BCI & Neurotech at Columbia
Columbia has a distinguished history of neuroscience research, including Nobel Prize-winning discoveries in memory and sensory perception. Today, the Zuckerman Institute and the Center for Theoretical Neuroscience (CTN) carry this tradition forward through world-class experimental, theoretical, and computational research into the brain and mind.
This scientific tradition is matched by a strong history of entrepreneurship, making Columbia an important center for BCI and neurotechnology innovation around the world. Members of the Columbia community have founded or co-founded companies including:
- CTRL-labs, co-founded by Columbia neuroscience alumni Thomas Reardon, Patrick Kaifosh, and Tim Machado. Acquired by Facebook in 2019, its work continues within Meta’s Reality Labs.
- Flourish, a new NeuroAI startup co-founded by Reardon, developing AI inspired by the brain with a focus on energy efficiency and continuous learning.
- OpenBCI, co-founded by Columbia Engineering alumnus Conor Russomanno.
- Constellation, co-founded by Mehdi Azabou, a former Columbia ARNI postdoctoral researcher.
- Kampto Neurotech, co-founded by Columbia Engineering alumnus Nanyu Zeng, building on research in Ken Shepard’s lab.
- Sharper Sense, founded by Charles Rodenkirch, a Columbia biomedical engineering PhD alumnus.
- Kyma Neuro, founded by Evan Weiss, a Columbia biomedical engineering PhD alumnus.
- Egra, co-founded by Columbia alumni Brian Daley and Peyton Chui, developing foundation models for EEG signals.
- Alto Neuroscience, founded by Amit Etkin, a Columbia MD/PhD alumnus, developing precision medicines for neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Omniscient Neurotechnology, co-founded by Michael Sughrue, a Columbia medical school alumnus, developing AI tools for mapping and analyzing brain networks.
- Motif Neurotech, co-founded by Sameer Sheth, a former Columbia neurosurgery faculty member, developing therapeutic brain–computer interfaces for mental health.
We welcome students, researchers, alumni, and all members of the Columbia community interested in BCI, neurotechnology, and neuroscience entrepreneurship. Whether you want to explore the science, build a project, or develop an idea for a startup, join Neurotech X Columbia to learn and create with us.
About us
Neurotech X Columbia is a student-run academic and entrepreneurial society led by graduate students from Columbia Engineering. We organize research projects, talks, and interdisciplinary collaborations. As the recognized Columbia chapter of NeurotechX, we independently develop and run our own initiatives.