After more than 30 years in dementia research, this founder is turning groundbreaking academic work into a venture with the potential to transform how cognitive decline is detected and monitored. Motivated by a desire to improve outcomes for patients and families, the company is developing a high-resolution brain activity assessment that provides detailed insights into brain function and communication between neural networks. Through participation in the Venture Builder Incubator (VBI), the team has strengthened its understanding of customer needs, commercialisation, and the regulatory landscape while expanding its network and identifying new funding opportunities. Recent achievements include becoming a regional finalist in Edge 2026, joining the Converge Challenge programme, and engaging with investors to support future growth. The next phase focuses on validating the technology in real-world environments, advancing regulatory and ethics pathways, and securing the funding needed to bring this innovative brain health solution closer to market.
Venture Builder Incubator
6.0
Venture Builder Incubator empowers aspiring founders from Scotland’s universities to start or grow their tech business. Bridging the gap between research and entrepreneurship, Venture Builder Incubator gives you the tools, skills, and support to transform your deep tech or data-driven idea into a thriving startup. Through our ongoing partnership with Cancer Research Horizons, the Venture Builder Incubator provides tailored support to research staff and academics across the UK developing oncology-related data-driven innovations.
I have been a dementia researcher for over 30 years and therefore very aware of the short comings in helping patients and their families. My academic research reached a point of technical relevance that I felt would be of huge benefit for all stakeholders and hopefully would be a game changer in how we assess cognitive decline and support lived experience.
Fascinated by the science, passionate about making a difference and disappointed by how 'stuck' the field is.
Detecting decline in brain health early.
We are measuring the brain's activity with high resolution and precision. This is a functional test that can indicate which parts of your brain are not working optimally and how well different brain regions communicate with each other (brain networks).
VBI was incredibly helpful. I now appreciate much more the need to match our product to what the customers want, how to communicate more effectively, as well as the legal, IP, regulatory and financial demands of being an entrepreneur. I met amazing people, built my network and have identified new funding opportunities.
1. Regional finalist of Edge 2026.
2. Accepted for Converge Challenge programme.
3. In discussions and pitching to a number of investors.
4. Mix of successful and unsuccessful funding applications.
Taking our prototype to TRL7 (validation in relevant environment) and progressing the legal / regulatory / ethics path. Identifying funding opportunities.
Only take part if you are reasonably sure this is for you and you are willing and able to commit a lot of time to this. Other shorter courses are better to get a first quick insight if you are not sure yet.
The VBI staff was incredibly helpful, supportive and approachable. Thank you to Mary, Laura and Roxana and everyone else involved.
Find out more: Well Brain
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