Science Corp raises $230M as it races to bring its brain implant to market

In a bold move to revolutionize brain-computer interfaces, Science Corporation, co-founded by Max Hodak, a former Neuralink executive, has successfully raised $230 million in a Series C funding round. This significant investment propels the startup towards its goal of being the first company to launch a brain implant product on the market, with a post-money valuation reported at $1.25 billion. Central to Science Corp's ambitions is PRIMA, an innovative chip smaller than a grain of rice. When implanted in the eye, PRIMA works in tandem with camera-equipped glasses to potentially restore vision for individuals suffering from advanced macular degeneration. Although the technology was initially developed by the French company Pixium Vision, Science Corp acquired its assets in 2024 and has since refined the technology, successfully completing the clinical trials that Pixium had previously initiated. The results have been promising, with clinical trials involving 47 patients across Europe and the U.S. showing that 80% of participants experienced significant improvements in their visual acuity, enabling them to read letters and numbers fluently. Hodak expressed optimism regarding the advancements, stating, “To my knowledge, this is the first time that restoration of the ability to fluently read has ever been definitively shown in blind patients.” The innovative device has even caught the attention of mainstream media, featuring on the cover of Time magazine. While a specific launch date for PRIMA remains uncertain, the company is actively navigating the regulatory landscape. Science Corp has submitted an application for a CE mark to the European Union and anticipates approval by mid-2026, making it the first brain-computer interface to reach the market. Germany is expected to be the initial target market due to its established procedures for early access to new medical technologies, while discussions with the FDA in the U.S. are ongoing. In addition to expanding the PRIMA trial program to address Stargardt disease and retinitis pigmentosa—genetic conditions leading to vision loss—this new funding will also support the commercialization of PRIMA and bolster Science Corp's expansive research initiatives. One notable project in their portfolio includes a biohybrid neural interface that utilizes engineered neurons from stem cells, designed to interface directly with the brain’s surface. Furthermore, Science Corp is launching Vessel, a new division focused on organ preservation technology. This initiative aims to create miniaturized perfusion systems that facilitate the transport of organs via commercial flights or allow for at-home maintenance, reducing dependence on intensive care. The Series C funding round attracted a mix of new and returning investors, including prominent firms such as Lightspeed Venture Partners and Y Combinator, bringing the total funding for Science Corp to $490 million, with a current workforce of 150 employees.