NeuroChallenge 2026

Time

08.10.2026 14:00 - 16:00

Place

Kick-off-webinar online / NeuroChallenge-final Kuopio

How could we promote brain health, mental wellbeing, and social wellbeing among older people in new ways?

NeuroChallenge 2026 invites researchers, students, startups, companies, professionals, and developers to create impactful solutions around the theme:

Brain Health of Older People – with a Special Focus on Mental and Social Wellbeing.

You can join with an idea, a solution under development, or expertise that you would like to combine with the skills of others. We particularly encourage multidisciplinary teams – new solutions often emerge when different areas of expertise come together.

Kick-off webinar: 8 October 2026, 14:00–16:00, Online

NeuroChallenge begins with an open kick-off webinar focusing on brain health, healthy brain ageing, and the journey from ideas and research-based expertise to innovations, businesses, and investment opportunities.

Speakers:

Sirpa Pietikäinen – Kick-off for better brains in the EU
Eero Rissanen, Neurocenter Finland – Why brain health matters?
Ari Solomon, University of Eastern Finland – Pathways to healthy brain ageing
Noora Tuikka, Nostetta Ventures – From idea to investment
Jouni Hynynen, Economic Development Centre – Rethinking Mindsets
Antti Kotimaa & Matti Laitinen, Savonia UAS – NeuroChallenge 2026

Registration for the kick-off and more information: www.neurochallenge.fi

Final event: 27–29 November 2026, Microkatu, Kuopio

In the final stage, teams work alongside experts from various fields to further develop their ideas and turn them into practical, impactful solutions with real-world applications.

Prize pool in total: €20,000

Join us in developing solutions for better brain health!

Organised in collaboration with the Olvi Foundation, Neurocenter Finland, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), and Business Center North Savo. Business Kuopio is a partner in the Business Center North Savo network.