Christian Wentz

Christian Wentz is a seasoned professional in the field of neurotechnology with over a decade of experience. In 2007, they began their career as a Systems Engineering Associate at Medtronic, where they synthesized customer needs input from clinicians, scientists, and engineers to guide next-generation neurostimulator product development. Christian also provided technical analysis for in-the-field class III device failures and developed improved quality control methodology to reduce future device failure. In 2008, they became a Consultant at EOS Neuroscience, where they conducted technology and market analysis for the application of optogenetic technologies to the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, and co-invented methods and apparatus for decreasing chronic pain using optogenetics. In 2010, they co-founded Cerenova, Inc. and joined MIT as a Research Affiliate in the Synthetic Neurobiology Lab, where they contributed to various research programs targeted at solving the challenges of neurological disease. In 2011, they founded Kendall Research Systems, LLC, a company that developed and commercialized a wireless optogenetics platform for basic science and drug discovery applications. In 2012, they joined Misfit Wearables as a Senior HW Engineer, where they were part of the founding engineering team and tasked with development and validation of electronics for the Misfit Shine from concept prototype to mass production and worldwide distribution. In 2017, they joined Kernel as the Vice President of Product, where they were responsible for building out and leading the technical organization and product development efforts for a human neural interface. In 2018, they founded Gradient and has been serving as the Founder and CEO since then.

Christian Wentz received their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab in 2017. Christian also holds a M.Eng. from MIT in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, as well as a B.S. from MIT in Electrical Science & Engineering and Biomedical Engineering.