Critique #3: AI for Neural Decoding

​Community Critique #3 is a chance for Encode Fellows to pause half way through their 12-month build. ​What lessons have been learnt?​What strategies are being explored to scale the impact of their research?​What form could this take to go from lab > public by September? ​These questions can't be answered in isolation, so we're seeking your input. About this Critique: Current brain-computer interfaces struggle to decode rich, multi-sensory brain signals, demanding a unified AI framework to translate thought, speech, and perception into meaningful communication. Encode fellow Mariya Yurievna Hendriksen is working with Professors Oiwi Parker Jones and Phil Torr at the University of Oxford to combine brain imaging with everyday sensory data – speech, vision, and thought patterns – to create an AI system that understands neural activity more deeply than ever before. This research could open new frontiers in human-computer interaction - potentially transforming how people with communication difficulties interact with the world and uncovering fundamental insights about how our brains process information. Participation guidance: ​Please RSVP for this Critique Session.​Approval of your registration is at the discretion of the Encode Fellow, with support from the Pillar VC team. Your RSVP does not guarantee your entry. You will be informed by email.​Our preference is for in-person attendance. However, you will have the option to select virtual attendance when you RSVP for this session.​Curious about other Critiques? Please browse the calendar and RSVP for each Critique individually.​IMPORTANT: It will not be possible to leave and join Critiques happening at the same time - please only RSVP for one Critique at each hour interval.​You're invited to our Post-Critique Celebration nearby in Kings Cross. It's a chance to debrief, continue any lively debates and celebrate what the Encode Fellows have built so far. ​You’re welcome to attend the full day. The Pillar team will share more about the fellowship, and you'll have the chance to meet the fellows not presenting in your Critique. Attendance at your scheduled critique is expected.  ​​Please view this Critique #3 guidance document for further details. ​If you have questions - reach out to the Encode Fellow who invited you, or leone@pillar.vc. A postcard from September's Community Critique #1... ​About Encode: AI for Science: A Pillar VC initiative, we believe the next AI revolution is science. The Encode Fellowship, powered by ARIA and DSIT, brings together the brightest minds in AI with pioneering scientific research across the UK. Over 12 months, Encode Fellows are embedded in leading labs to advance frontier research, apply AI to accelerate discovery, and help launch new ventures or research organisations rooted in deep tech breakthroughs. ​​​Backed by Pillar VC: Pillar VC is a venture capital firm, proudly building Encode: AI for Science. With a significant track record of investing in over 90 companies, approximately 50% of which have roots in university research, Pillar VC has successfully raised $500 million across four funds. ​​​Powered by ARIA: The Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) was established by the UK Parliament to unlock transformative scientific and technological breakthroughs. It funds ambitious, high-risk research led by Programme Directors who identify underexplored areas with breakthrough potential. ARIA’s flagship Activation Partner initiative accelerates this mission, and powers the Encode Fellowship. ​​​Powered by DSIT: The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is a ministerial department positioning the UK at the forefront of global scientific and technological advancement. DSIT's mission is to accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, ensure that new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK and drive forward a modern digital government for the benefit of its citizens. DSIT’s Sovereign AI unit accelerates this mission, and powers the Encode Fellowship.