Companies developing brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies certainly stepped up their activities this year with several starting to implant their devices into humans. After decades as an experimental technology pursued exclusively in research settings, BCI devices could be just a few years away from entering clinical practice – and investors are paying attention.

Precision Neuroscience Corp. recently raised $102 million in a series C funding round for its AI-powered brain–computer interface (BCI) technology, the Layer 7 Cortical Interface. The funding comes as interest in the technology heats up as clinical trials show that BCI devices are capable of transforming the lives of people with disabilities.

Promise Bio Ltd. emerged from stealth with $8.3 million in seed investment for its precision medicine platform, which addresses immune-mediated diseases. The funding will be used to accelerate the development of the company’s technology that analyzes proteins and their post-translational modifications to predict the treatment responses of patients with immune-mediated diseases.

Promise Bio Ltd. emerged from stealth with $8.3 million in seed investment for its precision medicine platform, which addresses immune-mediated diseases. The funding will be used to accelerate the development of the company’s technology that analyzes proteins and their post-translational modifications to predict the treatment responses of patients with immune-mediated diseases.

Smith & Nephew plc received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance for Aetos Stemless, its stemless anatomic total shoulder implant. The greenlight for the device is a boon for the company’s orthopedics portfolio, which faces increasing pressure from U.S. competitors.

Promise Bio Ltd. emerged from stealth with $8.3 million in seed investment for its precision medicine platform, which addresses immune-mediated diseases.

Lanua Medical Ltd. raised €6 million (US$6.3 million) in seed funding for its Encore device, which is designed to enhance embolization procedures. The funds will be used to accelerate the development of the technology as well as expand operations into the U.S. The funding round was co-led by Elkstone and Atlantic Bridge, with participation from Enterprise Ireland and Furthr VC.

U.K. researchers at Nottingham Trent University, the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton and product development company Zelemiq Ltd. developed a wearable sensor that accurately monitors and detects changes in people’s breathing without requiring direct contact with the skin.

Europlaz Technologies Ltd. has developed a new neonatal flow sensor that could help improve neonatal care and save the lives of babies born prematurely. The company created an integrated ‘sidestream’ carbon dioxide (CO2) sampling port, which when added to the side of its existing neonatal flow sensor will enable clinicians to monitor CO2 being exhaled from the baby’s lungs to better inform care.

Positrigo AG is raising $10 million for production and commercialization of its Neurolf brain positron emission tomography system in the U.S. The system hepls to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. With drugs such as Leqembi and Kisunla gaining U.S. FDA approval to treat the devastating neurological condition, the company is seeing increasing demand for its system, Neurolf CEO and co-founder Jannis Fischer, told BioWorld.