What is Brainstorm?
Brainstorm is the world’s first academic laboratory dedicated to mental health entrepreneurship.
It's housed in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, as a Special Initiative of the Chair, Dr. Laura Roberts.
What is Brainstorm's mission?
Our founding mission is to advance mental health by fostering innovative products that optimize health and human potential.
Where is Brainstorm located?
We are headquartered at Stanford in Palo Alto, California.
Who runs Brainstorm?
Brainstorm is directed by Dr. Nina Vasan, Clinical Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in Stanford University School of Medicine. Brainstorm's research efforts are led by Dr. Neha Chaudhary, Visiting Instructor at Stanford and Clinical Faculty at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and its clinical efforts are led by Dr. Gowri Aragam, Visiting Instructor at Stanford and Clinical Faculty at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Brainstorm was launched as a Special Initiative of the Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Laura Roberts.
How is Brainstorm funded?
Brainstorm is a part of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Brainstorm is supported entirely through generous contributions, grants, and sponsorships from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities.
What types of problems are Brainstorm trying to solve?
We understand that when it comes to mental health, there are numerous factors that contribute to outcomes and improvement, including scientific, medical, economic, social, cultural, and political. We see our job as playing a role in addressing all of these as relevant to the issue at hand. As for the types of problems, we take on the issues that matter to you and our patients——from employee stress to the opioid crisis.
Is Brainstorm only interested in technology-based solutions?
Absolutely not! Brainstorm is interested in all solutions that drive innovation and affect change in the mental health landscape, from high tech to low tech and everything in-between. Being in the middle of Silicon Valley gives us unique access and understanding to innovation in technology, but being at Stanford and a part of a multi-site network of brilliant physicians and thinkers means that we care about and regularly tackle all sorts of challenges. Technology is important, but it alone will not be able to solve the problems facing our patients and those around the world affected by mental health. We look at multiple avenues for innovation.
Can Stanford Brainstorm leadership come to my company as speakers or consultants?
Yes, many Stanford Brainstorm leaders travel to give talks and consult. Their time as speakers or consultants is scheduled at their discretion.
I'm a founder with my own venture. Can I pitch and get feedback from you?
Yes, we have consulting services for entrepreneurs at all stages of development. Fill out the form under "Work with Us" and let us know how we can best help you.
I'm an investor looking into a mental health company. Can you share your expertise with my firm?
Yes, we work with investors and philanthropists to help with due diligence and identifying opportunities that meet their financial and charitable goals. Fill out the form under "Work with Us" and let us know how we can best help you.
What are Brainstorm’s political affiliations?
Brainstorm is nonpartisan and data-driven. We seek to impact change through thoughtful and unbiased analysis.