Los Angeles, affectionately termed Silicon Beach, is rapidly emerging as a neurotech hub. This dynamic city is drawing investors and fostering collaborations across technology, arts, and clinical research. Home to renowned institutions like Caltech, USC, and UCLA, and trailblazing firms such as Kernel, AE Studio, and Forest Neurotech, in LA, the future of neurotech is being written.
On Thursday, February 1st, BrainMind hosted a private salon, gathering the best in LA's neurotech ecosystem: researchers, entrepreneurs, artists —those who have made their mark and those just starting. This night was about LA's way of mixing brain science with the spark of creativity, user engagement, and experiential design — with live demos for an awe-inspiring experience.
COHOSTS
Shapiro has made significant contributions to neuroscience through his innovative work on non-invasive imaging and control of biological processes within living organisms. His research involves developing cutting-edge technologies that enable precise manipulation and observation of biological systems, offering new insights into cellular behavior. Shapiro's work has broader implications for fields such as medicine and biotechnology, where his advancements have the potential to revolutionize our understanding and application of biological processes. His contributions reflect a commitment to advancing the frontiers of scientific discovery and technological innovation.
Mikhail Shapiro, PhD - Caltech
Biological Imaging Innovations, Non-Invasive Bioengineering, Cellular Therapeutics
Maryam Shanechi is Dean's Professor and Founding Director of the new USC Center for Neurotechnology. She received her S.M. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT in 2006 and 2011, respectively. She held postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School and University of California, Berkeley. Shanechi works at the interface of machine learning, statistical inference and signal processing, and control to develop algorithmic solutions for basic and clinical neuroscience problems. Some applications of interest include developing closed-loop brain-machine interfaces (BMI) for motor function and for deep brain stimulation to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. Her work combines methodology development with in vivo implementation and testing.
Maryam Shanechi, PhD - USC
Neural Engineering, Brain-Machine Interfaces, Closed-Loop Control Systems
SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT
Sumner Norman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Forest Neurotech and a scientific advisor to AE studios - Norman was previously the CSO of AE Studios. He completed his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at UCI and his post doctoral fellowship in Neural Engineering at Caltech. Norman seeks to create next-generation neurotechnology to bridge the gap between human biology and humanity’s technological progress. He conduct scientific research and development in neuroprosthetics, brain-computer interfacing, brain imaging, human-robot interaction, and computational neuroscience
Sumner Norman, PhD - Forest Neurotech
Next Generation Neurotechnology, BCI, Neuroprosthetics
EXPERIENTIAL NEUROTECH DEMOS
RESEARCH MEETS THE ARTS
Refik Anadol
Taylor Kuhn
We are thrilled to be showcasing a collaboration between, Refik Anadol, world renowned media artist, and Taylor Kuhn, PhD, a clinical neuropsychologist and coordinator for the Lifespan Human Connectome Project's (HCP) at UCLA. Anadol and Kuhn are synergizing their expertise and investigative tools to confront one of the most significant scientific challenges of our era: mapping the human brain to bridge its intricate structure with function and behavior. Their groundbreaking approach has led to the creation of an immersive, augmented 3D brain model known as Sense of Space.
Agenda:
5:00pm: Arrivals, Quaffs and Canapes, Live Neurotech Demos
6:30pm: Welcome and Presentations, Innovation Showcase
7:30pm: Refreshments and Demos Recommence
9:00pm: Closing Announcements/Adjourn
Memories:
SUPPORTERS
A special thanks to Judd Rosenblatt and Robert Luke from AE studios. AE studios is innovating at the intersection of BCI and AI alignment. We are delighted to have their generous support on this nonprofit salon.
And a Special thanks to Santie McKenzie and USC’s Neurotech Student group for their help to organize and support this salon.