NeurotechEU Hackathon Wearable Neurotechnology: fNIRS and EEG

Workshop/Seminar / 20 Aug, 2026
Event Start date
29 Oct, 2026 09:00
CET
Event End Date
11 Nov, 2026 18:00
CET
Event Location
Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Discover how wearable neurotechnology is transforming neuroscience, healthcare, and human-computer interaction. In this hands-on international hackathon, you will collaborate with students from different disciplines, explore cutting-edge brain monitoring technologies, and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges using EEG and fNIRS. Join us to gain practical experience, expand your network, and contribute to the future of neurotechnology.

About

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, you will work in a group to design new applications for these techniques. You will also receive lectures that introduce both techniques from physiological principles to practical application. You will learn how brain activity can be measured through electrical and haemodynamic signals and how the two modalities. 

Working in interdisciplinary teams, students are challenged to answer a practical question and design a new application using wearable neurotechnology and to 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

     

Learning outcomes

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

Format: Blended Intensive Program

Duration: Online preparation (29-30 October 2026); In person Friday, 6 - Wednesday, 11 November 2026

Credits: 3 ECTS

Organisation: academic staff and staff from the companies Artinis Medical Systems BV and NIRx Medical Technologies

Eligibility and application: Master's and PhD students 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.

Places are limited. The nomination deadline is 12 October. Students must apply through their home university (part of the NeurotechEU alliance). Please note that individual universities may have internal application deadlines that are earlier than the nomination deadline, so students should check local requirements and submit their application as soon as possible.

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.