About
Fasikl
A Neuro-AI Company Headquartered in Minnesota
Built on over 20 years of intensive R&D at the University of California (2004–2010), the National University of Singapore (2010–2015), the University of Minnesota (2015–2020), and Fasikl (2019–present), Fasikl has pioneered advanced AI technologies to decode and modulate neural signals.
We have developed a groundbreaking approach that integrates cloud-based AI with neurotechnology, laying the foundation for a new category of therapeutics: AI therapeutics. By collaborating with the brain and harnessing the body’s inherent redundancy, Fasikl enables healing using what already exists within the body – an entirely new mechanism of action.
Fasikl AI therapeutics doesn’t just communicate with the nervous system – it heals, safely, progressively, and over time.
The Technology
Fasikl’s products are built on patented technologies that represent a recent breakthrough in the neural engineering community – advancing wearable and minimally invasive solutions for improved disease treatment and health management.
Driven by a strong belief in its science, products, and services, the Fasikl team has spent over a decade inventing and refining neuro-microchips, AI models, and therapeutic devices. Fasikl innovates with a clear purpose: to serve people. We are proud to deliver transformative solutions that enhance health and quality of life in the communities we serve.
Clinical Outcomes
Fasikl is committed to the highest standards of testing and clinical validation for all its AI therapeutics and product pipelines.
Felix™, our first AI therapy product, has completed a rigorous three-stage clinical evaluation. The pivotal third-stage trial was a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study conducted across more than ten hospitals and medical centers. At the 90-day follow-up, the treatment group demonstrated statistically significant superiority over the placebo group, with a p-value of less than 0.0001.
Efficacy, safety, and convenience are Fasikl’s top priorities. We only release products that have been thoroughly tested and personally vetted by our team.
People
Zhi Yang
CEO & Co-founder
Zhi Yang, Ph.D., is a world-renowned expert in neural engineering and bioelectronics. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Cruz, began his faculty career at the National University of Singapore in 2010, and joined the University of Minnesota in 2015, where he received tenure in 2019. Dr. Yang has made foundational contributions to AI therapeutics, including technologies for single-fiber neural recordings, real-time recording during therapeutic stimulation, and the integration of neural recording, processing, and stimulation – laying the groundwork for a new class of AI-driven therapies. As a visionary innovator, Dr. Yang conceptualized Fasikl’s core products and overall business strategy. He brings a strong growth mindset, embraces challenges, and has shaped the company’s culture around innovation and purpose-driven impact. He co-founded Fasikl in 2019 and has since led the company’s strategic direction, technological innovation, and long-term growth. Since 2020, he has served as Fasikl’s CEO and Chairman of the Board.
Zhen Zhang
President
Zhen Zhang, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in Biostatistics from the University of California, Davis. Prior to joining Fasikl, Dr. Zhang led all pre-market clinical programs within Abbott’s cardiovascular division. His outstanding contributions to clinical and regulatory affairs earned him induction into Abbott’s prestigious Volwiler Society. With over 18 years of experience in the Medtech industry, Dr. Zhang has deep expertise in clinical development and regulatory strategy. He has played a pivotal role in conducting more than 10 IDE trials and obtaining approvals for multiple Class II and Class III devices. Dr. Zhang is widely published in leading scientific journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, and Circulation. As President of Fasikl, he oversees the company’s clinical, regulatory, quality, and cross-functional operations.
Edward Keefer
Chief Science & Operations Officer
Edward Keefer, Ph.D., is an experimental neuroscientist who trained under Nobel Laureate Gerald Edelman. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering, Biology, and Neuroscience, and has worked on peripheral nerve electrode interfaces for prosthetic control since 2006. He pioneered the use of carbon nanotubes to enhance neural interfaces. Dr. Keefer has led several multi-institutional research programs sponsored by DARPA, with total funding exceeding $15 million. His work has enabled the acquisition and decoding of neural signals directly from human nerves, delivering unprecedented capabilities for controlling prosthetic and augmentative technologies. He co-founded Fasikl in 2019 and currently leads the company’s neuroscientific and physiological research, with a focus on advancing therapeutic outcomes.
Catherine Zhao
Chief Technology Officer
Catherine Zhao, Ph.D., is an accomplished computer scientist specializing in artificial intelligence, with expertise in computer vision, machine learning, and human-centered AI. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2009, followed by two years of postdoctoral research at Caltech. She is currently a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Zhao’s research focuses on developing application-specific machine learning methods and building trustworthy systems that integrate both artificial and human intelligence. She joined Fasikl in 2020, initially serving as Chief AI Officer, where she led AI and software development. She now serves as Chief Technology Officer, overseeing research and development and driving innovation in therapeutic AI technologies.
