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  • Weekly Signal: 12 | Neurotech Speaks: BCI User Sings, UNESCO Global Standards, and Funding Soars

Weekly Signal: 12 | Neurotech Speaks: BCI User Sings, UNESCO Global Standards, and Funding Soars

From expressive brain-computer speech and ALS survival gains to Neuralink’s $650M raise and UNESCO’s ethics vote—this week reshapes neurotechnology’s future.

Author

Ricardo Albornoz
June 21, 2025

Table of Contents

🧠 Weekly Signal

Neurotechnology News | June 14 - June 20, 2025

Let's cut through the noise this week!

🧠 SCIENCE & CLINICAL TRIALS

🟢 BCI Restores Speech with Expressive Intonation in ALS Patient

Published: June 17, 2025

Source: Nature / Research

A groundbreaking brain-computer interface decoded brain signals in real time to enable a man with ALS to speak fluently—with natural intonation, rhythm, and even singing. This system significantly outperformed previous BCIs by using advanced AI speech models paired with high-density electrode arrays.

💡 Big Picture:

This elevates the potential of BCIs from basic cursor control to fully synthetic vocal expression, hinting at richer digital embodiment for locked-in users.

🧬 ALS Therapies Show Multi-Year Survival Gains

Published: June 18, 2025

Two different studies reported dramatic survival benefits in ALS patients. One trial showed that the NurOwn cell therapy helped 9 out of 10 participants survive past 5 years—well above the average. Another study combining low-dose IL-2 with standard ALS drugs showed slower functional decline and lower death rates.

💡 Big Picture:

We may be entering a new era where multi-modal treatment plans redefine ALS care and expectations.

🦶 Tongue-Based Neurostimulation Enhances MS Gait Long-Term

Published: June 19, 2025

In the final analysis of the PoNSTEP trial, multiple sclerosis patients using the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS®) showed statistically significant gait improvement, sustained for over six months when paired with physical therapy.

💡 Big Picture:

Wearable neuromodulation is proving to be more than a short-term boost—it’s a rehab catalyst.

👜 INDUSTRY & STARTUP

💸 Neuralink Raises $650M Series E at $9B Valuation

Published: June 17, 2025

Elon Musk’s Neuralink confirmed a record-breaking $650 million raise, with participation from Founders Fund, Sequoia, and Google Ventures. The company is now working with five human patients enrolled in its clinical trial.

💡 Big Picture:

With massive funding and growing trial data, Neuralink is pushing BCI from hype toward scalable medical reality.

🏦 POLICY & ETHICS

⚖️ UNESCO Finalizes Global Ethics Framework for Neurotech

Published: June 14, 2025

Source: UNESCO

UNESCO’s Member States have approved the final draft of the “Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology.” It addresses neural data privacy, mental autonomy, cognitive liberty, and algorithmic bias in BCIs and neurostimulation.

💡 Big Picture:

The upcoming General Conference vote in November could influence global laws on brain rights, data protection, and cognitive manipulation.

 Upcoming Events (2025)

Stay informed about upcoming neurotech conferences and networking opportunities around the world:

Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS) 2025 Annual Meeting
📍 Boston, Massachusetts, USA | March 29–April 1, 2025

NeurotechEU Symposium 2025
📍 Bonn, Germany | May 13, 2025

Neural Interfaces 2025
📍 Arlington, Virginia, USA | June 12–14, 2025

2025 Neurotech Leaders Forum
📍 South San Francisco, California, USA| November 5–6, 2025

Society for Neuroscience 2025 Annual Meeting
📍 San Diego, California, USA | November 15–19, 2025

Maudsley Neurotechnology Conference 2025
📍 King's College London, UK | Dates TBA

Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS) 2025
📍 San Diego, California, USA | December 2025

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