What does it take to build a BCI company around better hardware, stronger data, and a long-term view of how the brain will be decoded? In this episode of The Business of Neurotech, host Adam Fraser is joined by Nicolas Vachicouras, CEO and co-founder of Neurosoft Bioelectronics, to discuss his path from microelectronics and nanotechnology into the BCI space, and how Neurosoft is developing soft, stretchable electrodes designed to sit on the brain surface rather than penetrate it. Adam and Nicolas discuss the technical and commercial thinking behind Neurosoft’s strategy, how the company has moved from early academic work to first-in-human studies, and why platform thinking now matters more than pursuing a single indication. They also discuss fundraising in Europe versus the US, why BCI still needs high-quality invasive data to unlock future breakthroughs, how the partnership with Science Corp fits into the wider BCI value chain, and why Nicolas believes the field will likely support several major players over time. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• [01:25] Nicolas’ backstory and how his studies led him into BCI.
• [03:17] See how Nicolas first started thinking about commercialising neurotechnology.
• [05:56] Explore what Neurosoft is building and the core idea behind its approach to BCI.
• [07:43] Understand how Neurosoft’s approach differs from typical BCI technology.
• [09:17] The different levels of invasiveness in BCI and how this impacts data quality.
• [11:38] Neurosoft’s progress and how the roadmap to clinical trials is taking shape.
• [15:15] Learn how Neurosoft’s focus has evolved from tinnitus towards a broader strategy.
• [17:40] Find out whether mental health is part of Neurosoft’s long-term plan.
• [18:52] Unpack Neurosoft’s funding journey and what Nicolas has learnt along the way.
• [21:19] Discover why Neurosoft is starting with the US market, instead of Europe.
• [22:28] Why funding in a market where competitors have more capital is not an issue.
• [24:00] Examine how the partnership with Science Corp fits into Neurosoft’s long-term goals.
• [28:27] How BCI fits into the broader neurotech ecosystem and the future market of BCI.
• [30:59] Uncover why reimbursement remains such an important challenge for BCI.
• [32:39] Hear how Nicolas thinks about building a team for a long-term goal.
• [36:14] Final takeaways and how to connect with Nicolas and Neurosoft Bioelectronics.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Nicolas Vachicouras

Nicolas Vachicouras on LinkedIn

Neurosoft Bioelectronics

Science Corp

Adam Fraser on LinkedIn

Omniscient Neurotechnology

The Business of Neurotech Podcast