Participating Units
Degree Programs
The Biomedical Device Innovation Program at the University of Utah
The University of Utah Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) and the University of Utah Health collaborate at the interface of BME and clinical medicine to develop and commercialize biomedical products and related technologies. Leveraging Salt Lake Valley’s renowned expertise in biomedical device design and production, this partnership paves the way for innovative advancements and future growth.
Initiated in 2005, the Biomedical Device Innovation program creates educational and research opportunities that capitalize on the engineering/medicine interface to enhance product development within the University and the Utah medical device industry.
The program, through its biomedical device design (bioDesign) undergraduate courses and biomedical device innovation (bioInnovate) graduate track, offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in developing groundbreaking medical devices from conception to prototype within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Design Control regulatory framework.
Program Highlights
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- Promotes Hands-On Learning: Engage in a comprehensive biomedical device design training program that combines classroom learning, collaboration with clinicians, and laboratory work.
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- Fosters Collaboration with Clinicians: Work directly with clinicians and physician-scientists who identify critical unmet needs in their practice, providing real-world problems for you to solve.
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- Encourages Development of Innovative Solutions: Learn how to develop proof-of-concept prototypes and Design History Files that could lead to patentable devices and startup opportunities.
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- Acquires Essential Industry Skills: Understand the medical device development process within the context of FDA Design Control regulations, build business models for medical device startups, and gain insights into risk management and intellectual property evaluation.
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- Facilitates Collaboration and Networking: Work as part of a multidisciplinary team and connect with professionals, mentors, and peers in the biomedical device industry.
The foundational knowledge acquired from this program enables our alumni to thrive in the biomedical device industry and make life-changing impacts through innovation. Students in the program have a strong track record of success in competitions like Bench 2 Bedside, where they can secure funding to advance their projects beyond the program.
See one of our award-winning BioDesign students speak at the groundbreaking of the James Levoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation (37:23): Video
Join Us
At the undergraduate level, the Biomedical Device Innovation program is an integral part of the BME Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Key courses include Digital Design and Fabrication and bioDesign I and II. At the graduate level, the program is offered through the bioInnovate graduate track specialization, either as part of a BME Master of Science (MS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Key courses include bioInnovate I and II, Clinical Problem Solving I and II, and Regulatory Affairs I and II. For detailed admission requirements and program structure, please refer to the latest Undergraduate and Graduate Handbook.
Program Contacts:
Dr. Kelly Broadhead, Director of Undergraduate Operations
Email: kelly.broadhead@utah.edu
Dr. Alphonsus Ng, bioInnovate Track Chair
Email: alphonsus.ng@utah.edu
Dr. Tomasz Petelenz, Biomedical device innovation and regulatory affairs specialist
Email: tomasz.petelenz@utah.edu