Brain implant startup secures new capital to restore human vision

2026-10-17 biotech

Amsterdam, Saturday 17 October 2026
Dutch medtech firm Phosphoenix raised €1.3 million to prepare first-in-human clinical trials for its AI brain implant, which bypasses damaged eyes using 1,000 microelectrodes to directly stimulate sight.

Translating Academic Research into Clinical Progress

Founded in 2019 by Pieter Roelfsema, Xing Chen, and Bert Monna as a spin-off from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Amsterdam-based Phosphoenix has steadily progressed from academic research toward clinical validation [5]. Following an initial pre-seed funding round completed in September 2022 [5], the company secured a new €1.3 million capital injection in September 2026 [3][5][7]. This bridge funding is structured to support specific operational and regulatory milestones rather than long-term clinical development, focusing directly on safety trials and technical neurostimulation system refinements [1][2][5].

Syndicate Backing and Regional Investment Support

The €1.3 million financing round attracted regional development agency ROM InWest as a new equity investor, joining existing venture capital partners [3][4][7]. The continued investment syndicate includes the TTT Medtech Fund (managed by 819 Capital Partners), the FIRST Fund (managed by BioGeneration Ventures), and Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland [3][4][7]. Leadership from ROM InWest highlighted that Phosphoenix represents a model example of regional scientific innovation transitioning from university laboratories into high-impact healthcare solutions designed to increase patient independence [1][2][4].

Bypassing Ocular Damage via Brain Interfacing

Profound blindness affects approximately 40 million individuals globally, with limited treatment options existing for patients suffering from irreversible retinal or optic nerve damage [1][2]. The technology developed by Phosphoenix bypasses impaired ocular pathways entirely by delivering electrical stimulation directly to visual processing centres in the brain [1][2][4]. By routing signals directly to the brain, the company aims to offer a functional visual alternative for individuals who have acquired severe vision loss later in life [1][2].

Technical Architecture of the Fountain Probe™

At the core of the neuroprosthetic system is the Fountain Probe™, a high-density, flexible neural interface containing more than 1,000 microelectrodes [3][4][7]. Implanted via stereotactic neurosurgery, the device delivers precise electrical impulses directly into the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) [4][7]. Guided by artificial intelligence algorithms, these micro-stimulations generate phosphenes—perceived dots of light—which enable users to construct a structured, artificial pattern of vision [1][2][4].

Strategic Clinical Roadmap and Series A Horizon

In collaboration with Amsterdam UMC, Phosphoenix is currently directing the fresh capital towards preclinical preparations for its first-in-human (FIH) clinical study scheduled for 2027 [1][2][4][5]. Under Chief Executive Officer Hans Brons, the executive team is simultaneously laying the groundwork for an upcoming Series A financing round targeting approximately €20 million [1][2][3][4]. This represents an expansion of 1438.462% over the recent €1.3 million seed extension, intended to fully finance the multi-year clinical trial program required for regulatory approval [1][2][3][5].

Sources & Ecosystem Partners

Brain Implant Clinical Trial