Entrepreneur enters brain tech

Fred Ehrsam, co-founder of Coinbase, has ventured into neuroscience with his startup Nudge, unveiling the Nudge Zero, a non-invasive ultrasound neuromodulation device.

This technology modifies brain activity using ultrasound waves, impacting cell membranes without causing permanent damage.

Ehrsam's foray into brain interface technology marks a significant shift from his cryptocurrency background.

He believes that improving human experience through brain technology is a crucial goal.

"We believe improving the human experience is the most important thing to work on. This should be the goal of technology," Ehrsam stated.

The Nudge Zero is initially aimed at treating acute medical conditions such as epilepsy and pain management.

Future plans include developing a more portable version for enhancing mood, cognition, and overall well-being in healthy individuals.

This development is part of a broader trend in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, which includes both invasive and non-invasive methods.

Companies like Neuralink are pushing the boundaries with implantable electrodes, while others focus on non-invasive techniques like EEG or ultrasound.

Ehrsam's venture into neuroscience follows his success in cryptocurrency, where he co-founded Coinbase and later became involved with Paradigm, a crypto-focused venture capital firm.

His transition highlights the growing interest in brain technology as a potential frontier for innovation.

As brain interface technology advances, it holds promise for treating neurological disorders and enhancing human capabilities.

However, challenges remain in translating these innovations into widely accessible products that can benefit a broader population.