# Neurochallenge 2025: Seven teams developing new solutions for brain health and mental wellbeing among the working-aged

> Neurochallenge 2025 gathered teams to create new solutions for brain health.

## The Challenge of Brain Health
Brain health and mental wellbeing represent one of the most significant global public health and economic challenges of our time. Neurological disorders are the leading cause of ill health globally (DALYs) and the second leading cause of death, while mental health disorders account for the highest number of years lived with disability.

Combined, neurological, mental and substance-use disorders represent one in every four disability-adjusted life years globally. The prevalence of neurological disorders is expected to grow markedly as Europe’s population ages, with the proportion of people over 65 projected to rise from 21% to 33% by 2100.

The economic impact is equally substantial. Brain-related disorders generate annual costs estimated at €1.7 trillion in Europe, reflecting healthcare expenditure, lost productivity and disability support. At the same time, improving employee brain health could create economic value equivalent to raising global GDP by up to 12%. With the global neuroscience market projected to grow from $612 billion to $721 billion by 2026, brain health has become one of the fastest-growing health and innovation domains.

## The Neurochallenge 2025 Event
Neurochallenge 2025 was organized as a national innovation competition to accelerate new solutions that support brain health and mental wellbeing among working-aged people, with a focus on individuals over the age of 55. The event took place on 14–16 November 2025 at Savonia University of Applied Sciences’ Campus Heart in Kuopio, Finland.

During a 48-hour innovation sprint, seven multidisciplinary teams worked toward research-based, practical solutions.

### Evaluation Criteria
Solutions were evaluated according to four key criteria:
*   **Novelty** – introduction of new value compared to existing solutions
*   **Feasibility** – potential for implementation and scaling
*   **Impact** – measurable benefits to individuals, organizations or society
*   **Scientific validity** – grounding in reliable research and evidence

## Featured Solutions

### Havain
*   **Team members:** Luka Vähäsarja (University of Helsinki/Aalto University), Vili Vainionpää (Aalto University), Ella Turtiainen (Aalto University), Rebekka Ilmivalta (University of Helsinki), Oscar Escartin (Aalto University).
*   **Solution:** A machine learning-based software that associates individual changes in cognitive performance to digital markers, such as mouse micro-movements. It delivers feedback on vigilance levels to help detect cognitive deterioration early.
*   **Experience:** "We entered Neurochallenge with an idea and left with a product and a business model."

### SiriusCeption
*   **Team members:** Zuyan Chen (University of Oulu), Kuo Zhan (University of Oulu), Zhendai Huang (University of Oulu), Ziwei Yi (Southwestern University of Finance and Economics).
*   **Solution:** A non-invasive wearable platform for the early detection of movement disorders. By fusing data from an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and mmWave radar, it captures subtle tremors during natural movements.
*   **Experience:** "Participating in Neurochallenge has been an inspiring and transformative experience... we benefited greatly from the guidance of our mentor."

### Smart Brain Band
*   **Team members:** Mengru Wang, Xiaoyan Zhou, Leran Lu, and Tianyu Fang (University of Oulu).
*   **Solution:** An accurate sleep aid that helps people fall asleep more easily, provides sleep monitoring, and offers intelligent wake-up features.
*   **Experience:** "The mentors provided us with numerous valuable suggestions, and we acquired a range of pitching skills."

## Jury and Partners
The jury included:
*   **Mikael von und zu Fraunberg**, Professor and Chief of Neurosurgery, University of Oulu and Pohde
*   **Anu Meerwaldt**, Development Manager, SPARK Finland
*   **Mikko Hallanoro**, Business Director, Marginum Oy
*   **Minna Aronen**, Board member of Olvi Foundation

**Organizers and Partners:**
Neurochallenge is organized in collaboration with the Olvi Foundation (main sponsor), Neurocenter Finland, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Business Center North Savo, and the University of Eastern Finland.

The initiative is connected to the **Finnish Brain & Mind** research ecosystem, which includes:
*   Kuopio Brain & Mind
*   Helsinki Brain & Mind
*   Oulu Brain & Mind
*   Turku Brain & Mind
*   Jyväskylä Brain & Mind
*   Tampere Brain & Mind

## Contact Information
*   **Matti Laitinen**, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Business Center North-Savo (matti.laitinen@savonia.fi)
*   **Antti Kotimaa**, Savonia University of Applied Sciences (antti.kotimaa@savonia.fi)
*   **Eero Rissanen**, Director, Neurocenter Finland (eero.rissanen@uef.fi)