# SHF: Small: A Ubiquitous Brain-Computer Interface for Supplementing Cognitive and Motor Functions

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · San Diego State University Foundation (CA) · $497,881

## Abstract

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) enable communication between the brain and external devices for individuals with neurological disorders, bypassing damaged neuromuscular pathways. However, most existing BCIs are designed for specific applications. They capture neural activity from a specific brain region associated with a given task, extract key features from the recorded signals, and translate them into the user’s intent. The decoded information is transmitted as commands for discrete goal selection or continuous control of assistive devices. Even within the same application, BCI technologies vary significantly depending on the user’s communication and control capabilities. As a result, the current BCI ecosystem is fragmented and lacks flexibility, necessitating a more adaptable solution that supports multiple applications simultaneously. This research aims to address these limitations by introducing a ubiquitous BCI (uBCI) framework — a versatile system designed to enhance both cognitive and motor functions through advanced neural signal processing and an energy-efficient digital architecture. Unlike conventional BCIs, which rely on a single brain region and predefined features, the uBCI system analyzes signals from multiple brain regions, leveraging diverse neural features for real-time, accurate decoding of user intent. The uBCI framework enables both discrete goal selection and continuous control, ensuring long-term reliability in neural signal interpretation for practic

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2452012
- **Awardee organization:** San Diego State University Foundation (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** H59JKGFZKHL7
- **PI:** Amir Alimohammad
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** SMALL PROJECT, DES AUTO FOR MICRO & NANO SYST
- **Estimated total:** $497,881
- **Funds obligated:** $497,881
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2452012

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2452012, SHF: Small: A Ubiquitous Brain-Computer Interface for Supplementing Cognitive and Motor Functions. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2452012. Licensed CC0.

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