Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, is hosting a three-day Symposium on Neuroengineering and Neuroeconomics from October 29 to 31, bringing together researchers, clinicians, engineers, technology experts and industry leaders to discuss developments in neuroscience, medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence and economics.

The symposium has been organised with support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Pratiksha Trust, the Indian Academy of Neurosciences (IAN) and other private sponsors.

Held under the theme “Building a National Consortium and Developing Training Pathways,” the event aims to bring together experts from different disciplines to strengthen India’s neuroengineering research and develop technologies for healthcare, rehabilitation and diagnostics.

More than 15 experts from India and abroad are participating in the symposium. They represent institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, AIIMS New Delhi, JNCASR Bengaluru, IISc Bengaluru, the National Brain Research Centre, IIT Kanpur, Ashoka University, Management Development Institute and CHINTA Kolkata, among others.

Highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research, Prof. Mohan Rao Chintalagiri, Senior Professor Emeritus, said the symposium is a collaborative initiative between BITS Pilani Hyderabad and Dubai campuses. It brings together departments of Biology, Pharmacy, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Computer Science and Information Systems.

He said the collaboration aims to develop a new curriculum to encourage neuroscience research and strengthen research capabilities across BITS Pilani institutions.

The programme includes keynote addresses, scientific sessions, panel discussions and research presentations on brain-machine interfaces, neural implants, neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, deep brain stimulation, cognitive neuroscience and neuroeconomics.

An important focus of the discussions is to connect fundamental neuroscience research with practical applications. Participants are exploring opportunities to develop indigenous neural interfaces, medical devices, wearable technologies and AI-powered diagnostic solutions. The event also aims to encourage collaboration among academic institutions, healthcare professionals and the emerging neurotechnology industry.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Prof. Souri Banerjee, Director, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus, highlighted the growing concerns around mental health, particularly among young adults. He said the complexity of the brain, along with challenges linked to digital habits and behavioural health, calls for stronger clinical frameworks to identify concerns early and develop effective interventions.

He also pointed to the potential of artificial intelligence in identifying and addressing these challenges, adding that the symposium could help encourage interdisciplinary discussions and explore possible solutions.

The symposium is also focused on building a national network of researchers, clinicians, engineers and industry partners. Discussions are centred on collaborative research and specialised training programmes to strengthen India’s capabilities in neuroengineering.

The organisers have proposed holding the symposium every two years to continue the discussions, build research partnerships and support the growth of India’s neuroengineering ecosystem.