Tether, the operator behind the world’s largest stablecoin by market cap, USDT, has embarked on a transformative journey with a substantial $200 million investment in Blackrock Neurotech, positioning itself as a majority stakeholder. This investment, executed through Tether Evo, Tether’s newly established division, marks a significant pivot towards integrating human potential with groundbreaking technology.
Founded in 2008, Blackrock Neurotech has been at the forefront of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. The company specializes in developing advanced BCIs that assist individuals suffering from paralysis, neurological disorders, and sensory impairments, enabling them to regain functions such as mobility and communication through thought-controlled applications.
Blackrock Neurotech gained prominence when, in 2016, Nathan Copeland, utilizing a Blackrock BCI, managed to fist-bump then U.S. President Barack Obama with a robotic arm controlled by his thoughts. Such milestones underscore the profound impact and potential of BCI technology to enhance human capabilities and quality of life.
Investment Rationale and Goals
The investment by Tether is aimed at accelerating the commercial rollout of Blackrock Neurotech’s proven medical technologies, which have already been applied in over 40 cases. Funds will also boost the company’s research and development efforts, ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of BCI technology. This strategic move reflects Tether’s commitment to pioneering technologies that expand human possibilities and improve life quality.
Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, articulated that this investment in Blackrock Neurotech is just the beginning of Tether Evo’s mission to explore and enhance the symbiotic relationship between humans and technology. Tether envisions a future where technology not only augments but fundamentally elevates the human condition, offering new realms of experience and capability.
Partnership Synergy
Florian Solzbacher, co-founder of Blackrock Neurotech, highlighted the synergy between the two companies, emphasizing the long-term commitment required to drive significant advancements in neurotechnology. Tether’s vision and resources are seen as pivotal in realizing the potential of BCIs to restore and enhance human functions on a global scale.
The announcement follows closely on the heels of Tether’s recent expansion into four new business divisions—Tether Data, Tether Finance, Tether Power, and Tether Edu—each aimed at diversifying its portfolio and reinforcing its role in technological innovations across various sectors.
Implications and Future Outlook
This partnership not only cements Tether’s role as an innovator in the crypto space but also as a significant contributor to cutting-edge scientific research and healthcare solutions. As Tether and Blackrock Neurotech move forward, the focus will be on not just sustaining but spearheading advancements in neurotechnology that could redefine human-machine interaction.
Tether’s $200 million investment in Blackrock Neurotech represents a pivotal shift towards leveraging financial assets to foster technological innovations that promise substantial enhancements in quality of life and human capabilities. As this partnership progresses, it is poised to set benchmarks in both the financial and medical technology landscapes.
Featured image credit: Ziken Labs via PlasBit