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Who we are

OpenNerve is a group of engineers, researchers, and users developing open-source platforms for neural recording and stimulation. Our goal is to lower the barrier for translating therapies using neuromodulation from lab to clinic. To date (August 2026), we have developed the OpenNerve Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG), several leads for stimulation and sensing, and infrastructure for its use (e.g. a wireless charger and control software) and are testing it preclinically alongside our community.

How OpenNerve started

OpenNerve (originally the Center for Autonomic Recording and Stimulation Systems, or CARSS) started in 2022 in response to a strong need in the translational neuroscience community, who lacked access to validated technology for bringing novel therapies from the animal lab to the clinic. In response, the NIH funded OpenNerve under the NIH SPARC HORNET program #1U41NS129514 to create a flexible, powerful, and reproducible system for neuromodulation and to disseminate all source files and documentation to the community as open source. Since then we have developed and released two generations of the OpenNerve IPG and have developed modular leads for stimulation and sensing, as well as partnered with a number of academic groups and companies to accelerate their development using open source technology. We're excited to continue moving forward as an open source community; Governance for more information.

OpenNerve's founding members include: