Presenting Companies

Medtrode Inc. is a medical device company developing a portfolio of next generation neurostimulation therapies that enable site-specific delivery of electrical stimulation used to treat neurological and other disorders. At the core of the delivery system is a novel, patented multi-functional DBS electrode (MCE) that is easier and safer to implant yet offers unprecedented therapy configuration. Matched with a true multichannel implantable pulse generator (IPG) under development, the total system is expected to be the only device on the market that will empower clinicians to record and reconfigure the electrical field, post-implantation. The reduced size of our MCE design and the ability to simultaneously record and stimulate with one device is anticipated to also permit additional therapies in DBS and other neurostimulation areas that are unachievable with current devices. In addition to our unique MCE technology, Medtrode is developing a new implantation approach with the objective to greatly streamline the surgical procedure for neurosurgeons.

Neural Signals Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is a brain-computer interfacing company. It was the first to perform a long-term human implant 10 years ago and the first to show control of computer programs directly from the brain. It is a personal communication company. It sells Medicare approved, proprietary non-invasive communication devices through its subsidiary Emerge Medical www.emergemedical.com . The parent company is involved in restoring conversational speech to those who are locked-in—alert and intelligent but unable to move or speak. The company is presently working with a 23-year old male with a brainstem stroke who is now able to produce seven short words with reasonable accuracy. Neural Signals uses neural net software to decode the neural firing patterns recorded from his speech area with their patented Neurotrophic Electrode implanted in December 2004. This work is funded by the NIDCD of the NIH. This speech restoration neural prosthetic is unique to Neural Signals Inc and secured by patents.




Afferent Corp., founded, in 2000 by Jason D. Harry, Ph.D., is commercializing a breakthrough neurotherapy technology emerging from research at Boston University. Afferent's experienced management team has advanced the technology through an aggressive product development program. The company's products will be used to treat sensory dysfunction resulting from disease and injury. Afferent's technology dramatically increases the flow of sensory information traveling from muscles, joints, and skin to the body's control centers. The company's first products are targeted at restoring brain and motor function following stroke. By directly boosting sensory neural traffic from the extremities, Afferent's products will drive functional improvements that are unattainable using traditional therapies.


Computer-based cognitive training/brain fitness is a new and growing field, driven by recent major scientific findings, the first programs with clear clinical data and the emergence of wide public awareness of the need for “brain exercise.” SharpBrains brings to market computer-based, proven, best-of-breed cognitive neuroscience applications to present a full “brain gym.” The programs are developed by research institutions and/or affiliated companies worldwide.




Sage Medical is developing a versatile endovascular technology that addresses diseases specific to the aortic arch with a collective $1 billion market: 1) The catastrophic morbidity/mortality related to acute aortic dissections, and 2) The embolic burden and ischemic stroke associated with aortic plaque. Earlier this year the company completed a Series A round of financing that will provide for the execution of pre-clinical work on both projects.

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