ABOUT
Who We Are
The iBCI-CC is a collaborative community focused on implantable brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs). iBCIs have the potential to transform the lives of individuals with neurological conditions by enabling them to live a more independent lifestyle. Realizing this potential requires a collective approach that bridges expertise across various domains.
Our platform serves as a collaborative space where researchers, clinicians, medical device companies, ethicists, regulators, patient advocacy groups, individuals with lived experience, and care partners work together to advance the field of iBCIs.
Our History
In 2023, a small group of BCI pioneers learned about the value that collaborative communities can bring to transformational medical technologies. Founding members worked to gather insights from the FDA and other collaborative community organizers. Further discussion took place at the BCI Society meeting later that year in Brussels which further developed international collaborations. This work culminated in a diverse group of stakeholders crafting the iBCI-CC charter.
On January 17, 2024, the iBCI-CC charter was signed by founding members. This progress was followed by the formal issuance of a federal liaison letter to the group in February and the formal launch of the iBCI-CC in March.
Our Mission
The iBCI-CC is an inclusive organization that seeks to advance the field of iBCIs through a platform that develops and uses harmonized approaches to drive continuous innovation and equitable access to iBCIs by:
Utilizing regulatory science tools to support evidence-generation and inform the community about topics relevant to iBCIs,
Creating inclusive platforms for addressing complex problems, and
Convening diverse stakeholders to enable discussion and education of each other and the broader community.
What is a Collaborative Community?
Collaborative communities are ongoing forums in the pre-competitive space, where diverse stakeholders, including those from both the private- and public-sector, collaborate to tackle complex challenges in the medical device ecosystem. These communities are independently formed and led by stakeholders, with the FDA and members of other federal agencies participating to offer expertise while fostering innovation and regulatory alignment. The goals of collaborative communities include identifying unmet medical needs, enhancing regulatory science, promoting innovation, and improving patient outcomes through shared resources and consensus-driven solutions.
Please visit the FDA’s page on collaborative communities to learn more or watch their introductory video here:
Founding Organizations
The iBCI-CC was founded by a coalition of organizations dedicated to advancing implantable brain-computer interfaces.
The Dana Foundation partners with the iBCI-CC to support our collaborative efforts to advance implantable brain-computer interfaces.
Partnering Organizations
In Memorium
The iBCI-CC was incredibly fortunate during its founding to have the support, guidance, and inspiration of Brooke Ellison as the Vice President of Tech Access Initiative at United Spinal Association. As one of the original signatories of the iBCI-CC, Brooke lent her intellect and unwavering advocacy for people with paralysis and for Neuroethics to the iBCI-CC. Brooke passed away on February 4, 2024, less than three weeks after helping everyone to launch the iBCI-CC. She will be deeply missed. Read more about Brooke's remarkable life here and here.