POSITIONED — Health-Holland PPP Project (NIN + Phosphoenix)

Public-private partnership: Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) + Phosphoenix BV. 211k EUR from Health-Holland PPP Allowance. URL: https://neurotech-nl.com/project/positioned/

Summary

Develops the “fountain probe” — high-density interface implanted through a small burr hole. Target: hundreds of electrodes in <200 mm³ volume within the human LGN (~120 mm³).

LGN choice rationale (from project description)

• Visual pathway: retina → LGN → visual cortex
• Human LGN volume: ~120 mm³ — compact enough for volumetric electrode coverage
• Previous studies confirmed: LGN electrical stimulation causes phosphene perception
• Entire visual field is represented in this small structure → wide-field coverage possible with existing prostheses was impossible
• Camera + video processing → phosphenes outlining relevant objects in user’s vicinity

Preclinical testing

Mouse model: functionality, brain tissue integration, long-term stability (duration).