Phosphoenix develops a visual prosthesis that interfaces directly with the brain to restore functional vision for individuals lacking a functional retina or optic nerve. The technology utilizes high-density, ultra-flexible probes to stimulate the visual cortex, generating artificially perceived images. This implant aims to enable blind individuals to identify objects and navigate independently.
Funding
$341.8K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
INFounders
Product
Problem
Individuals who have lost functional vision due to retinal degeneration or optic‑nerve damage have no clinically viable option to regain sight, leaving them dependent on others for navigation and daily tasks.
Solution
Phosphoenix has developed a cortical visual prosthesis that bypasses the eye and directly stimulates the visual cortex with high‑density electrode arrays. A wearable camera captures the visual scene, and a pocket‑sized processor runs AI algorithms to translate video frames into spatiotemporal electrical stimulation patterns. Ultra‑flexible, biocompatible probes with more than 1,000 channels are implanted minimally invasively, delivering precise micro‑stimulation that elicits phosphenes across the visual field. Wireless power and data links eliminate trans‑skin connectors, reducing infection risk and enabling continuous operation. The system provides functional low‑vision perception that supports object identification, obstacle avoidance, and independent navigation.
Target Audience
The primary customers are adults with profound blindness caused by non‑functional retinas or optic nerves, and the neurosurgical centers that perform the implantation and post‑operative care.
Features
- High‑density electrode array (≥1,000 channels) on ultra‑flexible polymer probes for comprehensive visual‑field coverage
- Minimally invasive surgical implantation with advanced encapsulation for long‑term durability
- Wearable camera glasses paired with a pocket processor that runs real‑time AI‑based image segmentation and stimulation mapping
- Wireless power transfer and bidirectional telemetry to the implant, removing percutaneous leads
- Closed‑loop stimulation control using real‑time feedback to maintain phosphene stability and reduce fatigue
- Secure, HIPAA‑compliant data handling and remote firmware updates via encrypted cloud services
- Scalable architecture compatible with existing neurosurgical workflows and neuro‑imaging planning tools