About IDEA²

IDEA² provides mentoring and connections to biomedical innovators around the world to develop and realize their project ideas. It is especially valuable for trainees, early-stage professionals, and those who have few opportunities in their normal work to participate in innovation projects.
Portrait of Sara Martinez, IDEA² alumna
IDEA² showed me how important it is to make your idea understood … I thought that all the people who were talking to me were doctors, or they understood medicine. But they aren’t. They are from business, from medical sector industries, different sectors. … [The mentors] gave me the ability to understand my own project.”
Sara Martínez Díez, 2014

Precise problem identification and definition is integral to technology innovations that benefit patients. One of the most important determinants of success and impact lies in selecting (and solving) the right problem. The overarching objective of this program is to provide a structured process that guides, mentors, and supports problem definition/development to put projects on a path to impact.

IDEA² recruits new project teams of one or more individuals, and provides innovation training, presentation skill building, and team-specific mentorship and guidance by internationally-recognized experts. Teams who complete IDEA² have projects more clearly focused on a driving medical need, a broader network of connections, and improved ability to compete for collaborators and funding.

Each edition of IDEA², which is about 6 months long, recruits new project teams of one or more individuals, and provides innovation training, presentation skill building, and team-specific mentorship and guidance by internationally-recognized experts.

Teams who exit IDEA² have projects more clearly focused on a compelling medical need, a broader network of connections, and improved ability to compete for collaborators and funding.

For more information, please write to info.idea2@mit.edu

In their own words

As an engineer, you have honed your problem-solving skills and have a deep understanding of technology. The biomedical field is ripe with opportunities for individuals like yourself to apply your expertise and make a profound impact on the lives of patients and providers. The Catalyst Program offers an exceptional platform to harness your talents and channel them towards addressing the most pressing challenges in healthcare today.