Updates
Research and Development Progress
This page documents the ongoing research, development, and organizational progress of SynapSense. Updates are provided to ensure transparency, demonstrate sustained execution, and communicate meaningful milestones to researchers, collaborators, program partners, and reviewers.
All updates reflect completed or actively ongoing work. SynapSense remains a research-stage initiative, and updates are not intended to imply clinical readiness or diagnostic capability.
Research and Development Updates
Pilot Study Launched and Ongoing
SynapSense has launched an IRB-approved pilot study investigating the feasibility of non-invasive EEG for capturing pain-related neural activity. The study includes controlled experimental pain tasks, continuous EEG recording, repeated subjective pain labeling, and post-session qualitative feedback. Data collection is actively ongoing, and early sessions have informed refinements to signal quality control and experimental workflow.
EEG Signal Processing Pipeline Refinement
Initial pilot data enabled evaluation of EEG signal quality across baseline, pain, and recovery phases. Based on observed artifact patterns and signal stability, preprocessing parameters and channel-level quality checks were refined to improve robustness while preserving pain-relevant neural features. These refinements are documented to maintain reproducibility across sessions.
Acceptance into the Nucleate Activator Program
SynapSense was accepted into the Nucleate Activator Program for the Spring 2026 cohort. Participation provides structured mentorship, peer feedback, and exposure to a national network of researchers and founders working on translational science and responsible innovation.
Finalist Recognition at AAPM "Hacking Pain"
SynapSense was selected as a finalist at the American Academy of Pain Medicine's "Hacking Pain" event. The project was recognized for its research-driven approach to objective pain measurement and its emphasis on scientific rigor, ethical study design, and validation prior to clinical claims.
Academic Research Collaborations Established
Research activities are supported through collaborations with the Lu Research Group and the Wang Lab at The University of Texas at Austin. These collaborations contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and methodological oversight, ensuring alignment with established neuroscience research practices.
Abstract Submitted to the UT Undergraduate Research Forum
An abstract describing the SynapSense pilot study methodology and research objectives was submitted to the University of Texas Undergraduate Research Forum. Additional dissemination efforts, including conference and peer-reviewed submissions, are planned following further data collection and analysis.
Feature Set Refinement Based on Pilot Data
Analysis of early pilot EEG data informed refinement of candidate feature sets, including spectral, entropy-based, and connectivity measures. Features demonstrating instability, poor interpretability, or sensitivity to artifacts were deprioritized in favor of more robust and physiologically grounded alternatives.
IRB Approval and Ethical Clearance
SynapSense obtained Institutional Review Board approval to conduct human-subject research involving controlled pain tasks and EEG recording. Approval followed comprehensive review of participant safety procedures, informed consent documentation, and data security practices.
Organizational and Program Milestones
Formation of SynapSense Technologies LLC
SynapSense Technologies LLC was formally established to support research operations, partnerships, and participation in accelerator and founder development programs. The organizational structure enables responsible collaboration with academic institutions and external partners.
Acceptance into the Kendra Scott WELI Founder Program
SynapSense was accepted into the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute Founder Program for Spring 2026. The program provides mentorship and resources focused on leadership development, responsible innovation, and long-term impact.
Ongoing Work
SynapSense is actively engaged in the following efforts:
- Continued pilot study data collection
- Iterative signal processing and modeling refinement
- Participant recruitment and scheduling
- Academic and program mentorship engagement
- Preparation for expanded feasibility and validation studies
These activities are ongoing and will be updated as meaningful milestones are reached.
Update Philosophy
Updates are posted selectively and only when substantive progress occurs. The emphasis is on accuracy, clarity, and relevance rather than frequency. Routine laboratory activity is not reported unless it results in a meaningful methodological, organizational, or research milestone.
SynapSense remains a research-stage initiative. All work is investigational and conducted under ethical oversight. No update should be interpreted as evidence of clinical deployment, diagnostic capability, or regulatory approval.