Discover how wearable neurotechnology is transforming neuroscience, healthcare, and human-computer interaction. In this hands-on international hackathon, you will collaborate with participants from different disciplines, explore cutting-edge brain monitoring technologies, and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges using EEG and fNIRS.
Wearable neurotechnology is increasingly used in neuroscience, rehabilitation, human factors research, neuro-ergonomics and brain-computer interfaces. Among the most widely adopted wearable methods are Electroencephalography (EEG) and Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS).
In this hackathon, participants will work in groups to design new applications for these techniques. Organised in a blended format, participants will be introduced to both techniques, from physiological principles to practical application, and learn how brain activity can be measured through electrical and haemodynamic signals and how the two modalities.
Working in interdisciplinary teams, students will be challenged to answer a practical question, design a new application using wearable neurotechnology, and demonstrate, through experimentation and data analysis, how EEG, fNIRS, or a combination of both could provide a meaningful solution.
The hackathon follows a complete neurotechnology workflow:
- Understanding EEG and understanding fNIRS
- Designing an experiment, based on a real-world problem
- Acquiring wearable neuroimaging data
- Processing and analysing data
- Interpreting findings
- Evaluating multimodal approaches
- Presenting scientific results
After completion, participants will be able to:
Knowledge
- Explain the physiological principles of EEG and fNIRS.
- Compare strengths and limitations of both modalities.
Skills
- Design a wearable neurotechnology application.
- Acquire high-quality EEG and fNIRS recordings.
- Assess signal quality and identify artefacts.
- Analyse EEG and fNIRS data using open-source tools.
- Evaluate the suitability of different neurotechnology solutions.
Professional Competences
- Translate a real-world challenge into a new application
- Work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
- Develop an evidence-based neurotechnology concept.
- Pitch scientific and technological solutions to a larger audience.
Details
Credits: 3 ECTS
Dates and location: 29-30 October 2026 (online); 6 – 11 November 2026 (on-site at Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands). The Hackathon is part of the NeurotechEU General Assembly. During the Hackathon, you will have the opportunity to participate in several parts of this event.
Organisation: academic staff from Radboud University, Boğaziçi University and Medical University of Innsbruck; and staff from the companies Artinis Medical Systems BV and NIRx Medical Technologies
Application
Master’s and PhD students affiliated with Karolinska Institutet (i.e., enrolled or employed) from a wide range of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Working in interdisciplinary teams is a key part of the experience, providing opportunities to learn from different perspectives and areas of expertise.
