Regional collaboration fuels innovation and economic growth in neuroscience

St. Louis, MO – On Tuesday, April 22, the NEURO360 Symposium will serve as a collaborative forum for researchers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and community leaders to help shape the future of neuroscience innovation in the St. Louis region. Held at the Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center at Washington University, the event invites participants to provide input, explore opportunities for partnership, and co-create strategies that will define the region’s vision for neuroscience-driven economic growth.

“NEURO360 represents a unique opportunity to establish St. Louis as the epicenter of turning world-class neuroscience research into real-world solutions that will impact human health and well-being,” said Donn Rubin, Founding President & CEO of BioSTL.

The event will highlight the critical role of regional collaboration in leveraging St. Louis’ neuroscience strengths and discussing key challenges to build a thriving industry that generates revenue, creates jobs, revitalizes underserved areas, and strengthens the region as a whole. The symposium is an important step in engaging key stakeholders and fostering lasting partnerships that will shape the future of neuroscience in St. Louis.

“At the intersection of groundbreaking science and transformative impact, NEURO360 exemplifies how innovation can fuel regional progress,” said Dr. Doug Frantz, Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Commercialization at Washington University in St. Louis. “WashU’s world-class neurology research isn’t just pushing the boundaries of knowledge — it’s laying the foundation for new therapies, technologies, and ventures that can redefine brain health and economic opportunity for St. Louis and beyond.”

Featured Speakers and Sessions

The symposium will feature distinguished speakers, including

• Dr. Doug Frantz, Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Commercialization at Washington University

• Dr. Eric Gulve, NEURO360 founding CEO and Principal Investigator

• Dr. Eric Leuthardt, NEURO360 Lead & Co-PI, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Innovation and Commercialization at Washington University

“Neuroscience is no longer just about treating disease. It’s about unlocking the full potential of the human brain — to learn, to heal, and to thrive. With NEURO360, we are building a regional ecosystem to bring those discoveries from the lab to the people,” said Dr. Eric Leuthardt, Professor of Neurosurgery, Washington University in St. Louis.

Breakout sessions:

• Use-Inspired Research: Identifying research priorities and infrastructure needs to position St. Louis as a leader in neuroscience innovation.

• Accelerating Career Pathways in St. Louis’ Neuroscience Innovation Ecosystem: Exploring workforce development strategies to establish career pipelines in neuroscience research, technology, patient care, and manufacturing.

• Translation to Practice: Assessing the tools and programs necessary to advance commercialization in the region.

• Community Listening Session: Engaging in a cross-sector discussion to improve health outcomes for all in neuroscience.

• Fostering Regional and Global Collaboration: Showcasing how BioSTL is fostering global neuroscience collaboration and attracting top innovators to St. Louis.

“NEURO360 represents the opportunity to unite and collaborate in new ways to establish St. Louis as the home of world-class neuroscience research that quickly moves from the lab to real-world solutions – products, services, and public policy – for our communities and people everywhere who need them most, and to fuel economic growth for our region for generations to come,” said Dr. Eric Gulve, NEURO360 founding CEO and PI.

Strengthening St. Louis’ Neuroscience Innovation Ecosystem

The goal of the NEURO360 Symposium is to drive momentum and encourage continued investment in neuroscience innovation by strategically harnessing the region’s assets and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

NEURO360 has benefited from NSF support in developing our strategic plan for the initiative and its ecosystem.

We have been invited as one of 71 teams competing for funding to establish St. Louis as a leading neurotechnology hub.

This forum marks the release of our current strategy and our commitment to driving regional growth.

This forum is our invitation to the community to get engaged. Designed to foster community engagement and expand partnerships, this forum will reinforce our shared commitment to advancing St. Louis through technology.

“Real change happens when communities are not just consulted, but empowered as co-creators,” said Natalie Self, Senior Vice President of Economic Impact at Cortex. “NEURO360 is building an ecosystem where residents, researchers, educators, and employers work side-by-side to shape innovations that reflect real community needs — from behavioral health to career opportunity. That kind of partnership is what makes transformation possible.”

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, April 22

• Time: 2:00 – 6:00 PM

• Location: Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center at Washington University

• Registration: https://biostl.regfox.com/neuro360-symposium