Bruce Hope, Mark Wells and Greg Sutton | Scalable Brain-AI Integration with Single Neuron Resolution

Apply to join Foresight Neurotech program: https://foresight.org/focus-areas/neu...
A group of neuroscience researchers, entrepreneurs, and allies advancing beneficial short-term and long-term neurotechnology applications.

Bruce Hope, Mark Wells and Greg Sutton | Nanofids : Fully Scalable Brain-AI Integration with Single Neuron Resolution
To truly merge human cognition with AI, we must decode the full language of thought encoded by ~30 billion cortical neurons. Thoughts arise from “neuronal ensembles”: sparse, transient activation patterns comparable to QR codes. Existing tools such as electrodes and calcium imaging access only hundreds to thousands of neurons, less than 1% of the cortex, making whole-brain decoding infeasible.
We are developing a breakthrough approach using 1-micron intracellular sensors called nanofids. Each nanofid records activity from within a single neuron and emits a unique near-infrared optical code when activated. These signals are captured by external optical fibers and decoded in real time by solid-state photonic systems, converting neural activity into digital signals for AI analysis. With no genetic modification, minimal tissue disruption, and tolerance to movement, nanofids enable continuous, cortex-wide monitoring at single-neuron resolution. This is not just a brain–computer interface, but a neural mirror designed to decode consciousness itself.

Bruce T. Hope, PhD – Neuroscientist
A molecular and cellular biologist and co-inventor of the core patent, Bruce has spent two decades studying how behaviors and memories are encoded in neuronal ensembles and engrams. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and conducted foundational work on neuronal ensemble mapping and neuronal uptake of 1-micron particles. He earned his PhD at the University of British Columbia and completed postdoctoral training with Eric Nestler at Yale. He is currently a Principal Investigator at NIDA/NIH and a key collaborator on nanofid development.

Mark A. Wells – President
A serial technology entrepreneur and co-inventor of the core patent, Mark brings over 20 years of experience scaling disruptive technologies across wireless, IoT, and materials-driven startups. He holds more than a dozen patents and has founded, grown, and exited multiple companies, including DSP Communications (acquired by Intel) and Spireon. His background spans engineering, product strategy, and executive leadership at Nokia, IBM, Inseego, and others. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of British Columbia.

Gregory Sutton – Engineer
A co-inventor and core engineer, Gregory contributes deep expertise in bio-inspired robotics, neuro-mechanics, and neural control systems. His work bridges neural circuitry and biomechanics, supporting advanced BMI development for precise motor control. He has held engineering and product leadership roles at Nokia, Alarm.com, and Lytx, and holds degrees in Electrical Engineering from Lakehead University and the National Technical University.

══════════════════════════════════════

About The Foresight Institute

The Foresight Institute is a research organization and non-profit that supports the beneficial development of high-impact technologies. Since our founding in 1986 on a vision of guiding powerful technologies, we have continued to evolve into a many-armed organization that focuses on several fields of science and technology that are too ambitious for legacy institutions to support. From molecular nanotechnology, to brain-computer interfaces, space exploration, cryptocommerce, and AI, Foresight gathers leading minds to advance research and accelerate progress toward flourishing futures.

We are entirely funded by your donations. If you enjoy what we do please consider donating through our donation page: https://foresight.org/donate/

Visit https://foresight.org, subscribe to our channel for more videos or join us here:
• Twitter:   / foresightinst  
• Facebook:   / foresightinst  
• LinkedIn:   / foresight-institute  

══════════════════════════════════════

Timecodes
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:23 Acknowledgements and Gratitude
00:58 The Promise of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI)
03:04 Challenges and Goals in BCI Development
06:41 Nano Fids: A Novel Technology
12:29 Technical Details and Innovations
15:25 Comparing Existing Technologies
23:07 Future Directions and Simplified Projects
31:07 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
31:15 Funding and Support for BCI Development
31:36 Challenges and Future Plans
31:54 Raising Funds and Investor Appeal
33:19 Q&A: Technical Concerns and Solutions
33:54 Q&A: Neuron Interaction and Safety
39:07 Q&A: Distribution and Delivery Methods
41:05 Q&A: Heat Generation and Interference
46:44 Q&A: Signal Detection and Interpretation
50:12 Closing Remarks and Contact Information