NEUROTECHNOLOGY that responds to a patient’s own brain activity could deliver stimulation more precisely and with fewer side effects, according to a panel discussion at MedTech World Europe 2026. Speakers discussed how brain-computer interfaces, neurostimulation, and neurological diagnostics are moving towards clinical use, and what must be shown for them to benefit patients.
Wesley Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of Vonova Neurotech, has a background in catheter-based therapies that replaced open surgery in cardiac electrophysiology. He described efforts to reach the brain surface through a minimally invasive approach.
Jones explained why signal quality matters by comparing non-invasive recording to listening to a conversation through a wall. You can tell something is happening, but attenuation through the skull muffles the signal so much that you cannot make out the detail. He suggested that, given the large unmet needs in neurology, the field’s future is likely to include invasive approaches that can capture more precise neural data.
Frank Bulens, Partner at imec.xpand, said closed-loop capability was the deciding factor in his firm’s decision to invest in the field. Closed-loop systems both read brain activity and deliver stimulation in response. He outlined three potential advantages; the first being that stimulation is delivered only when and where it is needed, which may reduce side effects. Second, responsive stimulation may make treatment more sensitive and effective. Finally, lower power use may extend the battery life of implanted devices, which could mean fewer device replacements.
Bulens also mentioned electrode materials such as graphene, which may provide high sensitivity and bandwidth for both recording and stimulation.
Maria Roldan, Co-Founder and CEO of Crainio, is developing continuous, non-invasive, AI-based brain monitoring. She said working with a clinical team from major trauma centres in London had been central to understanding the clinical need her technology addresses.
Roldan said explaining the science and the unmet need comes naturally to researchers. The greater challenge is turning a laboratory technology into a product that reaches patients. She noted that the clinical evidence required for regulatory approval is only one part of this. Further evidence is needed to show real-world value and to support adoption in clinical practice.
Panellists agreed that neurotechnology has moved from a scientific curiosity to an area of serious development. Whether it improves care will depend on better signal quality, closed-loop systems that deliver stimulation more precisely, and close work with clinicians to make sure devices meet real clinical needs.
Reference
Jones W et al. The Race to Rewire the Brain: Why Investors Are Betting Big on Neurotech. MedTech World Europe, 11-13 November, 2026.
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