Tether Bets $200M on Brain-Tech Firm Blackrock Neurotech

Tether, the issuer of the popular stablecoin, USDT has invested $200 million in Blackrock Neurotech, a biotech firm specializing in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. Tether’s newly formed venture division, Tether Evo, is an investment vehicle.

Tether Evo is one of the recently launched divisions of Tether in its quest to expand beyond the stablecoin’s traditional business model. The others are Tether Data, Tether Finance, Tether Power, and Tether Edu(cation).

Tether’s Vision for Technological Innovation

The new investment in Blackrock Neurotech positions Tether as the majority stakeholder as it aims to support the company’s commercialization and roll-out of medical solutions, as well as its ongoing research and development efforts.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino in an interview stated that the investment in Blackrock Neurotech is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to exploring emerging technologies with the capability to redefine human potential.

According to him, “Tether has long believed in nurturing emerging technologies that have transformative capabilities, and the Brain-Computer-Interfaces of Blackrock Neurotech have the potential to open new realms of communication, rehabilitation, and cognitive enhancement.”

Ardoino highlighted that Tether’s investments are made from company profits and are separate from stablecoin reserves. This allows the company to support ventures that push the boundaries of technology such as its recent investment in Artificial Intelligence.

Blackrock Neurotech’s Mission and Technology

Blackrock Neurotech, founded in 2008, is a pioneer in brain-computer interface technology, to help people suffering from paralysis, lost function, and neurological disorders.

The company’s tools enable patients to control devices using their thoughts, opening new avenues for rehabilitation and communication for those with limited physical abilities.

One notable example of Blackrock’s technology in action was in 2016 when patient Nathan Copeland used Blackrock’s BCI technology to control a robotic arm and fist bump from then-U.S. President Barack Obama. It was reported that using implants in his sensory cortex, Copeland could “feel” the President’s hand.

Blackrock’s use of BCI technology to bridge gaps in physical and sensory functions includes its use to decode words and sentences from brain signals, providing a voice to those who have lost the ability to speak due to neuromuscular disease or injury.

New Partnership for Medical Advancement

Dr. Florian Solzbacher, co-founder of Blackrock Neurotech, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that his life’s dream has been to restore function to those who have lost it and to revolutionize healthcare through innovative technology.

Analysts believe with Tether’s investment, Blackrock Neurotech is poised to advance its research and bring its groundbreaking technology to a wider audience, globally. This is happening shortly after its pivot into education.