Wednesday, February 18, 2026 2/18/2026

A fully implantable speech neuroprosthesis

Award Number: UG3NS130527
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/05/2024
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2027

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A fully implantable speech neuroprosthesis - Loss of communication is one of the most devastating consequences of severe paralysis from a range of disorders, including ALS, stroke, and muscular dystrophy. Recent and ongoing studies have demonstrated the ability to decode words and sentences directly from the neural activity of a paralyzed individual who cannot speak. This success highlights the feasibility of synthesized speech decoded from neural signals using electrocorticography and lays critical groundwork for the development of a fully implantable speech prosthesis. A total implantable device will eliminate physical tethering, reduce infection risk, enable mobile, on-the-go use, expand communication training and capability, and improve patient autonomy and quality of life. Accordingly, we propose to finalize the development of a fully implantable speech prosthesis device system designed to restore real-time communication for patients suffering from severe dysarthria or anarthria. The system features a wireless brain interface device for ECoG recording, digitalization and data streaming and an external portable computer receiving data and hosting real-time speech decoding algorithms. Here, we will complete development and testing of the 3D electronic packaging, the electrode array, and peripherals to enable full integration of the device; undertake device manufacturing and perform functional and safety testing; obtain an FDA IDE; and perform intra-operative clinical studies to optimize the electrode interface and verify critical aspects of device performance. These studies will provide critical groundwork for future chronic implantation trials and subsequent commercialization.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $0 )
2026	2025	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, THE	1855 FOLSOM ST STE 425	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94103	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	12/23/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $0

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $1,675,966 )
2025	2025	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, THE	1855 FOLSOM ST STE 425	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94103	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	2	8/14/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$1,675,966
2025	2025	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, THE	1855 FOLSOM ST STE 425	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94103	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	001	2	9/24/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$0
														Subtotal = $1,675,966

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $1,526,494 )
2024	2024	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, THE	1855 FOLSOM ST STE 425	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94103	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	001	1	2/7/2024	NEW	$0
2024	2024	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, THE	1855 FOLSOM ST STE 425	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94103	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	002	1	2/23/2024	NEW	$0
2024	2024	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, THE	1855 FOLSOM ST STE 425	SAN FRANCISCO	CA	94143	SAN FRANCISCO	USA	Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders	000	1	2/1/2024	NEW	$1,526,494
														Subtotal = $1,526,494

Grand Total All Awards = $3,202,460

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A fully implantable speech neuroprosthesis

Award Number: UG3NS130527

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/05/2024

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2027

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