ECE Faculty-Led Team Completes NSF I-Corps With Breakthrough in Wireless Neural Interfaces
The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at The University of Texas at Dallas proudly celebrates the recent success of Dr. Ifana Mahbub and her interdisciplinary research team, who have completed the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) highly competitive National I-Corps program with their project, NeuroWave: Wireless Neural Stimulation and Recording System.
NeuroWave represents a cutting-edge solution to longstanding challenges in the field of neuromodulation. By tackling issues such as inefficient wireless power transfer and limited mobility of patients with implanted devices, the project aims to redefine what’s possible in neurotechnology.
Mahbub, an associate professor of electrical engineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and the project’s principal investigator, leads the effort with a rich background in biomedical circuits, wireless power transferand implantable systems. NeuroWave builds on her NSF CAREER Award-winning research), which focuses on developing minimally invasive, long-lasting neural interface systems that enable both stimulation and data recording in freely moving animal models.
Her team includes:
- Erik Pineda Alvarez, entrepreneurial lead and doctoral student in electrical engineering, who spearheaded customer discovery and market validation;
- Nabanita Saha, co-entrepreneurial lead and PhD candidate, whose research in antenna miniaturization helped align the system with real-world clinical needs;
- Alex Diaz, industry mentor and seasoned entrepreneur, who guided regulatory and commercialization strategies through the I-Corps process.
Over the course of the 7-week program, the team conducted more than 100 stakeholder interviews with neurosurgeons, clinicians, procurement officers and biomedical engineers. The findings revealed an urgent market demand for wireless neuromodulation systems that are compact, minimally invasive and compatible with existing surgical protocols. Stakeholders also highlighted barriers related to procurement, insurance reimbursement and FDA regulatory pathways, factors the team directly addressed in their development roadmap.
At the heart of NeuroWave is a phased array-based Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) system, designed to power implanted neural devices without physical connectors. This allows for greater patient mobility and reduces the need for follow-up surgeries often associated with wired implants. In addition to power transfer, the system also enables real-time data streaming to mobile or clinical platforms, offering new possibilities for monitoring and therapy.
“This research is driven by a vision to free medical devices from wires and limitations —enhancing mobility, comfort and care. My passion for entrepreneurship stems from turning engineering breakthroughs into real-world solutions that can directly impact people’s lives. Bridging the lab and the market is where true impact begins.”
What sets NeuroWave apart is its systems-level approach to innovation. Rather than focusing solely on miniaturization or signal clarity, the team has engineered a comprehensive platform designed for clinical readiness. The technology’s phased array enables precise energy targeting, while its wireless architecture reduces infection risks and increases patient comfort.
The team’s vision extends beyond research labs. With the I-Corps experience now under their belt, they are moving into the next phase: biocompatibility testing, advanced prototyping and stronger engagement with device integrators and clinical collaborators. They are also laying the groundwork for SBIR/STTR funding applications and preparing to attract early-stage investment.
The I-Corps journey has not only sharpened the team’s technical and entrepreneurial strategies but also deepened their understanding of the innovation pipeline. Through this immersive experience, Mahbub’s group learned to align engineering design with clinical workflows, anticipate procurement constraints and strategically navigate the health tech regulatory landscape.
The NeuroWave project exemplifies how ECE research at UT Dallas translates foundational science into real-world solutions. By aligning advanced engineering with human-centered design, Mahbub and her team are forging a promising path toward transformative health technologies that could improve quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, chronic pain and beyond.
As the project evolves, ECE looks forward to supporting this pioneering work and celebrating the long-term impact it may bring to the fields of bioelectronics and neural engineering.