StairMed Raises Significant Funding for Innovative Brain-Machine Interfaces
StairMed, a Shanghai-based company specializing in implantable brain-machine interface (BMI) technologies, has successfully raised $69 million in its latest funding round. The round was led by Alibaba, with additional participation from notable investors such as Tencent, Fountainbridge Capital, OrbiMed, Oriza Seed, Qiming Venture Partners, Lilly Asia Ventures, and Source Code Capital.
StairMed, founded by Zhengtuo Zhao, focuses on developing minimally invasive BMI technologies. The company aims to achieve advancements in motor control, monitoring and regulating neurological disorders, and sensory restoration. Its proprietary technology includes ultra-flexible micro-nano electrodes known for their high precision and biocompatibility, designed to record and collect brain nerve electrical signals with exceptional accuracy and stability over time.
Specific Use of Funds
The newly acquired capital will be directed towards accelerating the development of StairMed's brain-machine interface platform and expanding its clinical programs. The company has already made strides in this area, having completed three successful clinical implants of its BMI system. Earlier this year, StairMed deployed a proprietary surgical robot to implant a 256-channel wireless invasive BMI system, marking the first such clinical trial in China.
StairMed also plans to conduct large-scale multicenter clinical trials by mid-2026, aiming to involve approximately 40 patients and achieving several dozen total implants by the year's end. Additionally, the funding will support the advancement of StairMed's neuromodulation pipeline, which includes a closed-loop deep-brain stimulation system currently in clinical research settings.
Advancements and Future Plans
With its system granted access to the National Medical Products Administration Green Channel for innovative medical devices, StairMed is positioned for expedited regulatory approval. The company is also preparing to initiate formal clinical trials in 2027, targeting neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
Zhengtuo Zhao, the founder of StairMed, expressed appreciation for the continued support from existing shareholders and welcomed the new partnership with Alibaba. The involvement of prominent investors highlights the potential of BMI technology not only as a medical advancement but also as a crucial intersection of life sciences and information technology.
StairMed's ongoing efforts in BMI technology development underline its commitment to enhancing human-machine interaction, with potential applications extending beyond medical treatment to broader technological integrations.