## Conveners Organized by the World Economic Forum in partnership with the McKinsey Health Institute, the Brain Economy Action Forum convenes a dynamic group of stakeholders globally to put the brain economy at the center of global dialogues and drive action toward sustainable economic growth and societal well-being. [Learn more](#) ## Pathfinders The Action Forum is engaging with an emerging group of leading organizations at the forefront of the brain economy movement to proactively shape the strategies that will define the future of brain health, mental well-being, and the brain economy. The Action Forum will lean on the Pathfinders' expertise, networks, and insights to help shape a shared global agenda. This list will continue to evolve — stay connected. [Learn more](#) *Partner organizations and sponsors* ### Alzheimer's Association The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. The Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. The Association serves as the CDC-designated Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Risk Reduction, where it assists state, local, and tribal public health agencies to address brain health. [Discover more](https://www.alz.org/) ### American Heart Association The American Heart Association (AHA) is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, AHA funds groundbreaking research, advocates for the public’s health, and provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, AHA aims to advance health and transform lives every day. AHA also emphasizes the connection between heart health and brain health, such as how heart and vascular conditions impact cognitive function and dementia. The Association supports initiatives related to the brain economy, ranging from research on prevention and treatment of brain health conditions to exploring strategies to optimize brain function and improve brain skills. [Discover more](https://www.heart.org/) ### Brain and Mind Institute - Aga Khan At the forefront of brain and mental health in Africa and South & Central Asia, the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) at Aga Khan University is advancing transformative change through four core pillars: Research, Innovation & Translation, Education and Engagement. Guided by three strategic focus areas, namely, Suicide Prevention and Depression; Healthy Brain Aging (including dementias and Alzheimer’s disease); and Substance Use and Family Violence, BMI’s interdisciplinary work spans mental health, dementia prevention, neuroethics and capacity-building. Rooted in culturally sensitive and locally relevant approaches, the Institute is committed to improving brain health outcomes, promoting mental well-being, and reducing stigma. Through strategic partnerships and capacity-building efforts, the institute is shaping equitable, evidence-based approaches to improving brain health. [Discover more](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.aku.edu/bmi/Pages/home.aspx__;!!Im8kQaqBCw!vuEnbASYRKZqPwgWlD1NwLLtzn4yG0MAKsw05N7-rdtBjL3mUD-XUfItzne9BT1o5aU-NG-Pw2cF061Kl5mm4VL07QPZPX7e$) ### Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) was created in 1988 by the Canadian Parliament. Rooted in compassion, we provide national leadership not only on substance use health issues but also on strengthening public and community safety. Our mandate is to improve the lives of people in Canada who use substances while ensuring safer communities for all. [Discover more](https://ccsa.ca/en) ### Child Mind Institute The Child Mind Institute (CMI) is an independent nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children struggling with mental health and learning disorders. CMI engages with the brain economy through global mental health work and neuroscience research, including efforts to understand and support the developing brain. Through initiatives such as the Healthy Brain Network and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Global Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, CMI helps expand access to brain and behavioral health data to improve early diagnosis and treatment. By promoting brain health and brain skills among youth, CMI demonstrates how early intervention can reduce long-term health risks, thus supporting healthier generations that contribute to stronger communities and economies. [Discover more](https://childmind.org/) ### Coalition for Mental Health Investment The Coalition for Mental Health Investment (CMHI) was founded in 2024 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly by the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance, the Clinton Global Initiative, Kokoro, the McKinsey Health Institute, and Wellcome Trust. Its vision is bold: to ensure that within a generation, investment in mental health reflects the true scale of global need. A central aim of the Coalition is to de-risk mental health investment and illuminate strategic pathways for financing—particularly through innovative mechanisms and public-private partnerships that can help unlock private capital, from early-stage research through to large-scale implementation. These investment principles are not only vital for mental health, but also highly relevant to the broader brain economy, where mental health remains a foundational pillar. [Discover more](https://www.mentalhealthinvestment.org/) ### Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative Launched at the World Economic Forum’s 2021 meeting on The Davos Agenda, The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) is a multi-stakeholder partnership committed to aligning stakeholders with a new vision for our collective global response against the challenges Alzheimer’s presents to patients, caregivers and healthcare infrastructures. Convened by The World Economic Forum and The Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer’s Disease (CEOi) and fueled by a mission of service to the estimated 150 million families and half a billion people inevitably impacted by this disease by 2050, DAC is a collaborative for the benefit of all people, in all places. [Discover more](https://www.davosalzheimerscollaborative.org/) ### eMental Health International Collaborative eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC) is a global not-for-profit organization and the leading think tank for digital mental health implementation. eMHIC drives collaboration and innovation at the intersection of technology and mental health, thus advancing safe, scalable, and data-driven solutions to improve mental wellbeing worldwide. By spotlighting best-practice tools to advance cognitive function, creativity, and decision-making, eMHIC supports key pillars of the brain economy — including workforce productivity and strengthening broader brain skills. [Discover more](https://emhicglobal.com/) ### Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association The Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA) is a Barcelona-based regional think-tank that serves as a leading independent and innovative policy research institution; a forum for debate on the political and socio-economic reforms in Mediterranean and Africa; and promoter of actions and initiatives that fulfil objectives of sustainability, inclusiveness, regional integration and prosperity. As one of its areas of work, EMEA leads initiatives linking brain capital and sustainable development. EMEA co-founded the Brain Capital Alliance and the Brain Economy Hub, and participates in both local and international forums to raise awareness about the importance of the brain economy. [Discover more](https://euromed-economists.org/#gsc.tab=0) ### European Brain Council The European Brain Council (EBC) is a network of key players in the “Brain Area”, with a membership encompassing scientific societies, patient organisations, professional societies and industry partners.A non-profit organisation based in Brussels, its main mission is to promote brain research with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of the millions of Europeans living with brain conditions, mental and neurological alike.With the aim to speak with one voice, EBC stands as the platform to foster cooperation between its member organisations and other stakeholders, consistently promoting dialogue between scientists, industry and society. As showcased by its growing portfolio of projects, research and policy papers, as well as events, EBC emphasises the importance of continued interaction with the European Institutions to build strong European health policies, raising awareness and improving knowledge of the brain and the repercussions of neurological and mental health conditions on society as a whole. [Discover more](https://www.braincouncil.eu/) ### EIT Health EIT Health is a leading European innovation network — co-funded by the European Commission — that gathers 100+ members from across the knowledge triangle of academia, industry, research, and care to incubate and accelerate innovation and improve health outcomes across Europe. With a strong portfolio of initiatives focused on brain health — including investments in programs and initiatives in neurodegenerative disease, dementia innovation, and digital mental health — EIT Health plays a key role in advancing brain capital. By supporting cutting-edge ventures and cross-sector collaboration, EIT Health contributes to the development of a resilient brain economy grounded in innovation, prevention, and healthy ageing, positioning Europe as a global connecting platform supporting the translation of scientific promise to market in service of unmet patient needs. [Discover more](https://eithealth.eu/) ### EIB Institute The EIB Institute (EIBI), part of the EIB Group (European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund), focuses on advancing academic, cultural, philanthropic, and social initiatives across Europe and beyond. Through its Foresight activities, EIBI raises greater awareness on the pivotal role of public investment in the brain economy to further mobilize private and philanthropic capital. Through these efforts, EIBI is informing EIB Group entities on the investment opportunities in the brain health space, highlighting them not only as a public health priority, but also a component of economic resilience and competitiveness. [Discover more](https://www.eib.org/en/index) ### Global Science of Learning Education Network The Global Science of Learning Education Network (GSoLEN) is an international collaboration of scientists, educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners dedicated to improving learners' thriving expectancy worldwide. GSoLEN emphasizes the connection between research on how people learn – including cognitive, social, and neuroscience insights – and practical strategies that enhance education policy and practice across diverse contexts. Through its global initiatives, GSoLEN advances key priorities of the brain economy, ranging from improving foundational learning and mental well-being to developing resilient, future-ready brain skills essential for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. [Discover more](https://gsolen.org/) ### Grand Challenges Canada Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) is a global innovation platform that supports bold ideas with big impact. As one of the largest impact-first investors, we have spent the past 15 years investing in innovations that support brain health across the life course. Supported by the Government of Canada and global partners, we back locally led solutions using a full blended capital suite (grant, debt and equity). We look for robust, scalable solutions that are built to last and provide funding and strategic support to help ideas move from proof of concept to scale. As connectors and catalysts, we work with innovators, governments, and funders to drive sustainable change. [Discover more](https://www.grandchallenges.ca/) ### Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), based at the University of Washington, is a leading public health research institute that provides comprehensive data and analyses on global health. By providing detailed information on the prevalence and impact of brain health conditions, IHME helps inform analyses on the health and economic burden of brain health conditions worldwide. Through this effort, IHME provides a critical evidence-base to showcase the benefits of investing in brain capital to support the brain economy transition. [Discover more](https://www.healthdata.org/) ### Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences The Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), located in New Delhi, India, is a premier Delhi government funded autonomous institute dedicated to excellence in mental health, and neurosciences. Established with a mission to advance clinical care, training, and research in psychiatry, neurology, and related disciplines, IHBAS plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices for mental healthcare across India. It provides cutting-edge services to diverse populations while fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration. Through its strong academic programs, community outreach, and partnerships with government and international bodies, IHBAS contributes to capacity-building and sustainable development in brain health – strengthening the foundations of a brain economy by supporting cognitive well-being, resilience, and human capital development across the lifespan. [Discover more](https://ihbas.delhi.gov.in/) ### Latin American Brain Health Institute The Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat) at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez leads cutting-edge research and capacity-building initiatives to address brain health challenges in Latin America and beyond. Through interdisciplinary research, public-private partnerships, and regional collaboration, BrainLat promotes the concept of brain capital as a strategic resource for sustainable development, innovation, and equity in health systems. [Discover more](https://brainlat.uai.cl/) ### NeuroCentury NeuroCentury is a brain health and brain economy hub, active at the intersection of policy, science, and industry. It designs brain health strategies and their implementation pathways. It crafts brain health services and methods to mainstream prevention. One of its main areas of activity is the governance and mainstreaming of neurotechnology. NeuroCentury is also actively engaged in designing neuroscience-inspired policies, including in the fields of education, environment, climate, and nutrition. [Discover more](https://neurocentury.com/) ### One Mind At the forefront of a transformative movement, One Mind is committed to making mental health a universal priority so that all people can live healthy, purposeful, and joyful lives. A leading global nonprofit organization, One Mind delivers innovative solutions to address critical gaps in mental health research, care, workplace wellness, and public perception. Guided by science and lived experience, the Rising Star Academy invests in groundbreaking research and next-gen scientific leaders, our Accelerator fast-tracks the development of early-stage, evidence-driven startups, One Mind at Work collaborates with global leaders to integrate proven mental health practices into the workplace, and our Lived Experience Initiative informs high-impact mental health solutions by imparting vital insights and expertise. With science as our cornerstone, and people at the heart of what we do, our programs are setting new standards for effective interventions and redefining the future of mental health. [Discover more](https://onemind.org/) ### Resonance Health Europe Resonance Health Europe is a pan-European non-profit organization dedicated to advancing health innovation with social and economic impact. It operates as a neutral platform connecting public institutions, start-up ecosystem builders, corporates, investors, hospitals, and research organizations working across borders in Europe and around the world.Its delivery capacity is driven by a curated network of experts and key opinion leaders who collaborate to design and implement initiatives funded by both public and private sources. These initiatives focus on addressing unmet patient needs while engaging the policy, financing, and system-level levers required to bring innovation to market equitably and sustainably at scale.The organization places particular emphasis on the brain economy, including neurodegenerative diseases and mental health, which represent a core strategic vertical addressing a core societal challenge and opportunity. [Discover more](https://www.resonancehealtheurope.com/) ### Rice University Rice is a comprehensive research university in Houston, Texas that pursues pathbreaking research and creates innovative collaboration opportunities. Rice University is a hub of cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research on the brain. The Rice Brain Institute was recently launched and has three major pillars: the Neuro Engineering Initiative, the Neuro Science Initiative, and the Brain and Society Initiative. Rice is a member of the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex. [Discover more](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://brain.rice.edu/__;!!EIXh2HjOrYMV!YsjXUPIBsKL5Jnphotc4U07POIUFh0261BU6gPNv1h-7becVyN3hQezubHSjcTP3ODr6tLxgASfYt3F_P0tvtTn-Y0E$) ### The Kennedy Forum The Kennedy Forum works for mental health as essential health. Co-founded by former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, who co-authored the bipartisan Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and his wife, Amy L. Kennedy, the nonprofit aligns stakeholders and advances policies to achieve bold brain health outcomes. The Kennedy Forum launched Alignment for Progress, a nationwide movement backing a bold 90-90-90 vision: By 2033, 90% of the population is screened for mental health/substance use disorders, 90% who need it receive evidence-based treatment, and 90% manage symptoms and achieve recovery. [Discover more](https://www.thekennedyforum.org/) ### UsAgainstAlzheimer's UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is engaged in a relentless pursuit to end Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading killer in America. Its work centers on prevention, early detection and diagnosis, and access to treatments – all regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. To achieve its mission, it gives voice to patients and caregivers while partnering with government, scientists, the private sector, and allied organizations -- the people who put the “Us” in UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. [Discover more](https://www.usagainstalzheimers.org/) ### West Health West Health is a family of nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations dedicated to improving health and aging outcomes through healthcare innovation, research, and policy. Through approaches such as outcomes-based funding, applied medical research, and policy advocacy, West Health works to lower healthcare costs and advance sustainable, high-quality models of care that support older adults and their families. By advancing healthy aging, improving access to care, and supporting cognitive well-being, West Health contributes to key priorities of the brain economy, including building human capabilities, independence, and quality of life across the lifespan. [Discover more](https://westhealth.org/) ### World Dementia Council The World Dementia Council brings together global leaders from across the dementia field and beyond to drive international progress. As both a convening platform and strategic think tank, it connects a global community spanning science, medicine, public health, care, advocacy, philanthropy, industry, and government — ensuring that scientific progress translates into meaningful change for people and societies. [Discover more](https://www.worlddementiacouncil.org/) ### World YMCA YMCA is a global movement committed to strengthening individuals and communities through integrated approaches that support the development of mind, body, and spirit. Through prevention-oriented programs that promote physical health, mental well-being, social connection, and civic engagement, the YMCA contributes to healthy individuals and strong communities. Operating in more than 120 countries and 12,000 communities, it reaches over 60 million people each year through locally grounded, globally connected action.Working across health, education, environment, employment, and social cohesion, the YMCA draws on trusted community presence to advance human connection, lifelong well-being, and human potential. Aligned with priorities of the brain economy, its work spans mental health promotion, youth development, skills-building, leadership development, and workforce readiness, supporting cognitive, social, and emotional capacities across the life course.This global effort is powered by 90,000 staff and nearly 1 million volunteers, enabling scalable, locally adapted solutions that connect policy and evidence with practical action in communities around the world. [Discover more](https://www.ymca.int/)