On 4th of July 2025, Imperial College London hosted a inspiring morning of presentations and discussion to introduce the HybridNeuro Hub to an audience of early-career researchers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders at White City campus.
During the event, the HybridNeuro project coordinator, Aleš Holobar, highlighted the Hub’s mission and long-term vision. The Hub as a lasting platform was presented by Roger Esteban Vivas and Tanja Botić, dedicated to advancing research at the intersection of neurophysiology and human movement science. Intended for enduring impact beyond the original project’s lifespan, the HybridNeuro Hub seeks to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, facilitate effective knowledge exchange between academia and industry, and support the translation of cutting-edge research into real-world applications.
The audience also benefited from a series of insightful talks by distinguished invited speakers:
- Daniel Green, Principal Fellow at Imperial College London, shared expert insights on business creation and fundraising in the academic and innovation ecosystem.
- Yvanne Enever, CEO and founder of PHARMExcel, spoke on transforming innovation into regulatory success.
- Jumpei Kashiwakura and Dr Joshua Brown, co-founders of neubond and Human Robotix, respectively, presented their startup journeys and the breakthrough technologies they are developing.
Moderated by Ciaran McGeady from Imperial College London.
A lively and thought-provoking panel discussion followed, focusing on academic innovation and technology transfer. Key themes included the transition from academia to entrepreneurship, effective pitching and communication, product development and clinical validation, and securing funding. Key takeaways:
- Real-world impact is the main motivator for academic entrepreneurs.
- Teamwork, resilience, and complementary skills are integral to success.
- Investment decisions focus both on personal qualities and business strategy.
- Communication must be concise and compelling, both for investors and customers.
- Regulatory strategy and early user engagement are essential for MedTech.
- Optimism, underpinned by risk-reduction milestones, is crucial throughout the commercialisation journey.
The discussion provided a practical roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complex process of turning academic research into products that deliver real-world benefits. The event concluded with a networking lunch, where attendees continued discussions, shared ideas, and explored opportunities for future collaboration.
This event marks an exciting milestone for the HybridNeuro Hub, which has now been showcased across all four partner countries. It represents a key step forward as the Hub advances its mission to drive innovation at the intersection of neuroscience, engineering and cutting-edge technology.
