Nudge Zero: status and timeline · The Techno Optimist

Milestones

Next · Human research trials ongoing

Series A funding closedJul 2025Complete.
Human research trials ongoingTarget 2025Current milestone.

Most important updates

Nudge secures $100M Series A for focused-ultrasound brain interface4 Aug 2025

Upcoming

2025Human research trials ongoing (next)

Current obstacles

Clinical translationDemonstrating safety and efficacy in human trials across different indications to obtain regulatory approval.

Physics limits

Ultrasound penetrationWhile ultrasound penetrates the skull better than other non-invasive methods, skull absorption and distortion remain limiting factors for targeting and energy delivery.
Spatial resolution vs. depth trade-offAchieving high precision at depth requires careful frequency and focus selection; deeper targets may require lower resolution.

How it works

2 parts

Ultrasound delivery

Focused ultrasound through skull

Ultrasound passes through the skull to reach deep brain structures precisely, allowing stimulation without requiring electrodes or surgery.

Imaging

Real-time brain imaging

The same ultrasound platform can image brain activity via blood flow changes, providing feedback during stimulation.

Spec sheet

Spec	Nudge Zero
Spatial precision	Millimeter-scale^R (reported)

^R reported by the company

Update log

1 update

Mon 4 Aug 2025

Major: Nudge secures $100M Series A for focused-ultrasound brain interfacePressFunding

About Nudge

The team behind Nudge Zero

Nudge

Focused ultrasound stimulation

Nudge develops a non-invasive focused-ultrasound platform for brain stimulation and imaging with millimeter precision. The company is advancing a scalable brain interface technology called Nudge Zero that stimulates deep brain circuits without surgery, in human research.

Series A of $100M in July 2025 led by Thrive Capital and Greenoaks.
Uses focused ultrasound to stimulate brain circuits without surgery.

nudge.com (opens nudge.com)Company profile →

Founded: 20242 yrs
Headquarters: United States
Status: Private
Valuation: private
Raised: $100M1 round
Last round: Series A · $100MJul 2025
Works in: NeurotechNon-invasive
Coverage: 1 program · 1 updatelatest 4 Aug 2025checked 10 Oct
Lead investors: Thrive CapitalGreenoaks