NeurAL: innovation in neuroscience
Driving innovation in neuroscience
Investing in the startups of tomorrow
The NeurAL (Neuroscience Acceleration Launchpad) program is a seed fund from Paris Brain Institute that aims to transform neuroscience research into innovative startups. It identifies, de-risks, and accelerates promising academic projects, helping them secure funding and bring them to market for the benefit of patients.
OUR CHALLENGE
Launched in 2023, the NeurAL program was created to fill a critical gap in the field of neuroscience in Europe. Its ambition is to foster the emergence of new innovative companies by identifying and supporting promising research projects.
By contributing to the creation of innovative companies, NeurAL aims to enable Europe to become a benchmark in biotechnology and medical technology for brain diseases.
“Transforming basic research into therapeutic innovation requires entrepreneurial support to bring advances to market. One of the major drivers of this transition is the creation of startups.”
Géraldine Farjot
Innovation Director at Paris Brain Institute
Previous winners
2023 winners
CicaNEURO is based on a modification of an antibiotic molecule. The team in charge of the project has demonstrated that one of its derivatives slows the progression of Parkinson’s disease in an in vivo experimental model.
The aim of IGHOR is to develop and test a new chemical entity for the treatment of glioblastoma, developed to specifically target a hormone receptor affected in almost a third of patients.
2024 winners
Braincoder aims to develop an advanced algorithm for hearing restoration based on direct stimulation of the auditory cortex via a brain implant.
GlycaDX offers a new approach to halting the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by using an inhibitor that targets a specific enzyme, HS3ST2.
Target amount
€800,000
per year to fund three to four projects
Budget for a MedTech project: €100,000 to €250,000
Budget for a biotech project: €250,000 to €400,000
TO FUND
- Two years of free incubation within the iPEPS incubator.
- Preferential access to the Institute’s research platforms and a network of experts
- Tailored support for startup creation, development strategy planning, financing plans, and market access.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The NeurAL program has received support from the Fondation Anne et Claude Berda since 2023 and from Indosuez Wealth Management.