Iris Coates McCall is a Neurotechnology Researcher at Neuroethics Canada, University of British Columbia. Iris holds a Bachelors of Arts and Science in Cognitive Science from McGill University, and a Masters of Bioethics from Johns Hopkins.

Top 3 Takeaways

* There are three ways to apply ethical guidance to an organization.

* Scientific evidence can change people’s beliefs in the credibility of a claim.

* The ethics of augmentative neurosurgery are unclear.

Show Notes

* [1:00] How does Iris spend her time researching?

* [2:00] How Iris became involved in neuroethics

* [4:00] Neuroethics in the workplace

* [5:05] The ethicist’s practical toolkit

* [6:10] What kind of regulation governs consumer neurotechnology?

* [8:50] Enforcement of regulation

* [10:00] Impact of scientific evidence on what people believe

* [12:45] What’s the process for translating ethics research into policy/enforcement?

* [15:20] Do profitability and social good go hand in hand?

* [18:00] How can ethics be adjudicated?

* [20:00] Pragmatic neuroethics

* [22:00] Ethics of augmentative neurosurgery

* [25:20] Iris’s book recommendation

Selected Links

* Portraits of the Mind

* Neuroethics Canada, UBC

Related Podcasts

* 017 – Ana Maiques

* 014 – AJ Keller

* 013 – Ladan Jiracek, Manfred Franke, and Doug Clinton

Disclaimer: We actively write about the themes in which we invest: artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and augmented reality. From time to time, we will write about companies that are in our portfolio. Content on this site including opinions on specific themes in technology, market estimates, and estimates and commentary regarding publicly traded or private companies is not intended for use in making investment decisions. We hold no obligation to update any of our projections. We express no warranties about any estimates or opinions we make.

Sean Higgins is the founder and CEO of BetterYou, a product that “nudges” you to make better decisions and work toward your goals. He is also an entrepreneur in residence at Techstars, a partner at Router Ventures, and previously founded VidGrid.

Top 3 Takeaways

* Many products and services employ techniques that play on our behavioral psychology to keep us engaged. Sean and Doug identify many of those techniques and propose tactics and hacks to limit tech addiction and take back your time.

* Stopping cues, or signals that the user should stop and asses whether they want to continue engaging in their current activity, could be a way to limit tech usage without going against company incentives.

* Time is the most valuable commodity to us humans, and BetterYou helps users make sure they are spending time on the things that are most important to them.

Show Notes

* [1:25] Sean explains how he sees companies leveraging behavior hacks to keep us addicted to their products.

* [4:15] Doug says just having a phone on your person is an opportunity for content developers to take advantage of your downtime or boredom.

* [7:14] Sean introduced the concept of stopping cues – signals that you should take a moment to think if what you’re doing is actually what you want to be engaging in.

* [8:20] Netflix’s third-biggest competitor is sleep.

* [9:45] Doug explains the current self and future self dynamic.

* [14:45] Could services introduce a “break” product that generates revenue and promotes digital health?

* [18:20] Why emotions like anger are a form of addiction and how news apps prey on them.

* [26:35] Other “counter-hacks” you can use to limit the effects of tech addiction.

* [36:30] Does using tech less make us less likely to upgrade our devices and threaten companies like Apple?

* [37:50] Time is the most valuable commodity for human beings. How does BetterYou help people allocate that time to what they think is most important?

Selected Links

* BetterYou

* Skinner box study (intermittent variable rewards)

* Bottomless soup bowl study

* Goodphone.co

Disclaimer: We actively write about the themes in which we invest or may invest: virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and robotics. From time to time, we may write about companies that are in our portfolio. As managers of the portfolio, we may earn carried interest, management fees or other compensation from such portfolio. Content on this site including opinions on specific themes in technology, market estimates, and estimates and commentary regarding publicly traded or private companies is not intended for use in making any investment decisions and provided solely for informational purposes. We hold no obligation to update any of our projections and the content on this site should not be relied upon. We express no warranties about any estimates or opinions we make.

Sean Higgins is the founder and CEO of BetterYou, a product that “nudges” you to make better decisions and work toward your goals. He is also an entrepreneur in residence at Techstars, a partner at Router Ventures, and previously founded VidGrid.

Top 3 Takeaways

* In 2017, 90% of discretionary time was spent on a screen vs. 37% in 2007.

* Many common products employ more behavioral engineering that we realize. This means they play to our innate desires and tendencies to drive engagement and keep us on the platform as long as possible.

* BetterYou allows a user to input their goals, and it works in the background to keep you on track. BetterYou analyzes the data exhaust from using your device find areas where you are being inconsistent with what you said were important to you.

Show Notes

* [0:45] How Sean thinks about the problem of tech addiction.

* [2:40] Why 2007 and the launch of the iPhone was the tipping point for tech addiction.

* [4:17] Actions you can take to limit your use of tech.

* [6:45] Sean explains behavioral design built into apps that want to drive engagement.

* [9:23] The efforts of Apple and Google to bolster awareness of device usage.

* [11:14] Sean explains what it’s like to use BetterYou.

* [15:48] The power of incentives and reinforcement in changing your tech behavior.

* [17:23] Do we stand a chance against data0driven companies that know how to capture our attention so well?

* [18:57] Where can we learn more about the problem of tech addiction and potential solutions?

Selected Links

* BetterYou

* Irresistible by Adam Alter

* Tristan Harris blog

* Hilarie Cash’s reStart Clinic

Disclaimer: We actively write about the themes in which we invest or may invest: virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and robotics. From time to time, we may write about companies that are in our portfolio. As managers of the portfolio, we may earn carried interest, management fees or other compensation from such portfolio. Content on this site including opinions on specific themes in technology, market estimates, and estimates and commentary regarding publicly traded or private companies is not intended for use in making any investment decisions and provided solely for informational purposes. We hold no obligation to update any of our projections and the content on this site should not be relied upon. We express no warranties about any estimates or opinions we make.

Eric Menees is the CEO of Hexis. He received his Bachelors from UT Austin with a triple-major in Mechanical Engineering, Biochemistry, and Neuroscience Scholars.

Top 3 Takeaways

* Hexis is building real-time emotion modeling technology.

* The success of wearables will depend on nuanced combinations of form-factor and function.

* The entrepreneur mindset is different from the mindset of a scientist.

Show Notes

* [0:58] Eric explains what Hexis is.

* [2:07] What tradeoffs is Eric making between vision and execution?

* [3:08] Definitions of neurotechnology.

* [4:00] Neuroscience-informed software.

* [5:30] How does Hexis work?

* [6:18] The wearable market.

* [7:13] Neurotech, wearables, and fashion.

* [8:40] Eric’s predictions for wearables.

* [10:30] Translating literature into a product.

* [11:50] Eric’s background & education.

* [13:00] Entrepreneurship vs. academia.

* [15:00] Why neuroscience is a great way to drive positive impact.

* [16:45] Eric’s favorite neuroscience book.

Selected Links

* Synaptic Self (by Joseph LeDoux)

* Behave (by Robert Sapolsky)

Related Podcasts

* 016 – Jim Cavuoto

* 014 – AJ Keller

* 019 – Ramses Alcaide

Disclaimer: We actively write about the themes in which we invest: artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and augmented reality. From time to time, we will write about companies that are in our portfolio. Content on this site including opinions on specific themes in technology, market estimates, and estimates and commentary regarding publicly traded or private companies is not intended for use in making investment decisions. We hold no obligation to update any of our projections. We express no warranties about any estimates or opinions we make.

Ana Maiques is the CEO of Neuroelectrics. She completed her Bachelors in Economics at the Universitat de Barcelona and an MBA at London Metropolitan University.

Top 3 Takeaways

* Neurotechnology companies can sell research tools as a way to gain expertise and develop their technology.

* Neuroelectrics’ big advantage is the ability of their software to personalize stimulation parameters for their desired indications for use.

* Ana will only sell her devices to groups using them for medical purposes.

Show Notes

* [0:54] Ana’s background.

* [1:30] Using math and physics to decode brain signals.

* [2:10] What Neuroelectrics is all about.

* [3:10] The products Neuroelectrics currently has on the market.

* [3:45] The disease indications for Neuroelectrics’ device.

* [5:20] Who should you focus on, managed patients or refractory patients?

* [7:18] Invasive vs. non-invasive neurostimulation and recording.

* [8:35] Balancing research tools and medical devices.

* [10:40] The software is what differentiates Neuroelectrics.

* [12:10] Synthesizing product feedback.

* [13:30] Other markets for Neuroelectrics.

* [14:30] Neuroethics of cognitive enhancement.

* [17:00] Ana’s favorite neuroscience books.

Selected Links

* The Nexus Trilogy

* Neuroelectrics

Related Podcasts

* 016 – Jim Cavuoto

* 013 – Ladan Jiracek, Manfred Franke, and Doug Clinton

* 011 – EJ Chichilnisky

Disclaimer: We actively write about the themes in which we invest: artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and augmented reality. From time to time, we will write about companies that are in our portfolio. Content on this site including opinions on specific themes in technology, market estimates, and estimates and commentary regarding publicly traded or private companies is not intended for use in making investment decisions. We hold no obligation to update any of our projections. We express no warranties about any estimates or opinions we make.

AJ Keller is co-founder and CEO of Neurosity, which is building consumer brain-computer interfaces. AJ has worked extensively on many parts of BCI pipelines, and helped design and build the WiFi Shield for OpenBCI.

Top 3 Takeaways

* OpenBCI was a critical innovation for neurotechnology.

* Developer tools are the critical component to making consumer BCI a successful platform.

* Be careful and responsible with neurodata.

Show Notes

* [0:45] AJ discusses his background and how he got interested in neuroscience.

* [2:57] OpenBCI and EEG.

* [5:41] AJ’s experience working with OpenBCI.

* [8:15] Neuroscientists vs. computer scientists in BCI.

* [9:08] Coolest OpenBCI problem applications.

* [11:10] AJ talks about his company, Neurosity.

* [13:08] How do we get consumer adoption of neurotech?

* [16:10] Importance of comfortable, non-invasive BCIs.

* [18:32] The first killer app of consumer neurotech.

* [22:92] Neurotech & privacy.

* [25:27] AJ’s favorite neuroscience book.

Selected Links

* OpenBCI

* Nexus

Related Podcasts

* Episode 009 – Ramses Alcaide

* Episode 011 – E.J. Chichilnisky

* Episode 012 – Jo Jo Platt

Disclaimer: We actively write about the themes in which we invest: artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and augmented reality. From time to time, we will write about companies that are in our portfolio. Content on this site including opinions on specific themes in technology, market estimates, and estimates and commentary regarding publicly traded or private companies is not intended for use in making investment decisions. We hold no obligation to update any of our projections. We express no warranties about any estimates or opinions we make.

Ladan Jiracek is the creator of the Neural Implant Podcast. He’s currently a Laboratory Technician in Dr. Kevin Otto’s lab at the University of Florida. Ladan completed his B.E. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah, and his M.Sc. in Biophysics at Technische Universität Dresden.

Dr. Manfred Franke is the CEO of NeuronOff, a neuromodulation company. Previously, he was a Senior Research Scientist at Oculeve (acquired by Allergan). Dr. Franke completed his BS/MS studies in Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Micro-Systems at Technische Universität Dresden, and his Ph.D. in Neural Engineering at Case Western Reserve University.

Doug Clinton is a managing partner at Loup Ventures and the host of the Loup Ventures Neurotech Podcast. He completed his undergraduate studies at Boston University.

Top 3 Takeaways

* High-profile neurotech investments have driven public awareness so far.

* Science fiction neurotechnology is far away.

* There are substantial differences in danger and sentiment towards consumer and medical neurotech.

Show Notes

* [1:38] Ladan introduces himself.

* [2:20] Manfred introduces himself.

* [4:35] Doug introduces himself.

* [6:27] Manfred gives an overview of neurotechnology.

* [10:34] Ladan discusses high-profile neurotech investments.

* [11:30] Doug talks about the WaitButWhy article on Neuralink.

* [13:26] NIH investments into neuromodulation technology.

* [15:10] Titles of news media articles about neuroimaging.

* [16:36] Is there a fundamental difference between neurotech and other tech?

* [21:00] Neurotech and the human essence.

* [22:30] “Access to thoughts” is a long way off.

* [29:40] Consumer neurotechnology.

* [28:35] Risks of medical neurotech vs. consumer neurotech.

* [31:45] Halo Neuroscience Terms of Service agreement.

* [36:00] How should people in the neurotech world communicate their consideration for ethics?

* [38:00] Quantitative vs. qualitative evidence of efficacy and safety.

* [44:40] What will be the most contentious development in neurotech?

Selected Links

* WaitButWhy article on Neuralink

* Halo Neuroscience

* Medical Device Regulation

Related Podcasts

* Episode 012 – Jo Jo Platt

* Episode 007 – Chad Bouton

* Episode 011 – E.J. Chichilnisky

Disclaimer: We actively write about the themes in which we invest: artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and augmented reality. From time to time, we will write about companies that are in our portfolio. Content on this site including opinions on specific themes in technology, market estimates, and estimates and commentary regarding publicly traded or private companies is not intended for use in making investment decisions. We hold no obligation to update any of our projections. We express no warranties about any estimates or opinions we make.

Jo Jo Platt is the President and Cofounder of Platt & Associates, Inc., and Strategic Relations Consultant for the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research.

Top 3 Takeaways

* Bioelectronic Medicine treatments have a number of distinct advantages over drug-based treatments from both medical and business perspectives.

* As with classic technology startups, Bioelectronic Medicine companies are best-served by teams who are willing to recognize what they don’t know and who can learn quickly.

* The neurotechnology field should self-regulate as a means of ensuring the highest ethical standards for itself.

Show Notes

* [0:57] Jo Jo talks about how she became interested in Bioelectronic Medicine.

* [2:43] How does Jo Jo tell the story of Bioelectronic Medicine?

* [3:30] The broad idea of Bioelectronic Medicine.

* [5:12] Jo Jo is excited about the commercialization of Bioelectronic Medicine therapies.

* [7:28] The challenges for academics who want to start businesses.

* [9:02] Structuring effective Bioelectronic Medicine teams.

* [10:33] Noninvasive neurotechnologies.

* [12:11] Should “neurotech” become a buzzword?

* [13:37] Neuroethics and self-regulation of the neurotechnology field.

* [14:58] How the neurotechnology community should get started on creating a neurotech constitution.

* [17:40] How Jo Jo stays up-to-date on what happens in the neurotech field.

* [18:40] Media reporting on neurotechnology.

Selected Links

* Life 3.0

* The Feinstein Institute Center for Bioelectronic Medicine

* Platt & Associates, Inc.

Related Podcasts

* Episode 003 – Dr. Mikhail Lebedev

* Episode 007 – Chad Bouton

* Episode 008 – Ian Burkhart

Disclaimer: We actively write about the themes in which we invest: artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and augmented reality. From time to time, we will write about companies that are in our portfolio. Content on this site including opinions on specific themes in technology, market estimates, and estimates and commentary regarding publicly traded or private companies is not intended for use in making investment decisions. We hold no obligation to update any of our projections. We express no warranties about any estimates or opinions we make.

Dr. E.J. Chichilnisky is a Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford University, where he and his lab are developing a retinal prosthesis. E.J. completed his B.S. in Mathematics at Princeton University, and his Masters in Mathematics and Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Stanford University.

Top 3 Takeaways

* Dr. E.J. Chichilnisky’s lab is developing next-generation retinal prostheses to help restore sight to people with retinal degeneration.

* E.J.’s approach relies on activating specific types of retinal cells that perform specific functions based on the image the patient should see, instead of activating retinal cells indiscriminately.

* The line between therapeutic and augmentative uses of neurotechnology is very fine.

Show Notes

* [1:03] E.J. talks about his academic background, and how it led to his work on artificial retinas.

* [1:50] E.J.’s unique approach to retinal prostheses.

* [3:25] E.J. describes retinal anatomy and physiology, and how his research leverages that.

* [5:00] Current retinal prostheses versus E.J.’s cutting-edge prosthesis.

* [6:37] The hardware, software, neurophysiological, and surgical aspects of E.J.’s work.

* [8:26] Does E.J.’s work apply to the machine vision world?

* [9:50] The broader implications of E.J.’s work.

* [11:15] The retina as a stepping-stone to other neural interfaces.

* [13:12] Timeline for artificial retinas in clinical use.

* [15:32] Augmentation with neural interfaces.

* [17:03] The fine line between therapeutic and augmentative BMIs.

* [18:55] What will be the most impactful application of neurotechnology in the next decade?

Selected Links

* Chichilnisky Lab

* E.J.’s reading suggestion: Portraits of the Mind

* Science of the retina

Related Podcasts

* Episode 003 – Dr. Mikhail Lebedev

* Episode 007 – Chad Bouton

* Episode 008 – Ian Burkhart

Disclaimer: We actively write about the themes in which we invest: artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and augmented reality. From time to time, we will write about companies that are in our portfolio. Content on this site including opinions on specific themes in technology, market estimates, and estimates and commentary regarding publicly traded or private companies is not intended for use in making investment decisions. We hold no obligation to update any of our projections. We express no warranties about any estimates or opinions we make.

Dr. Matt Angle is the CEO and founder of Paradromics, a brain-computer interface company developing high-bandwidth implantable neural interfaces. Matt completed his B.S. in Biology at Carnegie Melon University and his Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute.

Top 3 Takeaways

* Paradromics is working on high-density microwire electrode arrays because they’re advantageous in a number of ways as compared to alternative types of invasive neural interfaces.

* The technology under development by Paradromics will first be used by researchers to ask and answer basic neuroscience questions, and then will help treat locked-in patients pending further development and FDA approval.

* Considerations about neural data privacy are similar to considerations about data privacy in general.

Show Notes

* [1:23] Matt talks about how he became interested in high-density neural interfaces.

* [3:43] Matt explains the genesis of Paradromics.

* [4:40] Why Paradromics became a commercial enterprise instead of an academic project.

* [5:08] Paradromics’ recent $7M Series A funding round.

* [5:29] What does Matt want to use the funding for?

* [6:25] Matt discusses being a hard interviewer and the importance of a talented team.

* [7:13] Matt discusses the distinction between invasive and non-invasive BCIs.

* [9:00] Why Paradromics is using a microwire array for their implantable device.

* [11:05] Injectable mesh electrodes.

* [12:20] The first use-cases of Paradromics’ technology.

* [13:30] Long-term applications of Paradromics technology.

* [14:10] Processing massive amounts of neural data.

* [17:20] How to handle the analysis of large amounts of neural data.

* [17:55] Data privacy and neuroethics.

* [19:29] Digital health and admissibility of evidence.

* [21:28] Matt’s book recommendations.

Selected Links

* Paradromics Website

* Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer

* War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Related Podcasts

* Episode 003 – Dr. Mikhail Lebedev

* Episode 007 – Chad Bouton

* Episode 008 – Ian Burkhart

Disclaimer: We actively write about the themes in which we invest: artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual reality, and augmented reality. From time to time, we will write about companies that are in our portfolio. Content on this site including opinions on specific themes in technology, market estimates, and estimates and commentary regarding publicly traded or private companies is not intended for use in making investment decisions. We hold no obligation to update any of our projections. We express no warranties about any estimates or opinions we make.