Neurotechnology: A Giving Smarter Guide

While pharmaceuticals play an essential role in treating brain disorders, they are not the only tools available. The promise of neurotechnology–broadly defined as technology that repairs the nervous system or enables brain visualization–is increasingly being recognized as a valuable route to understand and treat diseases.However, investing in this field can be complex. To help philanthropists navigate this ecosystem, SPARC published a Giving Smarter Guide, funded by BrightFocus Foundation. This report provides an overview of the field of neurotechnology, identifying key areas for philanthropists to provide high-impact funding. These include:

• • • Investing in research focused on understanding neural circuits, advancing early-stage trials, and developing less invasive technology
    • Funding early-stage human trials
    • Supporting development of less invasive technologies
    • Creating an ecosystem of navigational support to facilitate device development
    • Developing an open-science platform to accelerate applications of neurotechnology
    • Building a stronger neurotechnology talent pipeline