Call for
Biodesign Innovation Fellowship
Application Deadline:
28 June 2025
About Organisation
Stanford Biodesign, now evolving into the Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign, stands as a global leader in health technology innovation. Established to foster breakthrough medical technologies, Stanford Biodesign brings together the brightest minds from engineering, medicine, and business to address real-world healthcare challenges. Over the years, the center has pioneered a process-driven approach that identifies unmet clinical needs, invents impactful solutions, and implements them to improve patient care globally. It serves as a dynamic platform for collaboration, nurturing a multidisciplinary ecosystem of innovation.
The organization is committed to not only advancing medical technology but also cultivating the next generation of innovators. Through educational programs, fellowships, and global partnerships, Stanford Biodesign has successfully trained hundreds of professionals who continue to transform healthcare systems across the world. Graduates of their programs have led start-ups, shaped health tech policy, driven innovation in multinational corporations, and launched academic initiatives.
As Stanford Biodesign transitions into the Mussallem Center, it aims to amplify its global impact by accelerating innovation, supporting transformative healthcare ideas, and expanding its global community of passionate, purpose-driven innovators. This evolution represents not just a name change, but a renewed commitment to leading healthcare innovation for years to come.
About the Grant
The Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellowship is a highly prestigious, 10-month program designed to train aspiring health technology innovators. This immersive experience is centered around a systematic process for identifying pressing healthcare needs, inventing innovative medical technologies, and preparing them for successful implementation—whether through startups, corporate ventures, academic channels, or clinical adoption. The fellowship offers participants direct access to Stanford’s robust network of clinical, academic, and industry mentors, enabling a hands-on, practical approach to healthcare problem-solving.
Fellows work in interdisciplinary teams, exploring solutions across a range of domains such as medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, drug delivery systems, and biotechnology. The program empowers participants with real-world skills in design thinking, need validation, intellectual property, regulatory pathways, business planning, and clinical strategy.
More than just a training opportunity, the fellowship serves as a launch pad for future leaders in health innovation. Whether fellows aim to start their own ventures, join major healthcare companies, lead university translational research, or influence policy, this fellowship provides the foundation, mentorship, and connections needed for long-term success. Fellows also gain lifelong membership in the Stanford Biodesign global community—a growing network of alumni dedicated to advancing patient care through innovation.
Who can Apply?
The Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellowship welcomes highly motivated individuals with a strong interest in improving healthcare through technology. It is ideal for applicants from diverse professional backgrounds including engineering, medicine, biosciences, design, business, or law. The program thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration, and applicants are selected for their ability to work in teams, think creatively, and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit.
Eligible candidates typically hold advanced degrees (e.g., MD, PhD, MBA, MS, JD) or have significant industry experience in relevant fields. While a background in health technology is not mandatory, candidates must demonstrate a clear passion for innovation and a desire to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. International applicants are encouraged to apply, although the fellowship is physically based at Stanford University in California, USA, and requires full-time commitment on-site.
Applicants should possess strong problem-solving abilities, leadership potential, and communication skills. The selection process is highly competitive and based on professional achievement, creativity, collaboration, and alignment with the mission of Stanford Biodesign. The program seeks individuals eager to drive change, work at the intersection of multiple disciplines, and address the most critical needs in global healthcare through innovative, scalable solutions.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants can apply for the Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellowship by submitting a complete application through the official application portal. The process involves uploading personal information, educational and professional background, and responding to essay questions. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews. The 2026–27 application cycle opens on May 5, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing early to ensure a strong and complete submission.
Application Deadline
All application materials must be submitted by July 28, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so candidates should ensure timely submission for full eligibility.
Last Date To Apply
The final date to apply for the 2026–27 Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellowship is July 28, 2025. Early submissions are recommended due to the competitive and comprehensive nature of the selection process.
Grant Amount
While the fellowship itself does not offer a traditional grant amount, selected fellows receive a full stipend to support living expenses during the 10-month program at Stanford University.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
