New Collaboration to Advance Brain Activity Pattern Classification
Paris, June 3, 2025
IBM and Inclusive Brains have announced a joint initiative aimed at revolutionizing the way brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) are developed and implemented. By leveraging the cutting-edge capabilities of artificial intelligence and quantum machine learning, the two organizations are determined to push the boundaries of what BMIs can achieve.
Pioneering Innovations for Social Good
BMIs hold tremendous potential, especially for individuals facing physical challenges, such as those who have lost the use of their hands or voice. These interfaces can enable them to interact with and control digital environments and devices without the need for traditional input methods like keyboards or voice commands. Inclusive Brains is keen on utilizing insights from this collaboration to open up new avenues in education and employment for disabled individuals. Moreover, this joint effort aims not only to assist those with paralysis but also to enhance the overall understanding of brain activity patterns, contributing to the prevention of various health issues.
The multimodal AI systems developed by Inclusive Brains are to be refined using insights from this collaboration with IBM. This refinement will focus on allowing BMIs to adapt in real-time to the unique needs and capabilities of their users, thereby offering enhanced autonomy and independence in both personal and professional settings.
Advancing Accessibility with Multimodal AI
In this collaborative effort, Inclusive Brains is capitalizing on IBM’s expertise in AI and quantum technologies. The study involves several critical stages to evaluate the precision of brain activity classification when compared to existing models, including:
- Adopting IBM Granite foundation models: These foundational models will aid in generating and reviewing code necessary to establish benchmarks. These benchmarks will test countless combinations of machine learning algorithms to identify the most effective ones for interpreting brain activity.
- Automated Algorithm Selection: The study will focus on automatically selecting the most efficient algorithms tailored to each individual. These algorithms will be pivotal in enabling "mental commands," which allow users to operate workstations without physical interaction.
- Understanding Multimodal Systems: The terms "mental commands," "mind-controlled," and "mind-written" refer to systems that interpret a combination of brainwaves, facial movements, eye movements, and other physiological signals. These systems translate user intentions into actions, enabling control over connected devices without the need for physical or vocal interaction.
- Open Science Publications: The joint study will also contribute to a series of open access research publications, sharing their findings with the scientific community and the public.
- Quantum Machine Learning: The study will explore quantum machine learning techniques specifically for classifying brain activity.
The research will align with the ethical standards set by both Inclusive Brains and IBM. This includes a commitment to responsible technology and the ethical use of neurotechnology and neural data.
Statements from Key Leaders
Béatrice Kosowski, President of IBM France, expressed pride in collaborating with innovative startups like Inclusive Brains. She emphasized the importance of advancing healthcare technologies for the benefit of the general populace through responsible access to IBM’s AI and quantum technologies.
Professor Olivier Oullier, CEO and Co-Founder of Inclusive Brains, highlighted the significance of the partnership with IBM. He pointed out that the collaboration marks a transition from generic interfaces to bespoke solutions, tailored to accommodate the diverse physical and cognitive needs of individuals.
About Inclusive Brains
Inclusive Brains is dedicated to creating technology that adapts in real time to the unique physical and cognitive characteristics of its users. Their aim is to offer personalized assistance that not only aids decision-making and optimizes performance but also supports mental and physical health. By developing multimodal cognitive agents, Inclusive Brains aims to detect stress, attention, cognitive load, and fatigue in real-time. Their interfaces empower individuals with disabilities to control digital environments through "mental commands," using neurophysiological signals without physical or vocal interaction.
Recently, Inclusive Brains achieved significant milestones with their Prometheus BCI, a multimodal interface. They demonstrated a mind-controlled arm exoskeleton during the Olympic Torch Relay, engaged in a mind-written tweet exchange with President Macron, and drafted a mind-written parliamentary amendment. These achievements were supported by Allianz Trade and GENCI’s computing capabilities on the Jean Zay Supercomputer at IDRIS (CNRS).
Inclusive Brains was named Startup of the Year in 2024, with founders Prof. Olivier Oullier and Paul Barbaste recognized as AI Inventors of the Year by a committee of Nobel laureates and industry leaders. Their work has been honored by the École Polytechnique Foundation and at the Handitech Trophy for cutting-edge research and digital inclusion.
Further details about Inclusive Brains can be found on their website.
About IBM
IBM is a global leader in hybrid cloud, AI, and consulting services, helping clients in more than 175 countries leverage data insights, streamline processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge. Numerous governments and corporations rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift for efficient and secure digital transformations. IBM’s innovations span AI, quantum computing, and industry-specific cloud solutions, all underpinned by a commitment to trust, transparency, and inclusivity.
For more information, visit IBM’s official site.
This collaboration between IBM and Inclusive Brains represents a significant step forward in the development of technology that not only empowers individuals with disabilities but also enhances our understanding of human brain activity for broader societal benefits.
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