Nathan Copeland, a pioneer in the field of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, has once again made headlines. This time, he is not in the news for his remarkable achievements in BCI research or for his digital art created using this advanced technology. Instead, he is being recognized for his latest venture – the creation of a Solana-based meme token named CaliCoin (CALICOIN).
Copeland, who has been living with quadriplegia following a car accident in 2004, used his BCI to create CALICOIN. The token reached a staggering $30 million market capitalization within two hours of its launch, according to data from GeckoTerminal.
The 38-year-old BCI pioneer is no stranger to digital innovation. He has the longest history of BCI implantation, a decade, at the University of Pittsburgh, as he explained on the project’s official website. With four micro-electrode arrays implanted in his brain, Copeland can control a robotic arm and receive sensory feedback.
Beyond his research, Copeland has applied BCI technology in various ways, from creating digital art to playing classic video games like Pac Man and Sonic the Hedgehog. His digital art has further extended into the realm of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which he has successfully created and sold.
Copeland’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. Last July, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino publicly spoke about an artwork gifted to him, which was created by Copeland using his BCI. This significant accomplishment illustrated the potential for BCI to enable individuals with disabilities to engage with the world in unprecedented ways.
In a recent video on Copeland’s YouTube channel, he revealed that he used his BCI to create the CaliCoin token, directly interfacing with the computer and the Pump.fun platform.
The launch of the meme token has elicited a significant response from the crypto community. Pump.fun co-founder Alon Cohen referred to Copeland’s initiative as “an inspiring story.” However, some community members have expressed caution, warning that the current crypto market conditions are unpredictable.
After its initial surge, CALICOIN’s market cap dipped to $12 million before rebounding to $16 million at the time of reporting. Trading volume hit $100 million in less than three hours, according to GeckoTerminal, marking a significant milestone for Copeland’s latest venture.
Copeland’s unique combination of BCI technology and digital innovation continues to break new ground, while offering a glimpse into the potential future of the crypto world.
