Objective
Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in paralysis and the permanent loss of hand and arm function, severely limiting independence and quality of life. Existing assistive technologies, such as surface electromyography, nerve implants, or brain–computer interfaces, are either too inaccurate, too invasive, or too unstable for long-term clinical use. To address this, we have developed intramuscular microelectrode arrays (MEAs) that can be implanted percutaneously to record the discharges of spinal motor neurons, providing the first minimally invasive interface with individual neurons of the human spinal cord. In the ERC project NaturalBionicS, we demonstrated that even in individuals with complete clinical paralysis, residual motor neuron activity below the lesion can be accessed and voluntarily modulated, offering a new avenue for restoring motor control. This Proof of Concept project, AxonCtrl, will translate this breakthrough into a patient-ready system: the intramuscular Peripheral-Cortical Interface (iPCI). We will deliver two innovations. First, a miniaturised wireless circuit that connects to the implanted MEA, enabling stable, high-fidelity recordings without bulky laboratory equipment and giving users mobility in daily life. Second, a safe injector device that allows simple and reliable implantation of MEAs, eliminating the need for trained researchers in home use. By combining the performance of invasive neural implants with the safety and accessibility of a minimally invasive system, iPCI establishes a new class of scalable neural interfaces. The validated prototype developed in this project will empower people with SCI to regain high-functionality control of assistive devices such as wheelchairs and digital interfaces, reducing reliance on carers and healthcare systems. Beyond SCI, iPCI will provide new tools for neuroscience, rehabilitation, and neuromodulation, positioning it as the cornerstone for a new generation of neurotechnology.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine physiotherapy
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology implants
You need to log in or register to use this function
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-POC
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.