Observed Signal · Sep 16, 2026 · Event / Conference · Source: techcrunch · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Science Corp CEO Max Hodak to Speak on Post-Screen Era at Disrupt 2026
Science Corporation CEO Max Hodak is scheduled to speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where he will argue that the era of screens is ending, advocating for brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) as the next human-machine interface. Hodak, who co-founded Neuralink and later founded Science Corp in 2021, has advanced his company's biohybrid brain-computer interface toward the first U.S. human trials, led by a top neurobiologist. The company's PRIMA implant has already restored sight in some patients with severe vision loss, using a camera-equipped glasses and a retinal chip. Science Corp has raised $230 million in Series C at a $1.5 billion valuation. Hodak's presentation will explore how BCIs could adapt technology to humans, potentially aiding in vision, cognition, mobility, and treating conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Event promotion, moderate relevance to AdTech/MarTech, but focus on BCI technology is peripheral.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Science Corp CEO Max Hodak will speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 about the end of the 'screen era'.
- Science Corp is preparing the first U.S. human trials for its biohybrid brain-computer interface.
- The PRIMA implant has restored eyesight in people with severe vision loss.
- Science Corp raised $230 million in a Series C round at a $1.5 billion valuation.
- Max Hodak co-founded Neuralink in 2016 and founded Science Corp in 2021.
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Science Corp Secures $230M to Launch Vision-Enhancing Implant
Science Corporation, led by Max Hodak (co-founder and former president of Neuralink), raised $230 million in a Series C round and is reportedly valued at $1.25 billion post-money. The startup is commercializing PRIMA, a rice-grain-sized implantable chip designed to restore functional vision when paired with camera-equipped glasses. Science Corp. acquired PRIMA’s assets from Pixium Vision in 2024, completed trials across 47 patients in Europe and the U.S., and reports that 80% showed meaningful improvement in visual acuity enabling reading of letters, numbers and words. The company has submitted a CE mark application and expects EU approval in mid-2026, with FDA discussions ongoing. The Series C includes investors such as Lightspeed Venture Partners, Khosla Ventures, Y Combinator, Quiet Capital and IQT. The new capital will fund PRIMA commercialization and broader research including a biohybrid neural interface and an organ preservation business line called Vessel. Science Corp. has raised $490 million to date and employs roughly 150 people.
Cerebras CEO to discuss AI scaling at Disrupt
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Cerebras Systems CEO Andrew Feldman will discuss whether AI can continue scaling given constraints in compute, energy, and infrastructure. Cerebras challenges conventional chip architectures with wafer-scale computing, offering AI compute via on-premise systems and cloud. The company raised $5.5B in its May IPO, signed a multiyear agreement with OpenAI for 750 MW of systems, and introduced CS-4 in August. They report over 600 MW of data center capacity live or under contract by end of 2027, with plans for first European data center and 200 MW there by 2027. The session is part of the event's 200+ sessions, highlighting the need for physical infrastructure to support AI growth.
Cerebionics Develops Non-Invasive BCI to Translate Intent into Machine Commands
Cerebionics, a Norwegian startup founded by Agnessa Pedersen, is developing a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) platform that uses EEG electrodes to translate human intent into commands for machines. The platform aims to provide an additional control channel for various systems, including drones, unmanned ground vehicles, and C2 APIs. Unlike Neuralink's invasive approach, Cerebionics focuses on higher-level commands rather than fine motor control. The startup has tested its technology with Ukrainian soldiers, receiving feedback to improve robustness. Cerebionics has received commercial interest through letters of intent and is currently scaling its team. The company anticipates applications in defense, healthcare, consumer, and industry, with future potential in gaming and integration into wearables like smart glasses.
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