BRAINS-2026 accelerates innovation for brain disorders by developing drug delivery methods, advanced brain models, and home monitoring. Involving patients, researchers, and industry, it aims for practical solutions, timely delivery of treatment, and improved quality of life, strengthening Dutch knowledge and healthcare.
BRAINS-2026: Joint mission for a healthy brain for all
BRAINS-2026 is an initiative that accelerates innovation for brain disorders such as dementia, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. The program aims to improve, speed up, and bring care closer to patients. It focuses on three main solution areas: enabling more efficient and safe delivery of medicines across the blood-brain barrier, developing human brain models for earlier and more reliable testing of new treatments, and advancing imaging and home monitoring technologies to allow measurements at home. These technologies are broadly applicable, supporting multiple brain disorders. Hersenstichting, Alzheimer Nederland, EpilepsieNL, Stichting MS Research and Parkinson Nederland collaborate with universities, hospitals, companies, and patients to ensure feasibility and practical use. EATRIS ERIC and Biotech Booster provide advice on valorisation and implementation.
Neurological disorders—including dementia, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease—are the leading cause of disease-related disability in Europe, resulting in the loss of 21 million healthy life years annually. One in four people in the Netherlands has a brain disorder. These disorders cost the Netherlands €31 billion per year, accounting for 32% of all healthcare expenditure and causing one in five deaths.
BRAINS-2026 tackles translational barriers in brain disorder innovation by focusing on advanced drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier, reliable human brain models, and connected neuro-technology for both clinical and home care.
The program focuses on an open call (focusing on innovation and addressing knowledge gaps), as well as a call upon invitation (ensuring continuity of existing project lines). Applicable projects fall within the designated themes: Blood-Brain-Barrier Gateway, Human Brain Models, Medical Technology & Ambulatory Monitoring.