BCI 4 Kids Calgary
What We Do
At BCI4Kids, we provide children with severe neurological disabilities access to cutting-edge brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to help them achieve greater independence, realize new participation in life, and do things they never thought possible. Our vision is to build and grow a child- and family-centered program to bring BCI technology out of the research laboratory and into the lives of people and children that could benefit most. With the help of our program participants, we are driving forward pediatric BCI research and development with the potential to help children in need everywhere.
Why We Do It
We believe that all children, regardless of their physical ability, have the right to play and to independently explore and connect with their environment. BCI is an emerging field of technology that holds substantial promise for breaking down the barriers children with severe physical disabilities face to access, independence, and participation. Despite the promise of BCI technology, most BCI development is being conducted in the secluded laboratories of universities and tech companies and is focused only on adults. Our mission is to narrow this gap between development and the end user, by connecting affected children with BCI technology and involving them directly in the research process.
Who We Are
We are a team of clinicians, neuroscientists and engineers who believe in the power of technology to change and improve lives, especially the lives of kids with neurological disabilities. We are constantly being inspired by and learning from the children and families we work with, and are driven by a vision of a research and development process that is informed as much by the children who will be using the technology as it is by the scientists developing it.
Where We Are
Our team is a part of the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine and our program is located at the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. We are a part of the Calgary Pediatric Stroke Program, and are proud to be affiliated with leading organizations such as the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and University of Calgary Biomedical Engineering. We are also a founding member of the BCI-CAN network.
For Families
If you are a family currently involved with our BCI Program, or if you would like to learn more about the program, visit our BCI Program page.
For Researchers
If you are a researcher or prospective student looking to learn more about our research projects and goals, visit our Research page.
For Donors
If you are interested in supporting our BCI Program, learn more about how you can help and get involved on our Support Us page.
BCI4Kids News
January 3, 2025
How technology helps kids and youth with disabilities
Kids Brain Health Network-funded researchers study wearable robotics and brain-computer interface technology that allow kids and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities to play.
Read more about the KBHN supported projects our team has been working on here.
November 20, 2024
Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize awarded for research into brain-computer interfaces
Drs. Adam Kirton and Alicia Hilderley are the 2024 recipients of the $1-million Hopewell M.I.N.D. Prize to advance their work in brain-computer interface (BCI) solutions. The BCI@home project will implement and assess the impact of community-based, personalized BCI solutions for children living with severe disabilities, establishing this as the standard of care provincially, and creating a model for national and global expansion.
March 21, 2024
Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation introduces 2024 Champion, Claire Sonnenberg
Eight-year-old Claire loves to play games with her brothers, make art for her friends, and bake with her mom. What’s unique about her, is she can do all three using only her mind.
The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation announced Claire as the 2024 Champion, part of the Children’s Miracle Network Champions Program that celebrates the life-saving, life-changing care taking place at children’s hospitals across the country. As Champion, Claire will be the official ambassador for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and represent the 100,000 kids cared for at the hospital each year.
Read more about our Champion Claire and watch a video showcasing our BCI technology.
Nov 28, 2022
Think2SwitchTM Device showcased on Global, CTV and CBC news
The Think2SwitchTM device developed by the BCI4Kids team allows children with disabilities to use BCI to access switch-adapted devices. One of our expert (and youngest) BCI users, Claire, showcased her skills with the device for Global, CTV and CBC news during a media event run by ST Innovations at the University of Alberta. The BCI4Kids team won the ST Innovations challenge the previous year, which spurred development and commercialization of the Think2SwitchTM.
May 1, 2022
Nina featured in Alberta Children's Hospital 100 Year Anniversary Campaign
Nina is a TV star! Nina, one of our BCI program participants, was featured in the ACH's 100 year anniversary media campaign. Her story will be featured on the news and ads all over Calgary to showcase the amazing research being done at ACH.
Nov 9, 2021
Danial featured in the Alberta Children Hospital Foundation newsletter
Danial, one of our BCI program participants has been featured for the cover story of the Alberta Children Hospital Foundation's quarterly newsletter. Read his and his dad, Ilyas's interview here:
Oct 22-24, 2021
45 game developers all over the world participated in the 2021 BCI Game Jam!
The second BCI Game Jam was a huge success - over 45 developers participated, resulting in 13 new games for our kids to play with BCI. Judging of the submissions will begin soon! Keep up to date on the event through the BCI Game Jam website:
June 7, 2021
Article: "Brain-Computer Interfaces Already Making a Positive Impact for Kids"
BCI4Kids was featured in an article written for 6G world, an online tech news site. Read the full article here:
Mar 24, 2021
BCI4Kids Program featured by Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation
The Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation has featured John, one of our BCI superheros, and the BCI4Kids program in their latest newsletter. Read the full article, "Brainwave Breakthrough", here:
Nov 24, 2020
Introducing John, the budding BCI artist...
John, one of our BCI program participants and co-scientists, has taken social media by storm with his beautiful artwork, painted using his brain through BCI. Check out his stunning instagram feed below!
Nov 18, 2020
Research-intensive care saved Daniel’s life
Child Health and Wellness Strategy to transform prevention and care for children and families
Featured events
Contact Us
Reach out to us for more information on the BCI4Kids Program or our research:
Email: cpsp.bci4kids@ucalgary.ca
Twitter: @BCI4kids
Address: Alberta Children's Hospital
28 Oki Dr NW
Calgary AB, Canada
We are a part of the Calgary Pediatric Stroke Program.