BackStop Neural Awarded Competitive Grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation

Renders of the proposed BackStop Neural percutaneous-to-paddle spinal cord device. The shape memory polymer enables the lead to remain rolled for percutaneous insertion and to deploy into its paddle configuration under physiological conditions.

September 25, 2025 — BackStop Neural has been awarded a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant for $304k to conduct research and development work on a Percutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) Paddle Lead using Shape Memory Polymer. This novel SCS lead would enable minimally invasive placement while also offering broader stimulation coverage.

This SBIR award advances the company’s efforts to develop the next generation of SCS systems utilizing innovative materials and manufacturing processes. These systems have the potential to improve patient comfort and outcomes as a non-opioid therapy for chronic pain patients while also enabling expanded use of SCS in emerging applications in movement recovery.

"NSF accelerates the translation of emerging technologies into transformative new products and services," said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. "We take great pride in funding deep-technology startups and small businesses that will shape science and engineering results into meaningful solutions for today and tomorrow."

"I’m excited to lead this NSF-funded project to develop a minimally invasive SCS lead that deploys after percutaneous placement," stated Pedro Rocha, PhD, Principal Investigator and VP of Engineering at BackStop Neural. "By uniting needle-based delivery with an expandable paddle design, we’re building toward a platform that supports clinician workflow and broad neuromodulation needs—from chronic pain to movement-recovery research."

The project begins October 1 and will last though June 2026. As a recipient of this Phase I grant, BackStop Neural will be eligible to apply for Phase II funding and additional supplements totaling up to $2 million.

The NSF SBIR/STTR program, also known as America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF, is congressionally mandated through the Small Business Innovation Research program. The NSF is an independent federal agency with a budget of $9 billion that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. All proposals submitted to the program undergo a rigorous merit-based review process beginning with a Project Pitch to see if the technology idea could be a good fit for the program. To learn more about America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF, visit: https://seedfund.nsf.gov//

About BackStop Neural

BackStop Neural is a mission-driven company focused on relieving pain and restoring movement through cutting-edge spinal cord stimulation technologies. By combining advanced materials science, innovative engineering, and a patient-centered approach, BackStop Neural is developing the world’s most advanced spinal cord stimulation leads for chronic pain relief and motor recovery.

For more information, please visit www.backstopneural.com

For media inquiries, please contact:

Connie Manz

connie.manz@backstopneural.com