NeurotechNL community is welcoming a new project POSITIONED (PrOstheSIs to resTore vIsiOn iN thE blind). The project is a public-private partnership led by the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) and a med-tech startup Phosphoenix.

POSITIONED will develop a new type of neuroprosthesis called “fountain probe”, which is a high-density interface with neurons in a relatively small volume in the brain. We expect that the fountain probe will cover the entire LGN (Lateral Geniculate Nucleus) with electrodes and that it can be implanted with a procedure that is as invasive as deep-brain stimulation.

During the project duration, we will test the probe in mice to assess functionality: 1) how well it integrates with the brain tissue, 2) and how long it keeps working. POSITIONED will thereby provide insight into the short and long-term functionality of a device that could restore a simple form of vision for people who are blind.

POSITION has been awarded 211k EUR from the PPP Allowance made available by Health-Holland, Top Sector Life Sciences & Health, to stimulate public-private partnerships.