2026 Neurotech Leaders Forum at imec

June 23-24, 2026

Leuven, Belgium  

Tentative Agenda

Day One

08:15–08:45

Introductions and Welcome

James Cavuoto, Editor and Publisher, Neurotech Reports
Peter Peumans, Ph.D., CTO, Health Technologies, imec
08:45–09:30

State of the European Neurotechnology Industry, 2026

James Cavuoto, Editor and Publisher, Neurotech Reports
Neurotech Business Report Editor James Cavuoto provides his insights and observations on the state of the European neurotechnology industry. He surveys changes in the competitive landscape that have occurred over the years, the most significant events of the last year, and challenges confronting the industry in years ahead.
09:30-10:15

Keynote Address

A European neurotechnology pioneer offers their views on future directions in the industry.
10:15–10:45

Coffee Break

10:45–11:30

Neuromodulation Technology Advances

Jeremy Koff, Senior Consulting Editor, Neurotech Reports, Moderator
In this session, we'll look at how new technology is changing the competitive landscape in the neuromodulation industry. Panelists will discuss advances in wireless energy delivery, flexible leads, and nanoparticles.
11:30-12:15

Entrepreneur Panel I

James Cavuoto, Editor, Neurotech Reports, Moderator
This session features presentations from CEOs and executives of several neurotechnology start-up firms and more established technology ventures. Each executive will present an overview of their firm's technology and markets.
12:15–13:30

Luncheon

13:30-14:15

FemTech Meets Neurotech: An Underserved Market with Real TAM

JoJo Platt, Senior Contributing Editor, Neurotech Reports, Moderator
In this session, panelists will discuss new opportunities for neurotech devices in women's health. Among the applications are pelvic pain, endometriosis, and menopause-linked disorders.
14:15-15:00

Neurotechnology at imec

Barun Dutta, Chief Scientist and Fellow, imec
Imec technology leaders offer an overview of their capabilities and facilities.
15:00-15:30

Refreshment Break

15:30-16:15

BCI Leaders of Europe

JoJo Platt, Senior Contributing Editor, Neurotech Reports, Moderator
JoJo Platt moderates a panel with some of Europe's leading commercial firms pursuing the market for brain-computer interfaces.
16:30-17:30

Lab and Cleanroom Tours

17:30–20:00

Networking Reception at the Faculty Club

Closing remarks by Paru Deshpande, Ph.D., Vice President, R&D, Health Sector, imec

 

Day Two

08:30–08:45

Introductions and Welcome

08:45–09:30

Venture Capital Investment: What's Getting Funded?

James Cavuoto, Editor, Neurotech Reports, Moderator
Diana Saraceni, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Panakes Partners
Frank Bulens, Ph.D., Partner, imec Xpand
Neurotech Business Report Editor James Cavuoto moderates a panel with leading venture capital firms active in Europe that fund neurotechnology ventures. Panelists will discuss factors such capital efficiency, platform narratives, and determining valuations.
09:30-10:15

Regulatory Divergence is Now a Strategy Choice

Jeremy Koff, Senior Consulting Editor, Neurotech Reports, Moderator
In this session, panelists will discuss important regulatory decisions that neurotech firms must make, including the timing of FDA vs. CE Mark applications, updates on EU MDR policies, and the value of pursuing breakthrough device designation.
10:15–10:45

Coffee Break

10:45–11:30

Inside, Outside, and Through--And Now Together

JoJo Platt, Senior Contributing Editor, Neurotech Reports, Moderator
In this session, we examine the tradeoff between implantable and noninvasive neuromodulation devices, including capitalization, regulatory, and competitive issues. Panelists will discuss the impact of integrating AI with implanted and wearable devices plus the significance of data collection and regulation.
11:30-12:15

Entrepreneur Panel II

James Cavuoto, Editor, Neurotech Reports, Moderator
This session features presentations from CEOs and executives of several neurotechnology start-up firms and more established technology ventures. Each executive will present an overview of their firm's technology and markets.
12:15–13:30

Luncheon

13:30-14:15

Entrepreneur Panel III

Jeremy Koff, senior consulting editor, Neurotech Reports, Moderator
This session features presentations from CEOs and executives of several neurotechnology start-up firms and more established technology ventures. Each executive will present an overview of their firm's technology and markets.
14:15-15:00

Beyond the Brain: Peripheral, Autonomic, and Systemic Control

Victor Pikov, Contributing Editor, Neurotech Reports, Moderator
In this session, we look at applications of neuromodulation beyond the central nervous system, including therapies for treating systemic and end-organ disorders. Panelists will discuss new closed-loop vagus nerve and pelvic neuromodulation trends and new reimbursement developments.
15:00-15:30

Refreshment Break

15:30-16:15

Exploring Peripheral Nerve Stimulation at imec

In this session, imec executives describe their capabilities with peripheral nerve stimulation systems, including ASICs and alternative stimulation methods.
16:15-17:15

Closing Remarks