NeurotechEU Blended Intensive Program Addressed Robotic Rehabilitation and Brain-Computer Interface Applications

Course / 01 Oct, 2026
The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on “Robotic Rehabilitation and Brain-Computer Interface Applications” was jointly developed by Boğaziçi University, Université de Lille, Radboud University, Universidad Miguel Hernández, and Reykjavik University. Being a training program in translational innovation, also the industrial stakeholders Karel Electronics and NewmanBrain participated. The course, led by Can Yücesoy from the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at Boğaziçi University, brought together 41 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students, along with lecturers from across the NeurotechEU alliance.

The programme, starting with the online phase from August 24 to 28, held its physical phase at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul from August 31 to September 4, 2026. Three core dimensions of neurotechnology were covered during these two weeks: neuromorphic control/neurorobotics, neuroprosthetics, and clinical neurotechnology. Students received lectures on musculoskeletal biomechanics, mobile robotics, wireless sensors, medical soft robots, exoskeletons, and brain-computer interfaces, as well as transdisciplinary work, entrepreneurship, and translational innovation.

During the physical phase, the programme was enriched with courses and hands-on workshops focused on translational innovation, entrepreneurial training as well as hands-on experience about the applied aspects of the technologies addressed in the lectures.

 

A collection of photos showing lecturers during the physical phase classes at Boğaziçi University.
During the physical phase of BIP programme, lecturers from NeurotechEU partner universities and industry continued to deliver lectures.

On the third day, the programme moved from the classroom to the laboratories. Students participated in the testing of robotic rehabilitation device prototypes such as a powered ankle prosthesis, a multi-sensor support system, a novel wireless wearable sensor, and a passive exoskeleton in the research infrastructure  MADE in NTSP, which is a NATO-DIANA program test center. Later in the day, they had the opportunity to experience brain-computer interface applications firsthand at MIMLAB, which is a part of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering.

A collection of photos from workshops held at MADE in NTSP and MIMLAB.
Hands-on workshop on the third day of the physical phase. Top panels: students exposed to the testing of prototypes developed by Neurotechnological Solutions Platform (NTSP) researchers at its core research center MADE in NTSP (Motion Assistive Devices Ecosystem for the industy and NTSP. Bottom panels: students experiencing brain-computer interface applications at MIMLAB (Multimodal Imaging and Physiology Lab).

In the wrap-up panel “Future’s Innovators Meet Today’s Experts”, students working in groups identified a real-world problem in the research, clinical, or consumer markets related to robotic rehabilitation and brain-computer interface applications, and presented proposed solutions to address it with the transdisciplinarty dimension also discussed. During this panel, the proposed solutions were discussed, insights gained from the programme were shared, and future directions and professional development were reviewed.

A photo of students during free time at Boğaziçi University, with some playing chess and the piano while others chat, study and socialize.

Combining academic knowledge regarding robotic rehabilitation and brain-computer interface applications with an entrepreneurial perspective, the Blended Intensive Programme offered participants an opportunity to learn beyond the boundaries of their own disciplines and institutions, and to experience transforming neurotechnology research into solutions for real-world needs.

 

 

Group photo of Blended Intensive Programme participants, lecturers, and organizing team gathered in front of a building on the Boğaziçi University South campus.