Science Corp is a neurotechnology company focused on developing advanced brain-computer interfaces and visual prosthetics. Founded in 2022 by Bryan Johnson (founder of Kernel and Braintree), the company is working on a next-generation visual cortex implant to restore vision for blind individuals.
| Product |
Description |
Application |
| Science Eye |
Visual prosthesis |
Restoring vision |
| Neural Interface |
High-density electrode array |
Brain recording/stimulation |
| MicroLED Display |
Ultra-small high-resolution display |
Visual output |
| Program |
Indication |
Stage |
| Development program |
Research |
Preclinical |
Science Corp's approach combines:
- Visual Cortex Prosthetics: Arrays implanted in the visual cortex
- MicroLED Technology: Ultra-small, high-density light-emitting diodes
- Neural Decoding: Algorithms to convert camera input to neural stimulation patterns
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Techniques to reduce surgical risk
The Science Eye program aims to restore functional vision:
- External camera captures visual information
- Computer processes and encodes visual data
- MicroLED array stimulates visual cortex
- Brain interprets patterns as visual perception
- Patients with photoreceptor degeneration (retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration)
- Individuals with complete blindness due to optic nerve damage
- Those who have lost visual function but have intact visual cortex
Science Corp builds on decades of visual prosthesis research:
- Previous work from Second Sight (Argus I, Argus II)
- Academic research on cortical visual prostheses
- Advances in microelectronics and neural interfaces
- 2022: Raised $20M from Google Ventures and other investors
- 2022: Founded by Bryan Johnson with personal investment
- Backed by: Andreessen Horowitz
- Total raised: $21M (Seed round)
Science Corp has assembled a scientific advisory board with expertise in:
- Visual Neuroscience: Leading researchers in visual cortex organization
- Neuroengineering: Experts in neural interface design
- Microelectronics: Specialists in next-generation displays
- Clinical Ophthalmology: Retinal and cortical vision experts
- Development of high-density MicroLED arrays
- Creation of wireless power delivery systems
- Animal model testing for safety and efficacy
- Chronic implantation studies in primates
- Visual acuity calibration protocols
- Manufacturing scale-up for clinical production
- First-in-human feasibility studies
- Visual acuity restoration trials
- Regulatory pathway development with FDA
- Bryan Johnson (Founder and CEO)
- Dr. Daniel P. (Chief Science Officer)
- Dr. Michael R. (VP of Engineering)
- Dr. Jennifer L. (Chief Medical Officer)
Science Corp differentiates through:
- MicroLED Technology: Higher resolution than previous visual prosthetics
- Integration Focus: Combining recording and stimulation
- Visual Focus: Dedicated to restoring vision specifically
- Experienced Leadership: Team with neurotechnology and startup expertise
- 2024-2025: First human implantations
- 2026: Early feasibility studies
- 2027-2028: Pivotal trials
Science Corp's BCI technology interfaces with several key neurodegenerative disease mechanisms:
- Motor Cortex — Primary target for neural signal recording
- Synaptic Transmission — Neural signal decoding
- Neuroplasticity — Cortical adaptation to neural interfaces
- BDNF Signaling — Long-term neural integration
- Cortical Oscillations — Neural decoding