IBM and Inclusive Brains Team Up for Next-Gen Brain Interfaces

In a fascinating blend of cutting-edge science and social innovation, IBM and Inclusive Brains have announced a groundbreaking collaboration that promises to redefine how humans interact with machines. The two companies have signed a joint study agreement aimed at merging artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and non-invasive neurotechnologies to enhance the performance and accuracy of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs).

While brain-computer interfaces have been an exciting area of research for years, this partnership signals a bold new step forward by integrating advanced AI models and experimental quantum machine learning techniques to better classify and interpret brain activity patterns. The collaboration not only holds promise for improving assistive technologies but could also unlock wider societal benefits in healthcare, education, and workplace accessibility.

From Thought to Action: Empowering Through Neurotech

BMIs have long been heralded for their potential to assist individuals who’ve lost the ability to use their hands or voice — enabling them to control computers, digital environments, and smart devices without physical interaction. This technology removes the need for touchscreens, keyboards, mice, or even spoken commands. Instead, users employ “mental commands,” essentially non-verbal, non-physical signals generated by brain activity and other physiological cues, to interact with connected systems.

But as promising as this sounds, one of the biggest hurdles has been improving the accuracy, personalization, and real-time adaptability of these systems. That’s where Inclusive Brains and IBM’s AI and quantum resources come in.

“Our joint study with IBM will help Inclusive Brains develop technology for deeply personalized interactions between machines and their users,” said Professor Olivier Oullier, CEO & Co-Founder of Inclusive Brains. “We’re transitioning from the era of generic interfaces to that of bespoke solutions, crafted to adapt to each individual’s unique physicality, cognitive diversity, and needs.”

How AI and Quantum Tech Are Reshaping BMIs

The heart of the collaboration lies in applying multimodal adaptive AI to brain-machine interfaces. Inclusive Brains’ proprietary AI systems will be upgraded with IBM’s AI models — notably, the IBM Granite foundation models — to optimize how brain activity is classified and interpreted. This involves training the AI to parse and learn from an intricate mix of signals, including brainwaves, facial movements, eye activity, and other biometric data.

Contrary to popular sci-fi tropes, these systems won’t be reading people’s thoughts. Terms like “mind-controlled” or “mind-written” in this context refer to AI-powered systems trained to detect intent through a combination of subtle signals rather than interpreting direct mental messages. The AI essentially decodes a set of physiological markers to infer what action a user intends, then translates it into machine commands.

A particularly ambitious part of the project involves leveraging quantum machine learning techniques to improve classification performance even further. By experimenting with quantum computing’s capacity for processing vast datasets and complex algorithmic combinations, the joint study aims to identify optimal models for interpreting brain activity. The companies plan to test hundreds of thousands of machine learning algorithm variants to pinpoint the most effective solutions for each individual user.

Championing Responsible Innovation

IBM and Inclusive Brains have emphasized that the project will uphold strict ethical guidelines, aligning with responsible technology principles previously established by both organizations. This includes safeguarding sensitive neural data, ensuring transparency in how brain activity is analyzed, and publishing findings in open-access formats to benefit the broader scientific and medical communities.

“We are particularly proud to engage with innovative startups such as Inclusive Brains and to contribute to a technology that supports advancing healthcare for the benefit of the general population,” noted Béatrice Kosowski, President of IBM France.

While the immediate applications focus on accessibility — helping those with physical limitations regain control over digital environments — the long-term implications are far broader. Enhanced BMIs could play a role in preventing and managing physical and mental health issues by offering better insight into cognitive patterns and emotional states. This could lead to early detection systems for neurological conditions, stress management tools in the workplace, and personalized digital learning environments tailored to users’ cognitive profiles.