IISc Launches Moonshot Project for Brain Co-Processors

On 4th March 2026, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) launched a moonshot project to develop brain co-processors combining neuromorphic hardware and artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance or restore brain function, particularly for stroke rehabilitation.

Key Points

Funded By Pratiksha Trust: The project is supported by the Pratiksha Trust founded by Senapathy ‘Kris’ Gopalakrishnan and Sudha Gopalakrishnan.
AI-Powered Brain Co-Processors: The system aims to decode neural signals from the brain, process them using AI algorithms and re-encode signals back into the brain through neural stimulation or neurofeedback.
Focus on Stroke Rehabilitation: The technology will help restore motor functions such as goal-directed reaching and grasping in stroke survivors.
Implantable and Non-Invasive Devices: Researchers plan to develop both non-invasive neural interfaces and implantable brain co-processors.
Closed-Loop Brain System: The device will use neural recording, AI-driven inference and closed-loop stimulation to restore coordinated brain activity.
Two-Phase Development:
- Phase 1: Develop and validate a non-invasive neural co-processor for sensorimotor feedback in stroke patients.
- Phase 2: Build a minimally invasive implanted co-processor to restore sensorimotor coordination after severe strokes.
Indigenous Technology Development: The project aims to indigenise implants, hardware and AI stacks suited to India’s clinical infrastructure and low-resource settings.