Fellows Summit
Day 1 of Neuro Innovate: a private convening of the CNS Innovation Institute.
About the summit
The Fellows Summit brings CNS Innovation Institute Fellows, faculty, and corporate innovation partners together in Chicago the day before the Neuro Innovate course.
The summit pairs a half-day of didactics from industry-leading neurosurgeons and industry leadership with a half-day of Shark Tank-style pitches from the fellows. Top innovations are considered for CNS Innovator of the Year finalists.
The program focuses on:
- Venture creation and commercialization
- Regulatory and reimbursement strategy
- Intellectual property and licensing
- Investor-style pitch sessions
Participation in the Fellows Summit is limited to Innovation Institute Fellows and invited participants. The Neuro Innovate course on Day 2 is open to all registrants.
The two-year fellowship
The CNS Innovation Institute is a structured, two-year pathway that aligns early- and mid-career neurosurgical investigators with experienced innovators, supported by educational cohorts, mentorship, and real-world engagement.
Year 1
Innovation Catalyst
In person at Neuro Innovate, Chicago
Fellows launch their ideas in an immersive, in-person program at Neuro Innovate.
Community & Integration
CNS Annual Meeting
Fellows connect with leaders and present their innovations at the CNS Annual Meeting.
Guided Development
Virtual
Structured learning, mentorship, and iterative feedback move each concept forward.
Industry Immersion
Industry partner sites
Curated visits with engineers and research scientists at partner headquarters and academic innovation incubators.
Year 2
Innovation Catalyst
Returning fellows
Fellows report progress on their innovations, take part in Shark Tank-style panels, and refine their projects.
Community & Integration
CNS Annual Meeting
Fellows expand relationships with industry leaders and mentor first-year fellows.
Guided Development
Virtual
Continued structured learning, mentorship, and iterative feedback.
Industry Immersion
Industry partner sites
Further hands-on development with industry partners and academic incubators.
Applying and partnering
Fellows are selected through a call for applications from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Applications for 2026 are closed; details on the next cycle will be posted by the CNS.
The CNS also invites select corporate partners to join the Institute. Fellows are paired with sponsoring industry partners whose strategic goals align with their work.