Neuralink, backed by Elon Musk, and Merge Labs, supported by OpenAI, are leading the way in advancing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology in the United States. On the other side of the globe, Chinese entrepreneur Phoenix Peng is making waves with two startups: NeuroXess, which focuses on developing implantable BCI systems, and Gestala, which is pioneering non-invasive ultrasound-based BCIs.
Gestala recently secured a remarkable $21.6 million in funding just two months after its launch, valuing the company at $100 million to $200 million, according to founder and CEO Phoenix Peng. The funding round was oversubscribed, with investor commitments exceeding $58 million. This significant investment is the largest early-stage funding in China’s BCI industry to date and will be used for research and development, team expansion, and the establishment of a manufacturing facility in China. Gestala, founded only three months ago, aims to have its first-generation prototype ready by the end of the year.
Ultrasound technology is currently a hot topic in the global BCI industry, with Gestala leading the charge in China as the first ultrasound BCI company in the country. Phoenix Peng believes that ultrasound could revolutionize BCI technology by offering broader access to the brain and new ways to interact with neural activity. One of the key advantages of ultrasound technology is its non-invasiveness, eliminating the risks associated with traditional brain surgery. By utilizing phased-array ultrasound, Gestala’s system can monitor a larger portion of the brain and stimulate or suppress neural activity without the need for invasive procedures.
Despite escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, Phoenix Peng remains optimistic about the potential for collaboration in deep-technology research. He believes that both countries bring unique strengths to the table, with China offering large-scale clinical research capacity and efficient supply chains, and the U.S. boasting world-class scientific talent. Joint efforts could focus on building extensive clinical datasets to support global neuroscience research.
Gestala is exploring various applications for its technology, with chronic pain management being its primary focus. The startup is also investigating its potential in treating mental health conditions such as depression, PTSD, autism, and OCD, as well as in stroke rehabilitation. Longer-term targets include Alzheimer’s disease, essential tremor, and Parkinson’s disease. Leveraging China’s integrated manufacturing ecosystem, Gestala aims to expedite the development and production of its technology compared to international competitors. The company is also collaborating with major Chinese hospitals to conduct clinical trials at a fraction of the cost of similar studies in the U.S. and Europe, while simultaneously building an “Ultrasound Brain Bank” to support future neurological diagnostics through AI models.
In conclusion, Gestala’s innovative approach to ultrasound-based BCIs and its strategic advantages in speed and scale position the company as a key player in the global BCI industry. With a focus on addressing medical needs and advancing neurological research, Gestala is poised to make a significant impact in the field of brain-computer interfaces.
