The Brain Innovation Days launched virtually on 13 October 2020, kicking off one full year of a packed brain innovation agenda. The belief driving the formation of the Days is that enhanced multi-stakeholder engagement in the brain ecosystem is needed to foster dialogue, exchange knowledge, accelerate investment in research and innovation, facilitate business development and showcase on-going work.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders from the wider brain community (scientists, researchers, clinicians, patient representatives, industry) as well as representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament, Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and explored the importance of innovation, particularly in the European brain space. Two additional digital events were held in January 2021 and April 2021, including a virtual Pitch Competition. Originally planned to be an in-person event, the Days were transformed into a series of digital events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in 2021 with an two day, in person event in Brussels.
The Brain Innovation Days have now settled into an annual event (next to be held on 11-12 October 2022) and ongoing platform for connecting the wider brain community.