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Overview

NeuroSphere is proud to announce the 2024 NeuroSphere Neurotech Hackathon Challenge Award for the upcoming . This hybrid hackathon, organized by NeurAlbertaTech and held at several locations across Canada and virtually, will take place from November 14 to November 17, 2024. To support the involvement of the UU直播 community in natHACKS, NeuroSphere is offering a limited number of awards to enable students to take part in the event in person at the hackathon鈥檚 Edmonton site.

natHACKS is a dynamic event that features workshops, challenges and networking opportunities, culminating in an intense 64-hour hackathon weekend. Participants will have the opportunity to compete in one of hackathon three streams: Recreation, Rehabilitation, or Research. Whether you鈥檙e a beginner or an expert, this is your chance to bring your neurotech ideas to life and demonstrate your innovation skills. NeurAlbertaTech will match hackathon participants with an interdisciplinary and interuniversity team, ensuring a diverse and collaborative experience.

NeuroSphere invites graduate students (Master鈥檚 and PhD) with an interest in neuroscience and technology to apply and showcase their groundbreaking ideas/creativity at natHACKS 2024. This is a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge brain health innovation and participate in a major neurotechnology competition!

NeuroSphere is UU直播鈥檚 neuroscience innovation accelerator funded through Healthy Brains, Healthy Lives (HBHL). Since 2019, with the support from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) and Quebec鈥檚 Minist猫re de l'脡conomie, de l'Innovation et de l'脡nergie (MEIE), NeuroSphere has been the go-to hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in neuroscience at UU直播.

Value

Successful applicants will receive bursaries of up to $3,000, distributed in two instalments of $1,500 each. The first instalment will be issued once the selection process is completed and the student provides proof of acceptance into natHACKS 2024, along with a signed Notice of Award and Student Stipend Form from their supervisor. The second instalment will be issued after the natHACKS hackathon, upon submission of proof of participation from the event organizers.

The award will be distributed through the student鈥檚 Minerva account in instalments, after proof of registration and attendance are submitted. Disbursement depends on the student's supervisor signing both the Notice of Award and Student Stipend forms. Please note that if proof of attendance is not provided, the award will be revoked.

The total funding available for this opportunity is $24,000, allowing for a maximum of eight awards.

Eligibility Criteria

1. The applicant must be registered for the Fall 2024 semester at UU直播 and must be in a graduate program (Master's or PhD) in any faculty (with an intersection to neuroscience research) at the time of application.
2. At the time of submission, applicants must fill out the HBHL Equity Self-Identification form as part of their application (see details below).
3. At the time of submission, applicants must provide a certificate of completion for one of (time required: 30-45 minutes) as part of their PDF application package (see details below).

Once an applicant has been selected for the Hackathon award, funds will only be disbursed after they provide proof of registration at natHACKS 2024 and receive supervisor approval to participate.

Please note that selected candidates are required to attend natHACKS 2024 in person in Edmonton, Alberta. Failure to do so will result in a requirement to reimburse the award. Extenuating circumstances resulting in an inability to attend last-minute should be discussed with the NeuroSphere team.

Selected students must submit a feedback form after their participation in natHACKS to share their experience with the NeuroSphere team.

Application Process

All applications must be as a single PDF document by Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Please save the application document using the following file name format: 鈥淟astname_Firstname.pdf鈥� (eg., Smith_Jane.pdf or Smith_John.pdf).

A complete application package must include:

• Letter of motivation (maximum one page, Arial size 11 font)
  • In the letter of motivation, begin by answering the following question in approximately 150 words: "Imagine a future neurotechnology that solves a significant problem in one of the following streams: research, rehabilitation or recreation.* What essential characteristics would your innovation have? What societal impact would it have? Focus on the concept and its potential impact rather than specific details."
  • The applicant must also explain their career objectives and their interest in participating in natHACKS 2024.
• Curriculum Vitae
• An electronic certificate of completion showing your name, from at least one of
• Budget including quotes for expenses (economy airfare, meals and accommodations)
• HBHL Equity Self-Identification form (completed online)

*Streams as defined by natHACKS:
1) Research: Projects related to novel methodologies in collecting, analyzing, or visualizing brain data
2) Rehabilitation: Projects related to assessing, diagnosing, and/or treating neuro disorders
3) Recreation: Projects related to entertainment and leisure

Application Package and Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by NeuroSphere based on the following elements:

Letter of Motivation:

1. Description of neurotechnology: The response should clearly and concisely describe the envisioned neurotechnology, emphasizing its societal impact in 150 words. The evaluation will consider how the proposed innovation aligns with current challenges or opportunities within the chosen natHACKS stream (research, rehabilitation, or recreation) and the deliberate focus on its potential social impact.
2. How applicants will contribute to the hackathon's success: The applicant clearly articulates how they will contribute to the success of natHACKS 2024 through their participation. They demonstrate a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact in the hackathon.
3. Impact on career goals and research: Clearly defines the specific benefits the applicant expects to gain from the hackathon and how these will directly impact their career and research (i.e., skills, experiences, and connections).

Important Links

• HBHL Equity Self-Identification Form