This Week in Startups

Are Brain-Computer Interfaces Actually Ready for Humans?

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Mar 16, 2026
Matt Angle, Paradromics founder building implantable brain-computer tech, talks thought-to-text, first human implants, and what comes after restoring speech and movement. Tom O'Leary, JetZero CEO rethinking aircraft design, dives into all-wing jets, airport compatibility, and fuel savings. Dan Zavorotny, Nutrisense CEO in metabolic health, explores glucose tracking, personalized food responses, and AI-powered coaching.
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INSIGHT

Why All Wing Jets Are Viable Now

  • JetZero's blended-wing aircraft spreads lift across the whole span, cutting drag and fuel burn versus tube-and-wing designs.
  • Tom O'Leary says the concept became practical through three enablers: aerodynamics, flight controls, and composite structures matured by decades of NASA work.
INSIGHT

A Wider Jet Could Board Far Faster

  • JetZero designed its aircraft to fit existing group-five gates while improving boarding speed and cabin layout.
  • Tom O'Leary says a shorter, wider plane with six aisles and middle boarding could cut full boarding to roughly 10 to 15 minutes.
ANECDOTE

JetZero Uses Truck Tests As Cheap Wind Tunnels

  • JetZero still learns from physical scale models despite heavy simulation, because real-world tests expose surprises software can miss.
  • Tom O'Leary calls the 6% Pathfinder the cheapest wind tunnel on the planet by mounting it on a truck and running airport tests.
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