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.