With the support of the Anne and Claude Berda Foundation and Indosuez Wealth Management, Paris Brain Institute is launching the second edition of its startup studio program, NeurAL. This initiative aims to nurture Research & Development projects in neuroscience, guiding them toward maturity and enabling the creation of innovative businesses.
Selected projects will receive tailored support and funding of up to €400,000, depending on their specific needs. Additionally, the Anne and Claude Berda Prize, worth €10,000, will be awarded to the most innovative project.

Addressing a Key Gap in Neuroscience

The NeurAL program was designed to tackle a critical challenge: the lack of collaboration between leading scientific and industrial expertise necessary to transition R&D initiatives in neuroscience into viable startups. Drawing on its experience, Paris Brain Institute and its incubator, iPEPS, which has facilitated over €650 million in private fundraising and brought ten products to market, are extending this program to the entire neuroscience innovation community.

A Tailored Three-Phase Program

Once selected, the winning projects will embark on a structured, three-step journey to strengthen their foundations:

Diagnosis and Strategic Planning

The creation of a detailed roadmap and budget, distributed in stages, to define key milestones and lay the groundwork for the startup.

Technological Acceleration

Conducting experiments to develop a comprehensive “data package” for the product with support from partner providers or dedicated platforms. These steps aim to validate the reproducibility of results and attract potential investors.

Strategic Development

With guidance from a unique network of experts (CEOs, investors, industry leaders, and key opinion leaders), projects will define their business plans and long-term strategies. Teams may also be assembled to execute these plans.

Call for Applications: Process and Eligibility

The selection process includes two stages:
Stage 1: Applications must be submitted by September 15, 2024. Submissions will be evaluated on a rolling basis to shortlist candidates.
Stage 2: Finalists will pitch their projects at the end of October 2024, and the winners will be announced starting December 2024.

Eligibility Criteria:

Geographic Scope: Open to applicants across Europe.

Focus Areas: Research projects or products related to neuroscience, neurological disorders, or mental health.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL 3-4):

• Biotech: At least consolidated in vitro data with a pre-identified product.
• Medtech: Initial hardware designs or prototypes.
• Digital: Basic wireframes or initial lines of code.

Tailored Rewards for the Winners

Winning project leaders will gain access to a range of valuable resources:

  • Up to €400,000 in funding
  • An individual prize of €10,000
  • Access to state-of-the-art research platforms
  • A network of multidisciplinary experts

Additionally, startups emerging from the program will benefit from two years of free incubation within the iPEPS incubator, offering a prime environment to transform their ideas into successful ventures.

Through NeurAL, Paris Brain Institute strengthens its commitment to innovation in neuroscience, empowering European talent to bring impactful solutions to life.