Science Corporation CEO Max Hodak is set to challenge the dominance of traditional computing interfaces during his upcoming session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. Holding that the “screen era” is coming to a close, Hodak will advocate for a post-display future where technology adapts to human cognition through advanced brain-computer interactions rather than keyboards or touchscreens.
The announcement comes as Science Corp prepares for its first U.S. human trials involving a biohybrid neural implant, a project led by a prominent neurobiologist. Hodak will share findings from the company’s research with the more than 10,000 founders, investors, and tech leaders expected to attend the conference, which runs from October 13-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco.
Hodak’s vision is rooted in a lifelong focus on biomedical engineering. After starting to program at age six, he studied at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering and joined Miguel Nicolelis’ renowned brain-computer interface laboratory. His entrepreneurial path includes co-founding the robotic cloud laboratory Transcriptic and serving as the initial president of Neuralink, which he helped establish in 2016 to bring brain implants into the public consciousness.
Following his departure from Neuralink, Hodak founded Science Corporation in 2021. The firm has since raised $230 million in a Series C round, achieving a $1.5 billion valuation. The company’s flagship PRIMA implant has already demonstrated the ability to restore vision in patients with severe sight loss by utilizing camera-equipped glasses that transmit imagery to a retinal chip.
Beyond vision restoration, Hodak outlined broader applications for the company’s sensors, including the potential to repair damaged neural tissue, detect impending seizures, and treat severe neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 features over 250 sessions across six industry stages, with a special emphasis on developing sustainable AI companies. Attendees can secure passes with discounts of up to $200 if registered before September 25, or save an additional 30% by registering as a group.
Wait, Hodak helped found Neuralink? This is huge for BCI credibility. Can’t wait to hear what the U.S. trials reveal about safety.
I need to see this vision restoration data before I buy into the ‘end of screens’ hype. That implant sounds incredible though.