Programme development
As we develop a second programme in the Scalable Neural Interfaces opportunity space, we're sharing our current thinking in the form of a programme thesis. This programme is expected to launch on 24 February 2026 – sign up here for programme updates and to be notified when our solicitation goes live.
Massively Scalable Neurotechnologies
To unlock scalable, responsive neurotechnologies that treat brain disorders without the need for brain surgery.
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading cause of global disability, yet today’s most advanced treatments rely on complex surgical procedures. This limits access to only the most severe cases and prevents early intervention for millions.
We are developing a new class of brain surgery-free neurotechnologies that reach and interact with the central nervous system via the body’s natural pathways, leveraging routes such as the vasculature, intrathecal and intranasal pathways, or entirely new access paradigms. Our ambition is a responsive system that can monitor and modulate brain activity systemically or with minimal intervention, deployable in under 30 minutes.
By dramatically lowering the procedural burden of advanced neurotechnology, we aim to open up new therapeutic targets and make powerful brain therapies accessible at scale.
Programme thesis (accessible version)
Join a team
Ahead of a potential funding call in this space, we have a live teaming tool that allows applicants to find complementary expertise. After a quick registration, you can browse other researchers and request an introduction from the ARIA team to explore potential collaborations.
Webinar: 2 March 2026
After the programme launches, we'll be hosting a webinar to provide an overview of the programme's technical areas and answer questions.
Precision Neurotechnologies
The first programme we developed in this opportunity space, Precision Neurotechnologies, is backed by £69m and aims to unlock new methods to interface with the human brain at the circuit level, with unprecedented precision.
Meet the programme team
Our Programme Directors are supported by a core team that provides a blend of operational coordination and highly specialised technical expertise.
Jacques Carolan
Programme Director
Jacques is an applied physicist and neuroscientist. Prior to joining ARIA as a founding Programme Director, he was a Discovery Fellow at UCL and a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at MIT. Jacques’ work involves applying the principles of physics and engineering to create next-generation, scalable tools that aim to radically change our understanding of the brain and ultimately be used to repair it.
Anusha Rajamani
Programme Specialist
Anusha has a background in international development and public health, with experience managing complex programmes across government and multilateral sectors. She has worked on global health, climate, and health systems initiatives internationally and offers expertise in strategy, partnerships, and programme delivery. Anusha supports ARIA as an Operating Partner from Pace.
Gillian Koehl
Technical Specialist
Gillian, a bioengineer, is passionate about advancing health through neurotechnology. She brings expertise in neuromodulation product development and biomaterials from her time at Blackrock Neurotechnology and Imperial College London.
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