Trust is becoming the new currency in neurotechnology, and the Seal of Responsible Neurotechnology is designed to help companies earn it.
Shaped with the sector
On 28 September 2026, the European Brain Council (EBC) brought together the organisations piloting the Seal and its pool of independent experts to take stock of the pilot and fine-tune the framework. Start-ups, research institutions and experts from across Europe’s neurotechnology ecosystem reviewed the process together. Their message was clear: the Seal must be credible, workable and proportionate for organisations of every size. Their input is now shaping the final framework.
Why now
Neurotechnologies are leaving the clinic and entering homes, workplaces and classrooms. Investors, buyers and users are asking tougher questions about what these technologies do with our most personal data: the activity of our brains. Regulation only partly answers them. The companies that can show they have answered those questions will stand apart from the rest.
What the Seal is
The Seal is a voluntary, independent ethical label awarded by EBC. It builds on the European Charter for the Responsible Development of Neurotechnologies, which is anchored in the OECD and UNESCO recommendations. The Charter was refined through a public consultation to reflect the needs of the community. It has since been endorsed by more than 50 organisations across scientific societies, patient organisations, research institutions and industry. The Seal does not replace CE marking or other regulatory approvals. It goes further, recognising organisations whose ethical governance goes beyond compliance. It is open to medical, non-medical and research neurotechnologies, from start-ups to large companies.
Your competitive edge
For companies, the Seal is a competitive edge. It is an independent, visible signal of responsibility that sets you apart in a crowded, fast-growing market. It helps you win the confidence of investors, funders, procurement bodies, clinicians and end users. It prepares you for the scrutiny ahead, as the AI Act enters enforcement and mental privacy rises on the policy agenda. And early adopters will help set the benchmark for responsible neurotechnology in Europe, rather than having to catch up with it.
Be among the first
The next steps for the Seal will be revealed at Brain Innovation Days on 18-19 November 2026 in Brussels, ahead of its formal launch in early 2027. Want to be among the first to apply, or to join the assessor pool? Register your interest at difa@braincouncil.eu.