Israeli President Shimon Peres announced that his new initiative, Israel Brain Technologies (IBT), will offer a $1 million prize called B.R.A.I.N. (Breakthrough Research and Innovation Neurotechnology).  The prize will be offered to a team from anywhere in the world which demonstrates “an extraordinary breakthrough in brain technology with global implications.”  President Peres wants Israel which is already referred to as the “Start-up Nation” to also become known as the “Brain Nation”  – the worldwide focus in brain research and technology.

President Peres remarked upon the announcement of the IBT initiative: “There is no doubt that brain research in the next decade will revolutionize our lives and impact such major domains as medicine, education, computing, and the human mind, to name but some. Moreover, it will not only relieve the suffering of patients of such debilitating diseases as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, but it will also engender large economic rewards as well.  With its reputation as a ‘start-up’ nation, renowned for its innovative and creative initiatives and its focus on science and technology as an engine for economic development, Israel is well-positioned to assume a leadership role in the emerging neurotechnology industry that promises to make the world a better place.”

Dr. Rafi Gidron, Founder and Chairman of IBT explained: “The B.R.A.I.N. Prize will bring together the best minds across geographic boundaries to create the next generation of brain-related innovation, from Brain Machine Interface to Brain Inspired Computing to urgently-needed solutions for brain disease.  It’s a global brain-gain. Our aim is to open minds… quite literally.”

IBT executive director Miri Polachek makes specific mention of the fact that “We invite others to share this vision, and for innovators around the world to enter the B.R.A.I.N. Prize competition, so we can tackle some of the most exciting challenges facing our planet.”

The Brain Prize will receive their award at IBT’s Global Brain Technology Conference in 2013.  Winners will be determined by an international  committee of judges composed of prominent leaders in neuroscience, technology and business.  Potential applicants are encouraged to go to the  Israel Brain Initiative web site for more information and to apply online.

READERS TAKE NOTE: The research and discoveries from this initiative may be able to help doctors treat neurological disorders such as Alzeihmer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, PTSD, and brain trauma resulting from sports accidents.

Reported by DOV LIPMAN for United with Israel.

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