Ureka Mega Challenge winner: communicating despite locked-in syndrome
During Utrecht Science Week, the innovative project Alphabet won the Ureka Mega Challenge 2025. The digital solution helps people with locked-in syndrome communicate again and represents a major step forward in healthcare.
This innovative idea isn’t just sitting idle. It’s being truly transformed into an improvement for patients. Julia Berezutskaya of UMC Utrecht won the Ureka Mega Challenge 2025 with “Alphabet.” Congratulations!
With Alphabet, Julia and her team developed a digital solution for patients with locked-in syndrome (ALS, CVA, MS, brain trauma). People with this neurological condition are often completely paralyzed, but they do retain consciousness. They communicate, for example, through eye movements. People who aren’t completely locked-in, but have very limited communication, also benefit from this solution.
“Brain implants are now available that can record the signals the brain emits. Converting these signals into understandable text or instructions is still very difficult,” says Julia. “Alphabet is a major step forward in translating signals beyond just yes or no, for example. They can issue more commands, converting the patient’s thoughts into words or sentences. This allows patients to reconnect with the people around them and, for example, control appliances in their homes.”
Delighted with recognition and reward
Julia Berezutskaya is surprised, but especially thrilled, that Alphabet has been recognized and rewarded. “It makes me proud, because we know exactly what our patients need. That’s unique, and we want to realize this idea. With the award, we will take the next steps: protect our intellectual property and do everything we can to make our idea a success. We believe we will be ready to bring this innovation to market in five years.” Alphabet is therefore also being renamed: UCANACT. Julia and her team will receive €50,000 to continue their research.
About the Ureka Mega Challenge
The Ureka Mega Challenge is a unique, competitive challenge organized by UMC Utrecht during Utrecht Science Week. Innovation is key! Those who generate good ideas are given the opportunity to expand their research. This way, they contribute to improving care for patients, healthcare professionals, and/or society as a whole. Further development and implementation of good ideas is encouraged, facilitated, and partially funded.
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