$1 Million Global B.R.A.I.N. Prize Announced by Israel Brain Technologies

JERUSALEM INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER, Israel, September 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Israel Brain Technologies (IBT), a new initiative inspired by the vision of Israeli President Shimon Peres, is announcing the launch of its $1m global B.R.A.I.N. Prize (Breakthrough Research And Innovation in Neurotechnology).  The launch will be followed by a "fireside chat" by President Peres.

The million-dollar prize will go to an individual or team throughout the world who can demonstrate an extraordinary breakthrough in brain technology with global implications.

The B.R.A.I.N. Prize aims at engaging the best and brightest minds across the planet to spark a new wave of neurotechnology innovation. The prize will also showcase Israel as an international hub for innovation in brain research and technology, helping position Israel as not only the "Startup Nation," but also the "Brain Nation."

"There is no doubt that brain research in the next decade will revolutionize our lives and impact such major domains as medicine, education, computing, and the human mind, to name but some. Moreover, it will not only relieve the suffering of patients of such debilitating diseases as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, but it will also engender large economic rewards as well," according to President Peres. "With its reputation as a 'start-up' nation, renowned for its innovative and creative initiatives and its focus on science and technology as an engine for economic development, Israel is well-positioned to assume a leadership role in the emerging neurotechnology industry that promises to make the world a better place."

Prize winners could, for example, help treat neurological disorders like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, PTSD or even sports-related brain trauma. Or they could create the next cutting-edge brain-inspired technology that will alter our day-to-day lives.

The international judging committee will be composed of distinguished leaders in neuroscience, technology and business.

"The B.R.A.I.N. Prize will bring together the best minds across geographic boundaries to create the next generation of brain-related innovation, from Brain Machine Interface to Brain Inspired Computing to urgently-needed solutions for brain disease," says Dr. Rafi Gidron, Founder and Chairman of IBT. "It's a global brain-gain. Our aim is to open minds… quite literally."

"President Shimon Peres has a special vision: to make Israel a global center for advances in neurotechnology and brain-related treatments. We invite others to share this vision, and for innovators around the world to enter the B.R.A.I.N. Prize competition, so we can tackle some of the most exciting challenges facing our planet," said IBT Executive Director Miri Polachek.  

The Prize will be awarded at IBT's Global Brain Technology Conference in 2013. Interested contestants can visit http://www.IsraelBrain.org to receive more information and to apply online.

About Israel Brain Technologies

Inspired by the vision of Israeli President Shimon Peres, Israel Brain Technologies (IBT) has embarked upon a mission to advance Israel's neurotechnology industry and establish the country as an epicenter of global brain technology and related research.

IBT, a non-profit organization, promotes multi-disciplinary research and development projects in Israel and collaboration between the Israeli brain ecosystem and the global community of researchers and innovators.

IBT is led by a team of technology entrepreneurs and life science professionals, and is advised by a panel of renowned academic, industry and public sector representatives including two Nobel Prize Laureates.

CONTACT:
Jon Elkins
IBT Communications Team
+972-52-833-8621
[email protected]

SOURCE Israel Brain Technologies (IBT)