Science Corporation, a startup specializing in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, has received approval from the European medical device regulator to market its PRIMA device, which restores vision lost to age-related macular degeneration. This condition affects millions worldwide by damaging light-sensitive cells in the eyes, resulting in impaired reading ability and facial recognition. The PRIMA system consists of a small chip implanted in the eye during a brief outpatient procedure, paired with camera-equipped glasses that transmit visual information to the chip, enabling users to regain functional sight.

In addition to European approval, PRIMA has attained a breakthrough device designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, paving the way for an expedited review process that may extend its use to treat two other rare forms of blindness. Science Corp. acquired the PRIMA technology by purchasing French company Pixium in 2024 and has refined the product to meet regulatory standards and commercialization readiness. The company plans to start offering the device in Germany later this year, where clinical trials were conducted, with device pricing expected in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Founded by Max Hodak, co-founder of Neuralink, Science Corporation aims to build a sustainable business in vision restoration to support the development of future bio-hybrid brain sensors. Hodak emphasizes that achieving annual revenue exceeding $100 million through the vision product is critical for long-term innovation in the BCI space. The company is already exploring upgrades to the PRIMA chip and aims to improve the glasses’ design, moving toward a more convenient form factor similar to AR glasses, acknowledging the substantial power and computing needs of the system.

Science Corp. is also collaborating with Yale neurosurgery chair Murat Günel to advance human trials of a directly implanted bio-hybrid brain sensor, which represents the company’s future vision technology. However, securing a strong foothold in the vision restoration market with PRIMA is the immediate priority, as it will finance and validate the company’s broader ambitions in advanced brain-computer interfaces. The European launch and ongoing U.S. regulatory progress mark significant milestones on this path.