IISc and Pratiksha Trust launch brain co-processor ‘Moonshot’ project

Bangalore: indian institute of science (IISc) on Wednesday said it has launched a “moonshot” project to develop brain co-processors that combine neuromorphic hardware with artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance or restore brain function. The initiative is funded by the Pratiksha Trust founded by Kris Gopalakrishnan and his wife Sudha.The MoU to formalize the partnership was signed at IISc in the presence of IISc Director Gopalakrishnan, Prof G Rangarajan, Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID) CEO Prof B Gurumoorthy and other faculty members and deans.“The project aims to develop implantable and non-invasive brain co-processors capable of decoding neural activity from brain recordings, processing these signals using artificial intelligence algorithms and recoding them into the brain through neurostimulation or neurofeedback,” IISc said. The devices are expected to support cognitive rehabilitation, particularly for stroke survivors who have lost functions such as goal-directed reaching and grasping.Gopalakrishnan said: “India is becoming a global leader in neuroscience through international partnerships that combine basic research with clinical applications. With strong support from the Pratiksha Trust, the Brain Coprocessor Moonshot accelerates the development of innovative medical technologies.”The ultimate goal of these innovations, he said, is to provide world-class, transformative neurotherapies to the global population. The program builds on pilot work under IISc’s Brain, Computational and Data Sciences program, a cross-departmental initiative involving more than 20 faculty members. The program is also supported by Pratiksha Trust.According to IISc, brain coprocessors represent an emerging class of technologies designed to enhance or restore the natural functioning of the brain in the real world. The current project aims to build an artificial intelligence-driven closed-loop device that interfaces with different areas of the brain to restore coordinated movement.A focus of the project is the development of indigenous capabilities. The team plans to localize the implant design, hardware system, and artificial intelligence software stack to be compatible with clinical infrastructure in low-resource settings. It also aims to create an India-specific database of stereoelectroencephalogram and ECoG recordings and develop open source artificial intelligence tools, datasets and visualization platforms as digital public goods.“In the first phase, the team will develop and validate a non-invasive neural coprocessor to provide sensorimotor feedback and goal-direction to stroke survivors. The foundation will also be laid for an invasive implanted version,” IISc said.The second phase will focus on developing a minimally invasive embedded coprocessor designed to restore sensorimotor coordination in individuals with chronic multidomain deficits following middle cerebral artery stroke.The IISc team will collaborate with medical professionals and researchers across India to clinically validate and deploy these devices as per national and international standards, the IIScs said, adding that feedback from neurologists, therapists, patients and caregivers will be incorporated throughout the development process. The institute will also collaborate with research partners in India and abroad.Professor Rangarajan said Project Moonshot brings together expertise in neuroscience, electrical engineering, bioelectronics and neuromorphic computing to address stroke rehabilitation.