20 years ago, Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) were limited to moving simple computer cursors. Today, BCIs have evolved into a powerful tool fueled by machine learning and neurotechnology, finding applications in motor rehabilitation for stroke patients, communication for coma patients, assistive devices for people with disabilities, cognitive training, neuromarketing, and beyond.
The BR41N.IO Brain-Computer Interface Designers Hackathon is an international platform that explores the cutting-edge developments and unlimited potential of BCIs and neurotechnologies in creative, scientific, and clinical domains. This unique hackathon attracts over 400 participants at each event, no matter the location, as it provides an exceptional opportunity for students and professionals to engage with interdisciplinary fields including artificial intelligence, life sciences, art, and technology—cultivating the innovative mindsets needed to push BCI research and development forward.
Since its inception in 2017, BR41N.IO has grown exponentially, hosting hackathons in cities around the world such as Dublin (Ireland), Linz and Graz (Austria), Valencia (Spain), Banff (Canada), and beyond. Every single event has gathered over 400 passionate participants who, in just 24 hours, design playful yet practical BCI headsets and applications that push the boundaries of what neurotechnology can achieve. The outcome? A continually expanding community that is transforming how we interact with our brains and the world.
The inspiration behind BR41N.IO stems from the “Agent Unicorn” headpiece, designed by fashion-tech artist Anouk Wipprecht. This BCI headpiece, shaped like a unicorn’s horn, is designed to help children with ADHD or autism by measuring brain activity to identify triggers and provide a better understanding of individual distractions. The same creativity and dedication to positive impact drive each BR41N.IO event, where diverse participants come together to turn extraordinary ideas into reality.
From local meetups to international hubs, each hackathon is a testament to the power of bringing over 400 minds together—across disciplines, cultures, and geographies—to explore the full spectrum of BCI technology. Welcome to BR41N.IO, where the future of human-computer interaction is being written one hackathon at a time.