2026 Blue Skies Research Event Recap
Celebrating Innovation at the 2026 Blue Skies Challenge!
Tuesday night, we proudly hosted the Blue Skies Challenge, an inspiring Shark Tank-style pitch competition where leading researchers present bold ideas in epilepsy research. This event brings together local doctors, researchers, and professionals dedicated to advancing care and improving the lives of those living with epilepsy. We are thrilled to congratulate this year’s incredible grant winners, each awarded $50,000 to advance groundbreaking work in epilepsy research!
Research in Epilepsy: Diagnosis & Treatment: NeuroWeaves
NeuroWeaves is transforming how epilepsy is diagnosed with minimally invasive, thread-like EEG electrodes that can record brain activity for up to 30 days with greater comfort and accuracy. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize long-term monitoring and improve seizure detection for patients everywhere.
Research in Epilepsy: Improving Quality of Life: Cami (Personalized Therapies Project)
This project will analyze real-world clinical data and caregiver feedback to better understand which treatments help patients with seizures. The goal is to create practical tools, including response maps and a patient-centered care pathway, to help families and clinicians make clearer decisions.
A special thank you to our incredible judges for their expertise and dedication:
• Mark Slater – Founder of Otherside, the first agency dedicated to epilepsy and neuroscience, and a creative leader who brings both industry expertise and lived experience to advancing awareness and research.
• Steve Austin – A seasoned communications executive and CURE Epilepsy board member, Steve combines professional expertise with lived experience to champion innovative research and progress toward a cure.
• Christina Briscoe Abath, MD – A pediatric epileptologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, Christina is dedicated to advancing equitable care and improving outcomes for children with epilepsy.
• Stevie Roszkowski, PhD – A Medical Science Liaison with Jazz Pharmaceuticals, specializing in epilepsy and neuroscience, Stevie is passionate about advancing research and improving patient outcomes across New England.
Congratulations to both teams for their visionary work, and thank you to everyone who made this inspiring night possible.