We are thrilled to announce that Ian Burkhart, founder of the BCI Pioneers Coalition, has been named to MIT Technology Review’s 2025 Innovators Under 35 list in the category of Biotechnology. This prestigious honor recognizes innovators advancing neuroscience, reproductive health, and access to cutting-edge medical technologies.
A Journey Shaped by Community
Ian’s journey with brain-computer interfaces began with a spinal cord injury that drastically changed his life. Through participation in an implanted BCI clinical trial, he regained hand and arm function in ways previously thought impossible. But Ian’s story isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about community-driven innovation.
“This recognition is not just about me—it’s about the incredible community of BCI pioneers driving research, advocacy, and innovation together.”
— Ian Burkhart
Building the BCI Pioneers Coalition
In 2018, Ian founded the BCI Pioneers Coalition to create a platform where BCI users, researchers, and developers collaborate. The Coalition empowers users to:
- Share lived experiences to inform technology design
- Advocate for patient-centered research and policy
- Connect globally to accelerate innovation
“The BCI Pioneers Coalition is a movement led by the pioneers themselves—participants in research who are shaping the future of neurotechnology.”
This collaborative approach has made the Coalition a powerful force for change, ensuring that BCI technology is designed with users, not just for users.
Recognition for a Collective Effort
Being named to MIT Technology Review’s Innovators Under 35 highlights Ian’s role as both a participant and advocate, but more importantly, it celebrates the collective contributions of BCI users worldwide. Every trial, feedback session, and advocacy effort contributes to the community’s shared mission: making neuroscience innovation inclusive, effective, and transformative.
“Our goal is to make sure technology advances in a way that truly serves the people who rely on it—and that’s only possible together.”
Looking Forward
This recognition is a milestone, but the journey continues. The BCI Pioneers Coalition remains committed to connecting, amplifying, and empowering BCI users, ensuring their voices shape every step of neurotechnology development.
Learn more about Ian’s work and this recognition here: MIT Technology Review Innovator Profile
