TNW Backstage dives into brain-computer interfaces

TNW Backstage returns this week to explore one of tech’s most fascinating frontiers: brain computer-interfaces (BCIs).

The capabilities of these neural devices are rapidly expanding. They’ve been implanted in skulls and worn as headbands. They’ve measured focus, treated Parkinson’s disease, and enabled paralysed people to control computers with their minds.

A range of research labs and tech firms are developing BCIs. Yet the spotlight has been dominated by one company: Elon Musk’s Neuralink. The startup has put brain implants in monkeys so they can play Pong with their minds. Musk also has big plans for humans, from giving us “superpowers” to downloading our memories.

But shockingly, not everyone is keen on the idea of Elon controlling their brains. Thankfully, there are other options. One of them comes from Dutch healthtech company MindAffect.

The company uses BCIs primarily for hearing and visual tests. Worn as headbands, the devices analyse the brain’s responses to stimulation, which reveals what the user saw or heard. It’s completely non-invasive, affordable, and requires little staff support.

MindAffect’s CEO, Jennifer Goodall, discusses the system on this week’s episode of TNW Backstage.

We revisit her session from TNW Conference 2024 and discuss the healthtech trends shaping this year’s event. You can listen to the show here.

Once you’re done, check out our previous episodes of the podcast, which goes behind the scenes of TNW Conference and the tech shaping our world.

In our debut show, we explored the data security landscape — and Meta’s controversial “pay or consent” model — with Ron de Jesus, the world’s first Field Chief Privacy Officer. In our second episode, comedy content creator Derek Mitchell and TNW co-founder Boris discussed the value of humour in tech businesses.

To celebrate the podcast’s launch, we’re also offering an exclusive discount on tickets for TNW Conference, which takes place in Amsterdam on June 19 and 20. You’ll find the offer hidden in each episode of TNW Backstage.

Thanks for reading — and now, for listening too.