On 21 November, more than 250 stakeholders from the wider innovative Leuven brain research community including researchers, clinicians & industry delegates gathered at the Rega Institute in Leuven for the 1st edition of the 𝐋𝐞𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 2024. The main topic of the day: the future of 𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 & 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

The keynote by Alexis Brice (Institut du Cerveau – Paris Brain Institute) highlighted how the innovation department at ICM is operating to accelerate translation of research projects into product development for patients.

No less than 12 top speakers covering 3 symposia enlightened us on the newest developments in 

• 𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 including brain stimulation, silicon technology, molecular brain imaging biomarkers and AI solutions (chaired by Liesbet Lagae & Sebastian Haesler; panelist was Peter Janssen; presenters were Myles Mc Laughlin, Carolina Mora Lopez, Koen Van Laere & Wim Van Hecke)
• 𝘿𝙧𝙪𝙜 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙥𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 & 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙨 such as fluid biomarkers and challenges in gene therapy development for CNS diseases (chaired by Els Henckaerts & Stefanie Dedeurwaerdere; panelist was Philip Van Damme; presenters were Els Henckaerts, Eugeen Vanmechelen, Rik Vandenberghe & Lieven Lagae)
• 𝙄𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝙢𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙨 like xenotransplantation and killifish (chaired by Sandrine Da Cruz & Gerard Griffioen; panelist was Patrik Verstreken; presenters were Bart De Strooper,  Pierre Vanderhaeghen, Lies De Groef & Tom Cornelissen)

Besides this, we heard six amazing pitches and welcomed six interactive booths by leading pharma/biotech/neurotech companies and start-ups. These showcased how academia can collaborate with industry, paving the way for an ideal environment for innovation and partnership.

Neurological conditions touch the lives of millions globally. By bridging the gaps between academia, tech, and pharma, we can fast-track discoveries and transform patient outcomes.

Prof. Patrik Verstreken, director of the VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research and coordinator of the brain-on-chip project: "Leuven is not just a city; it’s an engine of innovation. Home to KU Leuven, one of the top 50 universities worldwide, and renowned research centers like imec and VIB, our city leads the way in scientific discovery and technological development. KU Leuven alone supports over 150 neuroscience research groups, encompassing more than 500 scientists who are pushing boundaries in fields ranging from brain-computer interfaces to neurodegenerative diseases. This interdisciplinary approach is exemplified by initiatives like Mission Lucidity, where expertise from molecular biology, clinical research, and engineering converge to tackle the challenges of dementia and related disorders. Today’s discussions and collaborations are a testament to this unique synergy. Together, we’ve explored cutting-edge ideas and forged new connections that will shape the future of brain research and technology. It’s an inspiring reminder of what we can achieve when academic curiosity meets entrepreneurial spirit."

The event was organized by Leuven Brain Institute, with the support of Biogen, Montis Biosciences, Novartis Belux & PNO Innovation Belgium. Thanks again to all the speakers, sponsors, and academic and industry attendees for sharing their insights and stirring engaging conversations.