Research team developing 'thought-control' brain implant wins $1 million prize

An Israeli nonprofit group has awarded a $1 million prize to a U.S.-based research team that is developing technology that allows paralyzed people to move things with their thoughts.

Israel Brain Technologies presented the award on Tuesday to BrainGate. The group is based at Brown University in Rhode Island and collaborates with Massachusetts General Hospital and other institutions. BrainGate is developing a brain implant that can read brain signals and allow the paralyzed to move robotic limbs or computer cursors.

Winners

Brown University neuroscientist John Donoghue, who accepted the award, says BrainGate has created “the technology to pick up the brain signal and get it to the outside.” The nonprofit Israel Brain Technologies seeks to turn Israel into a global hub of brain technology. President Shimon Peres presented the award Tuesday.

Associated Press