BUFFALO, NY ─ On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Jacobs Institute will host patients, caregivers, and clinicians to discover first-hand how people with motor impairment can use their thoughts to control digital devices and complete tasks of daily living.
“BCI technology represents a transformative opportunity for people with ALS, empowering them with greater independence and communication,” said Adnan Siddiqui, JI CEO. “Synchron’s endovascular BCI technology is groundbreaking, and the Jacobs Institute is thrilled to partner with Kaleida Health and Synchron to bring these technologies and conversations to Buffalo.”
The Synchron Symposium from 5:00-7:00 p.m. ET will feature:
•Synchron leadership, Kurt Haggstrom, Chief Commercial Officer and Omid Forouzan, Vice President, Clinical •Members of the UBNS and UBMD clinical teams, Dr. Elad Levy and Dr. Amit Kandel •Neurosurgeon and Jacobs Institute CEO, Dr. Adnan Siddiqui •Occupational Therapist Mariah Kane and Speech-Language Patholigist Kate Nilson from the ALS Association
Attendees will gain practical knowledge about the evolving role of BCI in ALS management and the support systems available to patients and families. The symposium includes feature presentations, interactive discussions, and a panel session addressing the intersection of clinical care, patient advocacy, and technological innovation.
According to Kurt Haggstrom, “We’re excited to participate in the Jacobs Institute symposium and share how Synchron’s endovascular BCI is opening new possibilities for people living with ALS. This technology is designed to restore independence by enabling patients to control digital devices using only their thoughts.” (www.synchron.com)
According to Synchron, BCI technology converts the brain’s intent to move into digital action. The system captures neural signals and translates them into control of digital devices. Synchron’s Stentrode BCI device is a minimally-invasive implant, delivered using an endovascular approach, like a stent through the patient’s blood vessels.
Pamela Marcucci, VP of Programs at the JI, says, “One of our primary non-profit purposes at the Jacobs Institute is to support individuals and organizations working on life-changing med-tech advancements in the vascular and neurologic space, and then mobilize that information to clinicians and the community. At this symposium in partnership with Synchron and Kaleida Health, the JI is bringing some of the most cutting-edge medical developments in the world right here to Buffalo.”
Media professionals and journalists are encouraged to attend to report on these med-tech breakthroughs for the care of people with ALS.
For more information contact Pamela Marcucci, VP of Programs at pmarcucci@jacobsinstitute.org or 716-888-4817
About the Jacobs Institute The Jacobs Institute is a non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies for vascular and neurologic diseases through collisions of physicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, and industry. The JI’s vision is to improve the treatment of vascular and neurologic disease in Western New York and the world, while fostering local economic development. The JI fosters medical collaboration and innovation through partnerships with the University of Buffalo (UB), Kaleida Health, and industry to be a fitting tribute to the work and memory of Lawrence D. Jacobs, MD. Additionally, the JI’s i2R, or Idea to Reality Center, is taking ideas for vascular and neurologic medical devices and moving them through the proof-of-concept process. Finally, the JI also increases physician and industry knowledge of vascular and neurologic diseases through clinical education programs.
About Synchron Synchron is the category-defining brain-computer interface (BCI) company pioneering implantable neurotechnology designed to restore autonomy and improve lives. Its mission is to bring the first commercially scalable BCI to millions of people with motor impairment. Synchron has completed two human clinical trials since 2019 and is preparing for a larger-scale study. The company’s implantable BCI is now powered by Chiral AI™, a proprietary foundation model of cognition. With the BCI market projected to reach $400 billion (Morgan Stanley), Synchron is leading the field while prioritizing ethical development grounded in Cognitive Liberty and the protection of fundamental rights. Synchron is headquartered in New York. Learn more at synchron.com and follow @synchroninc.
About Kaleida Health Kaleida Health is the largest healthcare provider in Western New York, serving the area's eight counties with state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive healthcare services. Its expert, compassionate healthcare professionals are committed to providing the best possible outcomes and experience for patients and visitors. More than one million sick or injured patients choose a Kaleida Health facility annually.