New AI Hub for Brain Health at Campus Biotech

Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) inaugurated their new Artificial Intelligence Hub for Health at Campus Biotech — a dedicated center designed to accelerate the development of neuromodulation technologies for psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Spanning 1,000 square meters, the hub is organized into three distinct areas: a patient consultation zone, a staff-only workspace, and a research environment focused on neuromodulation techniques enhanced by artificial intelligence to support more precise diagnostics.

The vision is clear: tighten the link between clinical care and scientific research.
“We have clinical coordinators and research coordinators working hand in hand to understand what happens on each side,” explains Coralie Fournier, project lead for the AI Hub at HUG. “The goal for our physicians and nurses is to identify patients who can participate in clinical studies directly within this center.” Pierre Maudet, State Councilor of the Canton of Geneva, highlighted the pivotal role played by Prof. Antoine Geissbuhler—BioAlps President and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Geneva—in bringing this project to life.

Neuromodulation and Virtual Reality Demonstrations

Among the technologies showcased to visitors was a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device, used for conditions such as schizophrenia.
“By stimulating specific brain regions that are usually underactive or inhibited, we can help them function properly again,” says Indrit Bègue, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at UNIGE/HUG. “That is the purpose of neuromodulation — to restore healthy communication between neural circuits.”

Nearby, guests could test an immersive virtual reality experience.
“I’m in a dark cave with glowing crystals. It’s really calming,” describes one participant wearing a VR headset.

This VR-based approach supports patients struggling with anxiety.
“The method involves presenting a virtual environment and immersing patients so they can learn to control their heart rate,” adds Dr. Stéphane Pagès, Director of Neuroimaging at the Wyss Center.

A Growing, Supported Initiative

The hub currently brings together a team of around 50 collaborators. The HUG, the Wyss Center and the Geneva Department of Health have invested CHF 2.7 million to launch the project.
By 2028, the space is expected to evolve into a facility fully dedicated to patient care and clinical activity, while preserving strong ties with ongoing research.

With this new hub, Geneva reinforces its position as a driving force in global brain health innovation — where AI, neuroscience and clinical expertise come together to shape the future of care.

➡️ Source: HUG press release | 📸 ©HUG