NeuroWorks 2026 - Scalable Neurotechnology: Innovation, Translation and Transformative Treatments
Neurotech is developing rapidly, with devices offering more precision and greater potential for scaling. Our flagship forum will provide a focused examination of the field’s direction by showcasing cutting-edge technological advances, as well as highlighting the importance of aligning clinical needs early in the development of technologies.
Entry in neurotech and translation pathways will be signposted through first-hand accounts of journeys and by highlighting ARIA calls, Cambridge NeuroWorks programming and further funding opportunities, plus investment perspectives.
This highly interactive forum aims to drive insight and collaboration across disciplines by purposeful exchanges with structured networking, informal discussions, and contributions from across the UK-neurotech ecosystem. In addition, there will be presentations from leading experts in the ecosystem.
Programme
| Timings | Details |
| 09:00 – 09:30 |
Registration | Coffee |
| 09:30 – 09:40 | Welcome to NeuroWorks 2026 Ahmed Akbar (Cambridge University Health Partners) |
| Session 1: Neurotech: Advances, Ambition and Possibilities Chair: George Malliaras (Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge) |
|
| 09:40 – 10:00 | Luke Bashford (Newcastle University) Building the UK Neurotechnology Ecosystem |
| 10:00 – 10:20 | Katja Kornysheva (University of Birmingham) Mapping the Neural Control of Movement for Non‑invasive BCI |
| 10:20 – 10:40 | Andy Jackson (Newcastle University) Scalable Neurostimulation with Brain-Responsive Music |
| 10:40 – 11:00 | Flash Insights Selected from community contributions Domantas Kuzinkovas (Imperial College London) A High-Precision Fully-Polymeric Nerve Cuff for Neuromodulation of Nerves Daksh Mehta (University of Cambridge) Assessing Continuous Neural Resource Allocation in Working Memory via Rapid Invisible Frequency Tagging (RIFT) Peter Bannister (Migration Biotherapeutics) Measuring and Targeting Migration of Brain Tumour Cells Hannah Sampson (Cambridge Consultants) Keeping Humans in the Loop: Human Systems Integration in the Age of Adaptive Neurotechnology |
| 11:00 – 11:40 | Refreshments | Showcases | Posters |
| Session 2: Enhancing Patient-Centricity Chair: Ben Underwood (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust) |
|
| 11:40 – 12:00 | Tamar Makin (MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit) More Than Skin Deep: Rethinking Invasiveness in Neurotechnology |
| 12:00 – 12:20 | Zoe Kourtzi (University of Cambridge) Responsible AI for early Dementia prediction |
| 12:20 – 12:40 | Harith Akram (National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery / University College London) Brain–Computer Interfaces: A New Frontier in Restorative Clinical Neuroscience |
| 12:40 – 12:45 | Conference Photo |
| 12:45 – 14:10 | Lunch | Networking |
| (13:00 – 14:00) East & West Seminar Rooms, Ground Floor) |
Solution Salon |
| Session 3: Translating Neurotech: The Pathways Chair: Lou Jopling (Babraham Research Campus) |
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| 14:10 – 14:30 | Anne Vanhoestenberge (King’s College London / MAISI) Accelerating Neurotech Innovation towards First Use in Human |
| 14:30 – 14:50 | Fireside chat: Investor perspective Host: Steph Avraamides (Vellos) - Andy Richards (CIC) - Ed Rayner (Panmure Liberum) |
| 14:50 – 15:10 | Panel Discussion: Translation, beginning the journey…inspiring stories Host: Richard Westcott (Cambridge University Health Partners) - Allie Williams (NeuroWorks Frontier Fellow) - Alistair Monty (NeuroWorks Frontier Fellow) - Caterina Azais (NeuroWorks Blue Sky Fellow) - Rita Kharboush (NeuroWorks Blue Sky Fellow) |
| 15:10 – 15:30 | Fireside Chat: Steps, Failures, Lessons Learned Host: Jason Mellad (OtoImmune) - Nicolai Vysokov (BrainPatch) - Firat Yazicioglu |
| 15:30 – 16:10 | Refreshments | Showcases | Posters |
| Session 4: Have Your Say Chair: Aga Iwasiewicz-Wabnig (Maxwell Centre, University of Cambridge) |
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| 16:10 - 16:50 | Interactive Discussion: Tackling Bottlenecks in UK Neurotech Host: Aga Iwasiewicz-Wabnig (Maxwell Centre, University of Cambridge) - Luke Bashford (Newcastle University) - Hannah Kodama Douglas (Araya) - Ben Underwood (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust) - Anne Vanhoestenberge (King’s College London / MAISI) |
| 16:50 – 17:00 | John Gourd (Cambridge Network) Closing Remarks |
| 17:00 – 18:00 Cavendish Cafe (Top floor with views of Cambridge) | Refreshments | Speed Connections | Networking |
