The 6th Brain Innovation Days will take place on 18–19 November 2026 in Brussels, bringing together researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and innovators from across Europe to explore the future of brain health and innovation.

To support and inspire the next generation of brain health leaders, we are pleased to offer a special student ticket for just €25. This reduced rate is available to Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students, making it easier than ever for students to take part in one of Europe’s leading multidisciplinary events dedicated to brain innovation.

Brain Innovation Days welcomes students from a wide range of disciplines, including neuroscience, psychology, medicine, public health, health policy, business, economics, engineering, digital health and other related fields. Whether you are interested in research, healthcare, entrepreneurship, policy or emerging technologies, the event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the people and ideas shaping the future of brain health.

Why attend?

As a student participant, you will have the opportunity to:

• Hear from leading experts across science, healthcare, policy and industry.
• Discover cutting-edge research, innovative technologies and emerging start-ups.
• Connect with researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers from across Europe.
• Explore career pathways and expand your international professional network.
• Gain insights into the latest developments driving innovation in brain health.

Brain Innovation Days provides an inspiring environment for learning, collaboration and networking, helping students broaden their perspectives and connect with a diverse community of professionals working to advance brain health.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of brain innovation.

Student Ticket: €25
Dates: 18–19 November 2026
Location: Brussels, Belgium

We look forward to welcoming the next generation of researchers, clinicians, innovators and changemakers to Brain Innovation Days 2026.

Registration is now open for the 6th edition of Brain Innovation Days, taking place on 18–19 November 2026 at Area 42 in Brussels.

Under the theme “Science, Scale & Impact: Showcasing Progress, Confronting Challenges”, this year’s edition will once again bring together the brain community for two inspiring days of learning, networking, collaboration and innovation.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with leading researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and innovators from across Europe and beyond—all under one roof.

What to expect

This year’s programme will feature:

• Inspiring Brain Talks from leading voices in the field
• Engaging panel discussions tackling the most pressing challenges and opportunities in brain health
• An Innovation Hall showcasing pioneering projects, technologies and solutions
• The annual Pitch Competition spotlighting promising brain-related start-ups
• New interactive sessions designed to spark discussion and foster collaboration
• Plenty of opportunities to network and build meaningful connections throughout the event

Whether you’re looking to discover the latest breakthroughs, expand your network, explore partnerships or help shape the future of brain innovation, Brain Innovation Days 2026 is the place to be.

Register today

Tickets are now available for participants across academia, healthcare, industry, policymaking and the wider innovation ecosystem. We are also pleased to offer a special €25 student ticket for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students.

Secure your ticket today and join us in Brussels this November. We look forward to welcoming you to Brain Innovation Days 2026!

The countdown is on: there is now just one week left to apply for the Brain Innovation Days Pitch Competition. Innovators have until 30 June 2026 to submit their application and seize the opportunity to showcase their innovation to leading experts, investors, and stakeholders from across the brain health ecosystem.

The Pitch Competition is designed to spotlight pioneering solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges in brain health. Whether your innovation supports people living with neurological or mental health conditions, empowers clinicians and researchers, assists caregivers, or drives positive societal impact, this is your chance to gain visibility and accelerate your growth.

This year’s competition will feature an exciting Pecha Kucha-style format, offering finalists a dynamic stage to present their innovation before a live jury and audience during Brain Innovation Days 2026.

Successful applicants will compete for a range of valuable opportunities, including:

• Expert and investor mentorship
• Increased visibility within the brain innovation community
• Networking opportunities with key stakeholders
• An exclusive video interview
• A dedicated Brain Talks podcast episode

In addition, all finalists will receive a complimentary ticket to Brain Innovation Days, taking place in Brussels, Belgium, on 18–19 November 2026.

Don’t miss your chance to put your innovation in the spotlight and connect with the people who can help bring it to the next level.

Applications close on 30 June 2026.

For questions about the competition or opportunities to get involved through sponsorship or knowledge partnerships, please contact our team at info@braininnovationdays.eu.

The programme building is well underway, and we’re excited to share a first glimpse into what’s coming for the 6th edition of the Brain Innovation Days! Taking place over two days under the theme “Science, Scale & Impact: Showcasing progress, confronting challenges” the event will feature high-level Brain Talks, panel discussions, fireside chats and an Oxford-style debate, all designed to spark dialogue around translating brain research into real-world impact, EU competitiveness, scaling innovation, and redefining value in brain health.

This year, Brain Innovation Days will offer a wide range of interactive formats, including a World Café, a Connection Cards masterclass, a Brain Innovation Sprint, an Investor Matchmaking session, and a Red Team/Blue Team debate, giving attendees more hands-on ways to connect, exchange ideas and collaborate. And by popular demand, the Treasure Hunt is back for round two!

Taking place on 18-19 November 2026 in Area 42 in Brussels, this year’s edition promises another unmissable opportunity to connect with leading experts, researchers, clinicians, investors and industry pioneers from across Europe and beyond.

Tickets will be released very soon – stay tuned!

Good news for startups developing innovative solutions in brain health: the application deadline for the Brain Innovation Days Pitch Competition has been extended from to 30 June 2026.

The extension gives entrepreneurs and innovators extra time to submit their applications and seize the opportunity to showcase their solutions on a leading European stage dedicated to brain innovation.

The annual Pitch Competition highlights startups creating meaningful impact across the brain health ecosystem—from improving the quality of life of people living with neurological and mental health conditions to supporting clinicians, researchers, caregivers, industry, and society as a whole.

Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their business for a chance to receive:

• Expert and investor mentorship
• Prominent event exposure
• Valuable networking opportunities
• An exclusive video interview
• A dedicated Brain Talks podcast episode

This year’s edition will feature a Pecha Kucha-style format, offering a dynamic and engaging pitching experience that places innovative solutions centre stage in front of a live jury and audience.

In addition, all selected finalists will receive a complimentary ticket to Brain Innovation Days 2026, taking place in Brussels, Belgium, on 18–19 November 2026.

If you are developing a solution that advances brain health and innovation, this is your opportunity to gain visibility, connect with key stakeholders, and accelerate your impact.

For questions about the competition or opportunities to get involved through sponsorship or knowledge partnerships, please contact the Event Team at info@braininnovationdays.eu.

Are you working on an innovation in brain research, health or technology?

Applications are now open for the Brain Innovation Days 2026 Pitch Competition and the Innovation Hall—two distinct opportunities to showcase your work at Europe’s leading event on brain innovation. The event will take place in Brussels, Belgium, on 18–19 November 2026, bringing together a diverse community of researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, investors, and policymakers.

Pitch Competition 2026

The Pitch Competition offers start-ups the opportunity to present their innovation live on stage and compete for the Jury Prize and/or Public Prize.

This year’s edition will feature a Pecha Kucha-style format, creating a dynamic, fast-paced, and engaging pitching experience. Selected finalists will be invited to present at Brain Innovation Days 2026 in Brussels.

Participants will benefit from:

• Prominent visibility at the event
• In-depth jury feedback
• Networking opportunities

Applications for the Pitch Competition are open until 15 June 2026, with finalists to be announced in early July.

Science, Scale & Impact: Showcasing progress, confronting challenges

Building on the success of previous editions, Brain Innovation Days 2026 will once again unite the brain ecosystem: researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, investors, patients, and policymakers, to exchange knowledge and promote innovation in brain research and brain health. 

We are excited to announce the theme for the 6th edition of the Brain Innovation Days, taking place on Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 November 2026 at AREA42 in Brussels, with a Policy Opening at the European Parliament on the evening of Tuesday, 17 November.

This year’s theme — Science, Scale & Impact: Showcasing progress, confronting challenges — marks a deliberate shift in approach. At a unique moment in the global landscape, this edition moves from future ambition to present action, spotlighting what is already working in European brain innovation and how we can scale its impact for society today.

The programme will strike a strong balance between expert presentations and panels alongside a rich variety of interactive formats, including workshops, roundtables, and hands-on activities, with ample space for networking throughout.

Don’t Miss Out!

Stay tuned as the full programme takes shape. We look forward to welcoming the brain innovation community back to Brussels this November! Curious about the last Brain Innovation Days event? Explore the highlights here!