEO and co-founder of , a contract research organization helping Medtech and Biopharma startups slash months off their clinical timelines. With a focus on Latin America, Bioaccess enables early feasibility and first-in-human trials to be conducted faster, more affordably, and with high-quality data suitable for FDA and EU submissions. Julio shares how their global site network—built over 20 years—helps startups navigate regulatory hurdles, reduce costs, and de-risk innovation, all while improving patient lives in emerging markets. This episode is sponsored...
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Nathan Piland of Nunex: From Medtech Concept to Commercialization
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, we’re joined by , CEO of , a consulting firm that specializes in helping MedTech companies navigate the complex journey from concept to commercialization. With over two decades of experience across regulatory strategy, product development, and market access, Nathan shares invaluable insights into the critical steps for MedTech startups and established companies looking to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. Tune in as we discuss the unique challenges of the neurotech industry, strategic consulting for MedTech ventures, and how Nunex is...
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Eugene Daneshvar: Navigating Neurotech IP with Fairer Pricing and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, we welcome Dr. Eugene Daneshvar, founder of Black Swan Intellectual Property (BSIP), a boutique law firm specializing in intellectual property for neurotech and medtech innovations. With a background in biomedical engineering and law, Eugene has a unique perspective on protecting the cutting-edge ideas that drive the future of healthcare technology. After years of working at a larger firm, Eugene founded BSIP to provide more accessible, fair, and transparent pricing for IP services, moving away from the traditional hourly billing model. In...
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Maurits Ortmanns: Advancements in ASIC Design for Neurotech Implants
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode, we welcome , a leading expert in ASIC design and professor at the , Germany. With a distinguished career in microelectronics, Dr. Ortmanns has contributed extensively to the development of integrated circuits for biomedical applications. He shares insights into the critical role of ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) design in advancing neurotech implants, focusing on low-power, high-speed circuits that are essential for optimizing the performance and reliability of these devices. Dr. Ortmanns also discusses the challenges and future of circuit integration in...
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Expanding Horizons in Neuroprosthetics: A Conversation with Andreas Forsland
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, host Ladan Jiracek engages in an insightful dialogue with , founder and CEO of . The discussion covers Cognixion's pioneering augmented reality headset with EEG sensing, designed to enhance communication for individuals with speech and motor challenges. Andreas describes the journey from creating a speech augmentation device to developing a versatile platform, the Axon-R, which is now being utilized by health systems and researchers for various clinical applications. They explore the platform's form factor, capabilities, and its role in empowering...
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Exploring the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis with David McMillan
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
In this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, host Ladan speaks with , the Director of Education Outreach for the and a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami. They discuss the Miami Project's work, particularly in spinal cord injury research and neuroprosthetics. Topics include clinical trials, combining therapies, regulatory challenges, and the importance of rehabilitation in conjunction with therapeutic technologies. 00:00 Introduction to the Neural Implant Podcast 00:16 Meet David McMillan: Director of Education...
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Exploring Contract Engineering in Neurotechnology with Javier Schandy and Nicolas Barabino
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
I n this episode of the Neural Implant Podcast, host Ladan welcomes and from , an engineering services company based in Uruguay. They discuss their work in firmware, hardware, and software development for medical devices, emphasizing their specialization in wireless communications and test automation. They also explain the benefits of contract engineering, the challenges they face, and highlight an exciting project involving an injectable neurostimulator. The conversation covers the history of neurotechnology development in Uruguay, the process and dynamics of working with clients, and...
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Stephen Ho: Exploring Neurotech in Cinema with the Neurratives Podcast
Neural Implant podcast - the people behind Brain-Machine Interface revolutions
Today's guest is from Blackrock Microsystems. While we've featured Blackrock guests before, Stephen's appearance today is driven by his podcast, , where neurotech-inspired movies are reviewed and discussed. Top 3 Takeaways: "Our goal for the podcast isn't necessarily to be overly technical, requiring a neuroscience degree to understand. We're often deep in the subject matter and may get a bit jargony, but broadly, we aim to be accessible without pretending to be accomplished neuroscience researchers." “Due to the subject's nature, movies dealing with neuroscience themes...
info_outline"Welcome to today's episode! Our guest, Paul Le Floch, co-founder and CEO of Axoft, brings innovation to neural implants. With roots in France and a Harvard PhD, he's leading groundbreaking work. Welcome, Paul!"
Top 3 Takeaways:
- "It's a good time to ask the question: What if we could develop solutions tailored for this problem instead of borrowing from the semiconductor industry? That's what Axsoft is about. We emphasize developing soft materials that offer better long-term biocompatibility. Additionally, these materials are suitable for micro and nano fabrication and remain stable inside the brain."
- "The advantage is that when we identify something that doesn't work well, we can modify it because we designed the materials. The key is that we've developed an innovation that functions effectively, but we also acknowledge that it's not the final version of the system. The difference is that we can revisit it at the polymer chemistry level and alter the material's composition, structure, or introduce additives to enhance stability or mechanical properties."
- "At early stage, there is iteration. There is improvement over time. And at some point you need to take this leap of faith that your technology actually has a good edge, that you have enough, you will have enough resources to make it competitive. And I think we were confident enough about that and about our approach."
0:30 Can you introduce yourself better than I just did?
1:00 Is Axoft a spinoff?
5:00 How do you know your material is better?
9:00 Why did you go the startup route vs the academia route with this technology?
12:30 How do you let investors know that this is a long term startup?
14:00 Why did you choose the dilutive vs nondilutive route?
15:30 What indication is the material best for?
17:00 Where are you guys in terms of the lifecycle?
19:45 How big is the team and what are current challenges?
22:30 Where do you see neurotech in 10 years?
23:45 Anything that we didn’t talk about that you wanted to mention?