CranioSense, a Massachusetts-based neurotechnology startup developing what it calls the world’s first noninvasive intracranial pressure (ICP) diagnostic and monitoring system, has been awarded approximately $5.5 million in non-dilutive federal grant funding to advance device development and clinical validation ahead of a planned market launch.
The company said the funding was awarded through two programs: the NIH Blueprint MedTech Program and the U.S. Department of Defense’s Joint Warfighter Medical Research Program (JWMRP). CranioSense positioned the awards as a bridge between defense-driven clinical needs and broader civilian care, particularly in settings where rapid neurologic decisions are critical and invasive monitoring is impractical.
Intracranial pressure monitoring is a longstanding challenge in trauma and emergency medicine, especially outside of major hospital settings. CranioSense’s approach is designed to deliver real-time, noninvasive detection of elevated brain pressure using near-infrared optical sensors paired with proprietary algorithms. The company said that if cleared by the FDA, its system is intended to make intracranial pressure assessment as routine as blood pressure measurement, expanding access in emergency departments and other points of care.
In addition to its initial ICP focus, CranioSense said the platform is expected to evolve to measure additional biomarkers tied to acute and chronic brain health, with the longer-term goal of enabling AI-driven prediction and clinical decision support.
The company, founded in 2023, said it will continue working with clinical and engineering collaborators as it advances regulatory milestones and prepares for pilot deployment. CranioSense also cited complementary investments made in spring 2025 by multiple angel investors as well as Illinois Venture Angels, She’s Independent, Heinz Ventures, and Hillside Ventures.
KEY QUOTES:
“In over a decade of working to develop Prolonged Casualty Care (PFC) training, doctrine, and equipment, one of the biggest gaps in monitoring critical casualties in austere military and civilian environments has been the inability to effectively track intracranial pressure. Noninvasive ICP monitoring has long been considered a ‘Holy Grail’ of PFC, and CranioSense’s work represents a meaningful step toward closing that gap.”
Doug Powell, MD, LTC (Ret.), Former PFC Consultant to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Surgeon’s Directorate
“These awards will support device development and pivotal validation, moving CranioSense decisively toward market launch. The Blueprint MedTech and JWMRP programs represent two sides of the same mission: enabling better neurologic care anywhere and everywhere it is needed.”
Ryan Myers, PhD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, CranioSense
