Key Takeaways:
- The Brain Storm BCI Hackathon was a two-day event where 88 students worked to create new tools for brain-machine systems using real brain data.
- The hackathon was hosted by Precision Neuroscience, a company developing technology to help people with paralysis control devices using brain signals.
- The event aimed to spark interest in neuroscience and invest in the field’s future leaders, with participants competing in teams to build new tools at the intersection of BCI, artificial intelligence, signal processing, and healthcare innovation.
- The hackathon offered hands-on exposure to a field that can feel difficult to access, with students working with real neural data from animals and receiving guidance from industry experts.
- The event provided a unique opportunity for students to network, learn from each other, and gain experience working with new types of data and technologies.
Introduction to the Hackathon
The Brain Storm BCI Hackathon was a unique event that brought together 88 students from universities across Greater Boston to work on creating new tools for brain-machine systems. The hackathon was hosted by Precision Neuroscience, a company that is developing technology to help people with paralysis control devices using brain signals. The event was held at the Microsoft New England Research and Development Center in Cambridge, and it provided a platform for students to explore the future of brain-computer interface technology. The hackathon was a two-day event, and it was designed to spark interest in neuroscience and invest in the field’s future leaders.
The Hackathon Experience
The hackathon was a highly interactive and collaborative event, with students working in teams of up to six to build new tools at the intersection of BCI, artificial intelligence, signal processing, and healthcare innovation. The participants were given real brain data to work with, which was provided by Precision Neuroscience. The data was from animals, and it was used to create computer models that could interpret brain signals, demo apps to help surgeons place brain implants accurately, and intuitive ways to collect brain data over time. The students were guided by industry experts, including Precision Senior Manager of Machine Learning Molly Lucas, who emphasized the importance of collaboration across disciplines in successful BCI development.
The Competition Tracks
The hackathon had three competition tracks, each designed to reflect real challenges that Precision Neuroscience faces in developing BCI technology. The first track challenged teams to build a computer model that could interpret brain signals, while the second track focused on creating a demo app to help surgeons place brain implants accurately. The third track addressed how to design an intuitive way to collect brain data over time, so the system can continue to improve. Each track had first- and second-place winners, with first-place teams receiving $1,000 and second-place teams receiving $500.
Student Feedback and Experience
The hackathon provided a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a field that can feel difficult to access. Many students commented on the value of the event, with some noting that it was a chance to explore an emerging field firsthand. A.J. Shulman, a junior at Brown University, said that the event allowed students to make meaningful progress in a short period of time. Elinor Rosen, a Tufts University senior, said that she was drawn to the event because it aligned with her academic interests in the intersection of cognitive science and computer science. Raymond Cheung and Andrew Liew, both computer science majors at Northeastern University, won track three and commented on the value of the experience, with Cheung saying that it was "cool to be a part of the future."
Networking and Learning Opportunities
The hackathon also provided a unique opportunity for students to network and learn from each other. Tian Wang, a doctoral student at Boston University, said that networking was one of the group’s primary goals, along with gaining experience working with a new type of data. Adam Smoulder, a postdoctoral researcher at Boston University, commented on the value of the condensed format, saying that it was like taking a fast, full-week summer course. The event allowed students to work with new types of data and technologies, and it provided a platform for them to showcase their skills and creativity.
Conclusion
The Brain Storm BCI Hackathon was a highly successful event that provided a unique opportunity for students to explore the future of brain-computer interface technology. The event was designed to spark interest in neuroscience and invest in the field’s future leaders, and it achieved its goals by providing a platform for students to work on real-world problems and gain hands-on experience in a field that can feel difficult to access. The hackathon demonstrated the value of collaboration and innovation in driving progress in BCI technology, and it highlighted the importance of investing in the next generation of talent in the field. As the field of BCI continues to evolve, events like the Brain Storm BCI Hackathon will play a critical role in shaping its future and driving innovation.
