And the Neuro III Best Challenge Presentation Award goes to … Jake Hesselink!

Best Challenge Presentation Award: Jake Hesselink

This year, Neuro III's main project involved each student proposing a technological solution to a brain or mental health challenge, and presenting their invention along with a business case to a “Dragons’ Den” panel. Jake’s challenge, titled Low-cost, portable device for patient-specific neurological treatment with targeted focused ultrasound, involved a wearable, electroencephalography-compatible headset for use in focused ultrasound neuromodulation, a technology that uses ultrasound waves to stimulate brain activity. The headset features an ultrasonic transducer array that can be targeted at specific brain regions. This device could revolutionize neurostimulation by allowing non-invasive, at-home treatments.

Here’s what Jake has to say about his experience:

Navigating the prior work and translational feasibility of focused ultrasound neuromodulation was difficult. However, working through the logistics of creating this device made me excited for the near future when my work may produce a viable therapy. Brain Create provides exciting opportunities to observe and shape the future of neurotechnology.

Honourable Mention: Nazanin Vaziri

We’re also pleased to announce that the Runner-up/Honourable Mention award goes to Nazanin Vaziri for her challenge titled Ischemic stroke biomarker diagnosis using point-of-care-chip based on immuno-biosensors. Congratulations, Nazanin!