Rishan Patel - Brain-Computer Interface Research

About me

I see translational research as the most meaningful way to bridge academic discovery with tangible human benefit. My PhD work in Brain–Computer Interfaces has revealed both the immense promise and the current limitations of neurotechnology. While academic research often stops at publication, I believe its true value lies in transforming ideas into scalable, accessible solutions that improve patients’ lives. I am particularly interested in developing the skills that enable this transition, learning how to evaluate scientific concepts not only for novelty, but for feasibility, scalability, and market relevance. My long-term goal is to build devices that create adaptive neurotechnologies for medical use, especially for neurodegenerative conditions such as ALS where assistive technologies are urgently needed. I am motivated by the vision of making advanced neural interfaces not a privilege, but a practical tool for restoring independence and communication.

What distinguishes my approach is a blend of technical depth and a strong commitment to real-world translation. I work at the intersection of neuroscience, engineering, and patient care, developing BCI that adapt to individuals over time. Yet my focus extends beyond the lab: I am driven by the broader challenge of ensuring that breakthrough science leads to lasting impact. Alongside my research, I have co-founded initiatives such as the UK BCI Consortium to connect researchers and accelerate national collaboration, and I regularly engage in outreach to democratise access to science for younger students. I view my field not only as research but as a means for systemic change, improving patient access, inspiring the next generation, and demonstrating that cutting-edge neurotechnology can be developed outside elite, resource-heavy environments. Having participated in programmes such as Cambridge EnterpriseTECH, Neuroworks’ What If, and iCURe Engage, I have cultivated an integrated understanding of innovation pipelines outside of research. Combined with my experience designing both algorithms and hardware, exposure to clinical contexts, and my work as an Impact Fellow with the Institute of Healthcare Engineering, I bring a perspective that spans scientific feasibility, usability, regulation, and societal impact. My aim is not just to commercialise technology, but to build sustainable ecosystems where innovation in healthcare can truly thrive.

Notable Skills: PyTorch, TensorFlow, PyTorch Geometric, MNE, EEGLab, pylsl, Python, MATLAB

Education

Sep 2022 — Sep 2026

Doctor of Philosophy, Electronic & Electrical Engineering - University College London

With the UCL Bioelectronics Group and Aspire CREATE, developing non-invasive BCIs capable of recognizing motor intent during functional tasks for ALS patients. Tackling EEG non-stationarity via algorithmic & experimental innovation. Supervised multiple undergraduate and Masters projects. See ORCID for publications.
Oct 2021 — Oct 2022

Masters, Biomedical Engineering - Imperial College London

Grade: 65.38%.

Experience

2025 — 2026

BioSpark Company Seeding Fellow - University of Cambridge

Selected as a Biospark Company Seeding Fellow for 25/26 to help support our vision for commercialising research.
2026

UCL Small Grant Project Host

Awarded £1500 to host a research project helping understand what level of brain analysis (source-template MRI, sensor, source-MRI) will be best for in-home monitoring of network changes in the brain.
Aug 2025 — Present

UK BCI Consortium - Founding Member

The UK BCI Consortium is an initiative born out of collaboration between research groups at UCL and Essex, aiming to create a network of BCI research across the UK. The consortium hosts events, workshops, collaborative resources, and lab visits to build an interactive network of doctoral and early career BCI researchers nationwide. Read the UCL announcement or visit our LinkedIn page.
Sep 2025 — Present

BCI Society - Student & Postdoc Committee

Sitting on the student and postdoc committee for the BCI Society, a global community for BCI research.
Mar 2025 — Aug 2025

Cambridge Neuroworks - What If Programme (University of Cambridge)

Exploring neurotech ideas, refining hypotheses, ecosystem mapping, expert engagement, and entrepreneurial training to develop promising neurotech innovations.
2025

Innovate UK - iCure Engage

Part of the iCure Engage program supporting researchers in translating innovations into real-world commercial and societal impact through customer discovery and business validation.
Oct 2024 — Oct 2025

UCL Institute of Healthcare Engineering - Impact Fellowship

Personalized training in co-production, policy, media & science communication; mentorship, peer learning, and external networking. Culminates in managing an impact event. Meet the Impact Fellows.
2024

EnterpriseTECH - Cambridge Judge Business School

Commercialization program for researchers; developing a feasibility report for an early-stage startup.
Oct 2023 — Present

Scholars Club Tutor - The Brilliant Club (Highlands School)

Designed and taught a university-level module for KS4 students to bridge access gaps; module based on current research.
Aug 2023

The Turing Summer Experience - Alan Turing Institute & The Brilliant Club

Helped teach a session on Natural Language Programming for Year 12 students interested in Data Science & AI.
Aug 2023

Bridging The Future - UCL-led Charity

Delivered a session on BCI research and how AI can help biomedical engineers solve impactful problems.
Apr 2023 — Present

Ambassador & Project Host - STEM Learning UK

Nuffield Research Placement host—supporting young students to thrive in a university research setting.
Jul 2021 — Sep 2021

PA Consulting - Summer Internship (Global Innovation & Technology Centre, Cambridge)

10-week internship; developed a VR bomb disposal robot.
Aug 2019 — Present

IET - Young Professional Ambassador

Hosting and judging events like PresentIn10 and other IET activities.