ATLAS NEUROENGINEERING BVBA

Their core work

Atlas Neuroengineering is a Leuven-based SME that designs and manufactures neural interface hardware for brain research. They supply specialized tools — electrodes, optrodes, and photonic devices — used by neuroscience labs studying brain function, neural diseases, and cognitive processes. Their products enable researchers to record from and stimulate brain circuits in preclinical (including non-human primate) models, bridging the gap between engineering precision and neuroscience discovery.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Atlas Neuroengineering's earliest H2020 involvement (2017, M-GATE) focused broadly on memory research exchanges with no detailed technical keywords recorded, suggesting a general supplier or training role. By 2021, both DEEPER and In2PrimateBrains reveal a sharp pivot toward advanced photonic and optical neural tools — optogenetics, fiber photometry, optrodes, microendoscopy — indicating the company moved from conventional electrode manufacturing into next-generation light-based brain interfaces. This shift from passive recording hardware to active optical stimulation and imaging tools marks a significant technical upgrade in their product portfolio.

Atlas Neuroengineering is moving decisively toward photonic brain tools (optogenetics, fiber photometry, microendoscopy), positioning themselves as a go-to hardware partner for next-generation optical neuroscience experiments.

How they like to work

Atlas Neuroengineering has never coordinated an H2020 project — they consistently join as a specialist partner or third party, supplying technology and hardware expertise to research-led consortia. With 28 unique partners across 13 countries from just 3 projects, they plug into large, international networks rather than leading them. This is typical of a technology SME: they bring a critical component (the neural probes and interfaces) and let academic partners drive the scientific agenda.

Despite only 3 projects, Atlas Neuroengineering has built connections with 28 distinct partners across 13 countries, reflecting the large consortium sizes typical of MSCA training networks and RIA projects. Their network spans Western and Southern Europe's major neuroscience hubs.

What sets them apart

Atlas Neuroengineering occupies a rare niche: they are one of very few European SMEs manufacturing specialized neural probes and optical brain interfaces for research. Where most neurotechnology hardware comes from a handful of US-based firms, Atlas offers a local, EU-based alternative embedded in the Leuven biotech ecosystem. For consortium builders, they solve a concrete problem — who supplies the custom optrodes, photometry fibers, and microendoscopes that make the experiments physically possible.

Highlights from their portfolio

• DEEPER
  Directly targets neural disease treatment through photonic tools — combines optogenetics, fiber photometry, and microendoscopy in a single research program, representing Atlas's most technically advanced contribution.
• In2PrimateBrains
  Largest single EC contribution to Atlas (EUR 256,320) and focuses on primate brain network communication — a demanding application requiring the highest-grade neural interfaces.