Day 1 - April 20

Foundations, Signal Integrity, and Clinical Translation in Brain–Computer Interfaces

Day 1 establishes the scientific foundation of brain–computer interfaces, from early experimental paradigms to modern clinical systems. High-fidelity EEG, invasive and non-invasive recording architectures, and methodological standards for reproducibility are examined in depth. A fully live demonstration of EEG acquisition highlights real-time signal validation and artifact control. The day concludes with leadership perspectives on standards and clinical translation.

Time zone: CEST (Vienna)

09:00 – Brain–Computer Interfaces: From First Experiments to Clinical Reality
Christoph Guger, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

11:00 – High-Fidelity EEG: Recording the Brain Properly Wirelessly
Bernard Wong, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

12:00 – Translating Neurotechnology into Real-World Applications
Brendan Allison, UC San Diego (USA)

13:00 – ECoG and Stereo-EEG: Building High-Performance Invasive BCIs
Christoph Kapeller, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

14:00 – ECoG in Functional Neurosurgery: Clinical Lessons from the Operating Room
Kyousuke Kamada, Chitose City Hospital (JP)

15:00 – Live Demonstration: High-Fidelity EEG Acquisition Under Real Experimental Conditions
Christoph Guger, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

16:00 – Multimodal Brain Recording: Integrating EEG and fNIRS
Danut Irimia, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (RO)

17:00 – Reproducibility in BCI: From Signal Quality to Scientific Standards
Leonhard Schreiner, Stanford University (USA)

18:00 – Founders’ Lecture: The Evolution and Future of Brain–Computer Interfaces
Jon Wolpaw, National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies (USA)

19:00 – Panel Discussion: The Future of Recording in BCI – Standards, Reproducibility and Clinical Translation
Leonhard Schreiner, Stanford University (USA), Jon Wolpaw, National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies (USA), Brendan Allison, UC San Diego (USA)

Day 2 - April 21

Invasive Brain–Computer Interfaces and Network-Guided Neuromodulation

Day 2 focuses on invasive BCI, high-gamma mapping, cortico-cortical evoked potentials, and deep brain stimulation in clinical practice. Lectures integrate real-time system implementation with surgical applications. A Pioneers Lecture traces the evolution of connectivity mapping in neurosurgery. The day concludes with a panel on limits and future directions of invasive neuromodulation.

Time zone: CEST (Vienna)

09:00 – High-Gamma Activity and Cortico-Cortical Evoked Potentials in Network-Level Brain Mapping
Christoph Kapeller, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

10:00 – From Patient-Specific Simulations to Probabilistic Mapping for Group-Level Analysis in Deep Brain Stimulation
Simone Hemm, FHNW – University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (CH)

11:00 – Direct Electrical Stimulation: Methods, Limits and Intraoperative Applications
Francois Bonnetblanc, CAMIN, Inria, University of Montpellier (FR)

12:00 – Real-Time Closed-Loop Neuromodulation Experiments: System Implementation
Patrick Reitner, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

13:00 – Pioneers’ Lecture: Cortico-Cortical Evoked Potentials — From Discovery to Network Neurosurgery
Riki Matsumoto, Kyoto University (JP)

14:00 – Oscillatory Neural Dynamics in Acute and Chronic Neuromodulation
Nuri Firat Ince, Mayo Clinic (USA)

15:00 – From Neural Circuits to Surgical Reality: Deep Brain Stimulation and ECoG in Clinical Practice
Aysegul Gunduz, University of Florida (USA)

16:00 – State-of-the-Art Intraoperative Neuromonitoring
Andrea Szelenyi, LMU Munich (DE)

17:00 – An Implantable Brain–Spine Interface Restoring Lower Limb Movement After Complete Spinal Cord Injury
Valeria Spagnolo, EPFL (CH), 3rd Place Winner BCI Award 2025

18:00 – Advanced Network Mapping with CCEPs in Epilepsy and Neurosurgery
Gilles Huberfeld, Rothschild Foundation Hospital (FR)

19:00 – Panel Discussion: The Limits and Future of Invasive BCI and Neuromodulation
Nuri Firat Ince, Mayo Clinic (USA), Christoph Kapeller, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT), Aysegul Gunduz, University of Florida (USA), Andrea Szelenyi, LMU Munich (DE)

20:00 – Closing Lecture: Brain Stimulation – Clinical Practice and Network Perspectives
Wolf-Julian Neumann, Wyss Center for Bio- and Neuroengineering (CH)

Day 3 - April 22

From Signals to Meaning: AI and Cognitive Brain–Computer Interfaces

Day 3 explores how neural signals are transformed into meaningful outputs using signal processing and machine learning. Topics include real-time preprocessing, large-scale EEG, speech decoding, and inner speech neuroprosthetics. Live demonstrations illustrate decoding pipelines under operational conditions. The panel addresses scalability, generalization, and ethical considerations in AI-driven BCI.

Time zone: CEST (Vienna)

09:00 – Signal Processing for High-Quality EEG
Johannes Grünwald, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

10:00 – Feature Extraction and Classification in Brain–Computer Interfaces
Reinhold Scherer, University of Essex (UK)

11:00 – Advanced Biosignal Processing for Auditory Neurotechnology
Adrian Mai, Saarland University & HTW Saar (DE)

12:00 – Engineering High-Performance BCIs for Neurorehabilitation
Jing Jin, East China University of Science and Technology (CN)

13:00 – Interpretable Machine Learning Solutions for EEG, MEG and ECoG Data Analysis
Alex Ossadtchi, Higher School of Economics (RU)

14:00 – AI for BCI Data: Deep Learning and Generalization
Nadia Mammone, University Mediterranea of Reggio Calabria (IT)

15:00 – Neural Speech Decoding from Intracranial Recordings
Nima Mesgarani, Columbia University (USA)

16:00 – An Inner Speech Neuroprosthesis
Erin M. Kunz, Stanford University (USA), 1st Place Winner BCI Award 2025

17:00 – Neuroethical Considerations and Industry–Academic Partnerships
Tristan McIntosh, Washington University School of Medicine (USA)

18:00 – Neuromodulation in Clinical Settings
Jonathon Parker, Mayo Clinic (USA)

19:00 – Panel Discussion: AI in BCI – Generalization, Ethics and the Limits of Decoding
Jonathon Parker, Mayo Clinic (USA), Reinhold Scherer, University of Essex (UK) and Sebastian Sieghartsleitner, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT), Alex Ossadtchi, Higher School of Economics (RU)

20:00 – Future Opportunities: Scaling Brain Recording – 1024-Channel EEG and High-Density Systems
Sebastian Sieghartsleitner and Pauline Schomaker, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

Day 4 - April 23

EEG–TMS and Perturbational Neuroscience

Day 4 examines perturbation-based neuroscience through EEG–TMS integration, connectivity analysis, and clinical applications in dementia and disorders of consciousness. The program bridges technical implementation with systems-level interpretation. Ethical implications and biomarker reliability are central themes of the closing panel.

Time zone: CEST (Vienna)

09:00 – TMS–EEG with Active and Passive Electrodes: Practical Implementation and Demonstration
Slobodan Tanackovic, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

10:00 – State-of-the-Art Navigated TMS Technology
Henri Hannula, Nexstim (FI)

11:00 – Studying Local Excitability and Effective Connectivity with TMS–EEG Coregistration
Marta Bortoletto, IMT Lucca (IT)

12:00 – BCIs, Disorders of Consciousness, and Network Integrity
Steven Laureys, CERVO Brain Research Centre (CA)

13:00 – Brain Rhythms Underpinning the Level of Consciousness in Humans
Claudio Babiloni, Sapienza University of Rome (IT)

14:00 – TMS in Alzheimer’s Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential
Giacomo Koch, Fondazione Santa Lucia (IT)

15:00 – Tele-TMS: Advancing Automated Neuromodulation through EEG-Informed Robotics
Mitsuaki Takemi, Hiroshima University (JP)

16:00 – Signal Processing for TMS–EEG: Artifact Suppression and Recovery
Johannes Grünwald, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

17:00 – New Insights on Oscillators and Their Applications to Engineering and Science
Aleksandr S. Khachunts, L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology of National Academy of Sciences (AM)

18:00 – High-Precision TMS–EEG in Network Neuroscience
Corey Keller, Stanford University (USA)

19:00 – Panel Discussion: From Biomarkers to Intervention – Ethical and Clinical Boundaries in Neurotechnology
Claudio Babiloni, Sapienza University of Rome (IT) and Steven Laureys, CERVO Brain Research Centre (CA), Corey Keller, Stanford University (USA)

20:00 – Closing Lecture: EEG and fNIRS Recordings for BCI Experiments
Maria Antonia Piedrahita López, University of Miami (USA)

Day 5 - April 24

From Code to Control: Building Real-World BCIs

Day 5 transitions from theory to implementation. Real-time system development, Python pipelines, VR/XR integration, Unity-based interfaces, and wearable neurotechnology are presented alongside live demonstrations. A rapid demo session showcases operational BCI systems. The day prepares participants for the global BR41N.IO Hackathon.

Time zone: CEST (Vienna)

09:00 – Wearable Neurotechnology: Fashion, Interaction and Brain–Computer Interfaces
Anouk Wipprecht, Pioneer of fashion-tech interfaces integrating neurotechnology with interactive design (NL)

10:00 – BCI Training in Virtual Reality: Bridging the Gap to the Real World
Tom Carlson, University College of London (UK)

11:00 – Developing and Deploying Neurotechnology Applications in Practice
David B. Grayden, University of Melbourne (AU)

12:00 – Integrating Neurotechnology into Aeromedical Training Systems: EEG, fNIRS and Eye Tracking
Thomas David, AMST Systemtechnik – Aerospace Medicine and Simulation (AT)

13:00 – Python for Real-Time Neuroscience
Johannes Grünwald, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

14:00 – Exploring Brain Network Connectivity: A Python-Based EEG Pipeline
Reza Abiri, Anna Cetera, University of Rhode Island (USA)

15:00 – From Code to Control: Implementing Practical BCIs
Patrick Reitner, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

16:00 – Immersive Neurotechnology: BCI Integration in Virtual Environments
Tiago Falk, INRS – Institut national de la recherche scientifique (CA)

17:00 – VR, XR and Unity for Building Interactive Neurotechnologies
Javi Rodriguez and Daniel Romero, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

18:00 – Real-World Deployment of Brain–Computer Interfaces
Theresa Vaughan, National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies (USA)

19:00 – Rapid Demo: Four Real-World BCIs in 20 Minutes
Christoph Guger, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

19:20 – Panel on Preparation for the Hackathon: Building the Next Generation of BCIs – Tools, Platforms and Creative Applications
Tom Carlson, University College of London (UK) and Johannes Grünwald, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

20:00 – Closing Lecture: Unity and BCI: Real-Time Brain-Computer Interfaces
Bernard Wong, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

Day 6 - April 25

BR41N.IO Global Hackathon: Launch and Live Development

Day 6 initiates the distributed global hackathon. Participants receive infrastructure guidance, datasets, and system implementation support before forming teams. The hacking phase begins with real-time mentorship and global coordination.

Time zone: CEST (Vienna)

09:00 – Launching BR41N.IO 2026: Global Hackathon Architecture and Hosting Network
Christoph Guger, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT) and Hackathon Hosts

10:00 – Real-Time BCI Development: Hardware, APIs and Deployment
Bernard Wong and Pauline Schomaker, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

11:00 – Available BCI Paradigms and Open Datasets: MI, P300, SSVEP and ECoG
Sebastian Sieghartsleitner, Rupert Ortner and Johannes Grünwald, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

12:00 – Hackathon Tracks, Evaluation Criteria and Awards
Christoph Guger, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

Start of BR41N.IO all Day & Night Hacking

REGISTER FOR THE HACKATHON

Day 7 - April 26

BR41N.IO Global Hackathon: Innovation Showcase and Awards

Day 7 culminates in project presentations and live demonstrations from international teams. Innovations are evaluated on technical rigor, creativity, and translational potential. The awards ceremony and certification conclude the hackathon phase.

Time zone: CEST (Vienna)

06:00 – Final Hacking Phase and Project Completion

14:00 – BR41N.IO Project Presentations and Live Demonstrations

18:00 – BR41N.IO Awards Ceremony

18:30 – Certificate Ceremony and Closing Remarks

REGISTER FOR THE HACKATHON

Day 10 - April 29

High-Gamma Mapping and Functional Neurosurgery

Day 10 focuses on high-frequency brain mapping in invasive BCI and neurosurgery. Topics include real-time high-gamma analysis, electrode technologies, pediatric applications, and network-level cortical dynamics. The program concludes with a panel on advances and limitations, followed by the final examination and closing ceremony.

Time zone: CEST (Vienna)

09:00 – Functional Mapping with Electrocorticography (ECoG)
Christoph Guger, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

10:00 – Clinical Applications of High-Gamma Activity Mapping in Neurosurgery
Takahiro Sanada, Northwell (USA)

11:00 – Passive Brain Mapping and Time–Frequency Analysis in Neurosurgical Practice
Kyousuke Kamada, Chitose City Hospital (JP)

12:00 – Real-Time Functional Mapping Using High-Gamma and Ultra-High-Gamma Activity
Christoph Kapeller, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)

13:00 – Development of Flexible Electrode Technologies for Functional Mapping
Jordi Ferre, Aitex (ES)

14:00 – Micro- and Macro-Electrode Design for Invasive Neurophysiology
Emma Acerbo, DIXI Medical (FR)

15:00 – Pioneer Lecture: High-Gamma Mapping in Brain–Computer Interfaces
Peter Brunner, Washington University St. Louis (USA)

16:00 – High-Gamma Mapping with Stereo-EEG in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery
Masanori Takeoka, Harvard University (USA)

17:00 – Broadband (High-Gamma) Mapping, Power-Laws, and Exploration of Somatotopy in Brain Circuitry
Kai Miller, Mayo Clinic (USA)

18:00 – Panel Discussion: Advances, Limitations and Ethical Boundaries of High-Gamma Mapping
Kai Miller, Mayo Clinic (USA), Christoph Kapeller, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT), Takahiro Sanada, Northwell (USA) and Emma Acerbo, DIXI Medical (FR)

19:00 – CLOSING LECTURE: Whole-Brain Dynamic Causal Tractography: Mapping Human Brain Networks at Millisecond Resolution
Eishi Asano, Wayne State University, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (USA)

20:00 – Comprehensive Examination, Social Media Challenge and Closing Ceremony
Christoph Guger, g.tec medical engineering GmbH (AT)