Cortex Technologies is a BITSian start-up that works on bionic arms and prosthetics. They were recently declared winners of the Indian Innovation Growth Programme (IIGP) 2.0 in Mumbai, ousting over 18,000 teams to win. The team walked out with a sizeable cheque, which they believe will help their cause immensely. Two members of Cortex, Siddhant Dangi and Deepansh Goyal, spoke to the English Press Club about their experiences.

Siddhant was deeply influenced by the bionic arms that were on display during APOGEE 2018, and was inspired to pursue work in the field. He used electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to build working prosthetic models. In other words, he built bionic arms controllable by the user’s thoughts. He spent the summer intensively researching the viability of biosignals and their use before starting the work on the prototype. Joining hands with Deepansh and Nishchit Soni, the team established Cortex Technologies to further their cause.

The bionic arm had a single function—moving back and forth—when the team built it for their first competition. They are now aiming to increase the number of functions to four. The issue with the addition of functions lies in the ability to use the EEG signals efficiently. Although they had to work a lot to just get their first function ready, this work laid the foundation for the addition of more functions. In the future, they are hoping to diversify their range of products to home automation and drone technology. They are working to get patents for their technology and obtain licenses for the same.

Despite working in their respective Practice School programs, the Cortex team worked day and night to get their prosthetics and computation into shape in the lead-up to IIGP. They received support from companies like 91 Springboard and NVIDIA, who helped the team by providing a workstation and the necessary hardware. 

At IIGP, they pitched their idea to investors from firms including Lockheed Martin and DST. After a successful pitch, investors began a question-and-answer session at the end of which the Lockheed Martin judges gave them a standing ovation. The results were announced in early July through email, and Cortex were declared as one of the winners. The team was awarded technical and financial support to further their work.

Cortex recently organized a successful three-day Brain-Computer Interface program on campus. They were able to attract 70 participants, but could only accommodate 30. The workshop not only focused on educating participants about the field but also acted as a way for them to find interns. This move, they believe, will reduce the increased workload that is falling onto their shoulders and streamline each facet of their work. The feedback for the workshop was excellent, and the team hopes to inspire the research-oriented students on campus to pursue their interests, as well as draw their attention to the growing field of Prosthetics.

When Siddhant and Deepansh talked about the future of Cortex, they stressed on one major goal—improvement. Despite a few genuine faults in their early ideas and their initial lack of monetary support, Cortex believes they are finally headed in the right direction. The invaluable lessons they have learnt through both success and failure, as well as the support that they garner, stem from their enthusiasm and effort. We wish them all the best for their future.