February 27, 2024, TheStudio Birmingham, 7 Cannon Street, Birmingham, B2 5EP

The neurotechnology landscape is rapidly evolving, and Innovate UK's Neurotechnology Conference held in Birmingham was a testament to the vibrant innovation and collaborative spirit permeating this field. The conference not only showcased cutting-edge advancements but also provided a platform for experts to forge connections and explore potential partnerships.

By Olivia Fox

BSci Biological Sciences at University of Birmingham

The conference was designed as a collaborative space for attendees to explore the latest neurotechnology innovations, engage with pioneers in the field, and forge partnerships that could drive the next wave of breakthroughs in this exciting field. The day was packed with insightful presentations and networking opportunities, highlighting the latest advancements and discussing the integration of these technologies into healthcare and beyond.

Event Highlights and Insights

The day was packed with presentations from leaders in the industry and academia, each providing unique insights into their work and the broader implications for health and technology. From biomagnetic sensing to neural stimulation and quantum sensors for brain imaging, the conference covered a broad spectrum of neurotechnology applications.

Highlighting the Experts
 

Dr. Emil Hewage – Pioneering AI in Neurotechnology
Dr. Emil Hewage, the CEO & Founder of BIOS Health, delivered a compelling presentation on the integration of artificial intelligence with neurotechnology. His focus on 'AI as the key to the neural code' provided deep insights into how cutting-edge AI techniques are being used to decode and interact with complex neural signals. BIOS Health is leading the charge towards creating more intuitive and powerful neural interfaces.

Jane Ollis – Stress Management through Neurodigital Tools
Jane Ollis, the CEO & Founder of Mindspire, discussed the role of neurodigital technologies in managing stress and enhancing mental health. Her talk showcased how Mindspire’s innovative solutions are using neurotechnology to provide real-time stress management tools, illustrating the potential for these technologies to improve everyday health. 

Prof. Kia Nazarpour – Innovations in Neural Prosthetics
As the Chief Strategy Officer of Neuranics, Prof. Kia Nazarpour presented on the advancements in neural prosthetics and their integration into digital health systems. His insights into the development of devices that enhance or restore human capabilities highlighted the transformative potential of neural prosthetics. 

Prof. Keith Mathieson – Advancements in Neurophotonics
Professor Keith Mathieson, from the University of Strathclyde, provided an overview of the emerging field of neurophotonics. His role as the Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies has positioned him at the forefront of developing technologies that use light to map and understand brain functions. 

Dr. Luke Bashford & Dr. Anna Kowalczyk – Cutting-Edge Research in Neurotechnology
Dr. Luke Bashford and Dr. Anna Kowalczyk, both esteemed academics in the field of neuroscience and neurotechnology, discussed their current research projects. Dr. Bashford, from the University of Newcastle, and Dr. Kowalczyk, from the University of Birmingham, covered a variety of topics including neural stimulation and the psychological aspects of neurotechnology applications.

Rahman Shama, CEO of NeuroCreate, shared her compelling insights on achieving 'Flow' states through neurotechnology. NeuroCreate is at the forefront of developing AI-powered tools designed to enhance creativity and cognitive agility. Their platform leverages the neuroscientific principles underlying creative thinking, personalized by AI to augment and streamline work processes. By fostering 'Flow' states, NeuroCreate not only boosts productivity and efficiency but also enhances mood and wellbeing, effectively reducing stress. Rahman's discussion emphasized the transformative potential of wearable technologies in accessing these peak performance mental states, making a strong case for collaborative ventures with companies like Naxon to further explore relaxation and stress management applications.

Dr Marcus Kaiser leads the Dynamic Connectome Lab - a research group dedicated to understanding the complex organization and dynamics of brain networks. Dr. Kaiser and his team disseminate their research findings, tools, and resources to the broader scientific community. The Dynamic Connectome Lab focuses on developing innovative methods for analyzing and modeling brain connectivity data, with a particular emphasis on dynamic changes in neural networks over time. "Changing Connectomes" explores the dynamic nature of brain networks and their implications for understanding brain function and dysfunction. His research sheds light on how changes in brain connectivity contribute to various neurological and psychiatric disorders, offering new insights into potential therapeutic interventions. 

Other participants included Dr Charlie Appleby-Mallinder (Sector Engagement Manager – Medical & Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre), Dr Jacques Carolan (Programme Director, Advanced Research + Innovation Agency (ARIA)), Neurotech Networks, CloseNIT, CPNN+, N-CODE, Neuromod+ and Respect4Neurodevelopment.

One of the most exciting aspects of the conference was the enthusiasm for collaboration, shared by participants during networking breaks. Many attendees, including Naxon Labs' Olivia Fox, engaged in meaningful discussions that sparked ideas for potential research collaborations and technology development.

Olivia, representing Naxon Labs at the event, highlighted the company's commitment to advancing neurotechnology through its innovative platforms like Naxon Explorer. Engaging with the ideas presented, she identified several opportunities where Naxon Labs could apply its technologies to the projects and initiatives discussed at the conference.

Innovate UK's Neurotechnology Conference was not just a showcase of technological advancements but a beacon for future collaborations that could shape the landscape of neuroscience and healthcare. As we reflect on the knowledge shared and connections made, it's clear that the path forward is one of collaborative innovation.

Naxon Labs remains at the forefront, ready to contribute to and benefit from these exciting developments. The journey of exploring the mind and enhancing human capabilities continues, with each discovery and partnership bringing us closer to understanding the complex tapestry of the human brain.