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Neuromorphic Twins: A Breakthrough

  • Writer: Dr Dominic Smith
    Dr Dominic Smith
  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

At its core, the field of neuromorphic engineering was born to create brain-inspired computing hardware and software. Pioneered by Prof. Carver Mead at Caltech in the late 1980s, this research field is growing rapidly, with the number of publications per year in the field more than doubling over the last decade, with Chinese universities currently leading the output.


While its applications span a variety of technologies, from chips to algorithms, a relatively new application has emerged – neuromorphic twins. This concept aims to integrate neuromorphic engineering with digital twin technology. Digital twin technology is a virtual representation, with real-time data, of a physical object, process, or system. The primary aim of combining these two technologies is to achieve personalised and flexible treatment for neurological ailments such as Parkinson's or ALS.


Method

A multichannel probe implanted in the brain allows electrodes to capture individual neuron activity. These signals function as the input into the neuromorphic twin and are sent to a digital replica of the brain’s network which attempts to mirror what neurons are doing in real time. The system fine-tunes itself to ensure an accurate reflection of the patient's brain. Finally, using what it has learnt, the system sends tailored signals back into the brain to help treat neurological conditions. Based on current research and progress, academics are confident about the feasibility of this technology. These advances and the subsequent improvements in brain modelling capabilities have allowed academics to conduct therapeutic interventions at the preclinical level. However, the timeline for clinical and commercial adoption remains undefined.


Neuralink?

Readers may be thinking ‘how does this differ from Elon Musk’s Neuralink?’. The initial product from Neuralink uses a brain computer interface (BCI) that acts as an outbound transmitter, translating thoughts into digital signals to control external devices such as computers or robotic arms. A neuromorphic twin provides a bilateral conversation; the twin can understand brain signals and provide personalised remedial action back into the brain. Their functionality differs, but, given the similarities in the technologies required, the scope for mutual benefit from both of these advancing technologies is high. This overlap will only strengthen, given Musk’s new Neuralink venture – Blindsight – which aims to restore sight by generating ‘visual perception by activating brain areas responsible for visual function’ by ‘wirelessly transmitting images into the brain via an implant’. This will use bilateral brain communication technology as images must be communicated back into the brain. Further illustrating the complementary nature of these technologies.


Market

According to a Morgan Stanley report from 2025, the BCI TAM is approximately $400bn in the US alone, and the estimated market penetration will be 2.8% by 2045. This TAM is driven by the estimated 9.7m suitable candidates for BCI treatment. As the neuromorphic twin looks to build on the capabilities of a BCI by improving personalisation of treatment, it is likely that the technology will augment BCI technology and occupy a share of the BCI TAM. Additionally, beyond the therapeutic application, a neuromorphic twin would likely provide value as a research tool for drug testing, opening a new market for itself. 



Sources and Further Reading


The Primary Research

  • Chiappalone, M. & Levi, T. (2026):  Advancing neuroengineering with Neuromorphic Twins. Nature Communications, 17, 1938. This pivotal paper by Prof. Michela Chiappalone (University of Genoa) and Prof. Timothée Levi (University of Bordeaux) establishes the framework for real-time, bio-hybrid digital replicas.

Market Intelligence

Technology & Competitive Landscape

 
 
 

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