Episode 2: Keith Murphy Talks Focused Ultrasound and Start-Up Life
Can focused ultrasound finally make deep brain stimulation scalable, non-invasive, and practical for everyday patients? In this episode of The Business of Neurotech, host Adam Fraser sits down with Keith Murphy, co-founder and CTO of Attune Neurosciences, to explore how his path from behavioural neuroscience and optogenetics led to a company building wearable focused ultrasound technology for brain stimulation. Keith explains how Attune is tackling the commercial limits of clinic-based neuromodulation, why portability and at-home treatment matter, and how the company is balancing scientific ambition with startup realities like reimbursement, product design, indication focus, and fundraising. They also dig into Attune’s early work in chronic pain and obsessive-compulsive disorder, the broader promise of neurotechnology across mental health and neurology, and how artificial intelligence is changing both product development and the investment landscape. Tune in for a sharp look at what it takes to turn frontier neurotechnology into a real business with Keith Murphy.
Key Points From This Episode:
[01:04] Learn how Keith’s background led him to found Attune Neurosciences.
[04:54] Hear how he began thinking about translating his science into a scalable company.
[06:38] Find out how he balances being a scientist with running a company.
[08:50] How focused ultrasound compares with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
[12:52] Discover why Attune is focused on building a prescribed at-home medical device.
[13:58] Understand how Attune’s wearable works and why it is less intimidating for patients.
[15:41] Why chronic pain and obsessive-compulsive disorder are effective early indicators.
[20:02] Whether psychiatry forms part of Attune’s long-term neurotechnology roadmap.
[22:38] Uncover Attune’s funding journey so far and its path toward a Series A round.
[26:28] Unpack the opportunities and challenges of the neurotech market.
[29:08] How fundraising has helped refine Attune’s strategy, product, and approach.
[31:15] Explore how AI is driving software development while creating more challenges.
[35:20] Keith shares how to connect with him and learn more about Attune.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
