From trade-offs to translation: An interdisciplinary roadmap for neurotechnology.

Abstract

Neurotechnologies are transforming how we measure, interpret, and modulate brain-body interactions, integrating real-time sensing, computation, and stimulation to enable precise physiological control. They hold transformative potential across clinical and nonclinical domains, from treating disorders to enhancing cognition and performance. Realizing this potential requires navigating complex, interdisciplinary challenges spanning neuroscience, materials science, engineering, signal processing, and regulatory and ethical frameworks. This Perspective presents a strategic roadmap for neurotechnology development, created by early-career researchers at the intersection of disciplines. We identify five cross-cutting trade-offs that shape the development and translation of neurotechnology: material functionality versus long-term stability, innovative development versus scalable manufacturing, spatiotemporal resolution versus real-time capability, multiscale multimodal integration versus system adaptability, and technological complexity versus clinical or commercial translatability. Rather than a domain-specific review, we focus on shared challenges and strategic opportunities that transcend disciplines, propose a unified framework for collaborative innovation and education, highlight ethical and regulatory priorities, and outline a timeline for overcoming key bottlenecks.