Title: The science, engineering and business aspects of a high tech medical device company in the United States.
Speaker: Mr. Abe Caplan

Time: 10am, Nov 22, 2007

Venue: Room 212, Leo KoGuan Building

Audience: BME faculty

Abstract: Mr. Caplan worked on an implantable brain-computer inteface device at Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems for 5 years.  The purpose of this technology is to enable people with tetraplegia (severe paralysis) to control computers and other external devices simply by thinking about it, this in turn allows people with disabilities to regain independence, mobility and communication.  This lecture will cover the scientific and engineering principles behind the BrainGate Neural Interface System, as well as the regulatory, intellectual property and the clinical challenges around working to develop a high tech medical device and translate these discoveries from University and Institute research laboratories to marketable products.

Prior to his work at Cyberkinetics, Mr. Caplan was an intern at Microsoft Corporation.  He is an author on 2 peer reviewed publications, including a cover article in the journal Nature.  He is also an inventor on 8 US and EU patents pending.  Mr. Caplan earned a B.Sc. in Computer Engineering from Brown University in the USA; he is a Canadian Citizen.

About Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems, Inc.

Cyberkinetics Neurotechnology Systems, Inc., a leader in the neurotechnology industry, is developing neural stimulation, sensing and processing technology to improve the lives of those with severe paralysis resulting from spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders and other conditions of the nervous system. Cyberkinetics' product development pipeline includes: Andara[TM] OFS[TM] Therapy for acute spinal cord injury, an investigative device designed to stimulate nerve repair and restore sensation and motor function; the BrainGate System, an investigative device designed to provide communication and control of a computer, assistive devices, and, ultimately, limb movement; and a pilot program in the detection and prediction of seizures due to Epilepsy. Additional information is available at Cyberkinetics' website at http://www.cyberkineticsinc.com.