The IDEA² process

IDEA² provides mentoring and connections to biomedical innovators around the world to develop their project ideas and to provide the expertise to realize them. It is especially valuable for trainees, early-stage professionals and those who have few opportunities in their normal work to participate in innovation projects.

Each 6-month edition of 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 technology projects more clearly focused on unmet medical needs, a broader network of connections, and improved ability to compete for collaborators and funding.

What’s the IDEA² process? How do the mentors help the teams? Program chair Dr Mercedes Balcells-Camps and mentor Dr Norberto Malpica give an overview.

Key dates, 2027

August 24, 2026: Call for Applications opens
October 22, 2026, 13:00 Eastern: Applications due
Week of November 2, 2026:  Announcement of IDEA² Class of 2027
January 28–29, 2027: Kickoff workshop (in person at MIT)
January – April: Mentor assignments (ongoing)
March 1, 2027: Calibration Workshop (online)
April 12, 2027: Review Workshop (online)
June 24–25, 2027: Commencement Workshop (in person at MIT)

How to get started

Applications due October 22

IDEA² stages

Recruitment

  • Project teams are recruited internationally through a call from universities, medical centers, and entrepreneur sector
  • Focus on people and teams that can benefit most from mentorship and international expertise
  • Partners can participate in recruiting and selection through many means, such as custom calls for applications, special events like competitions, sponsorships, and prizes.

Project mentoring

  • Teams are matched with mentors for specific expertise
  • Teams typically interact 1:1 with mentors 2–4 times, but there is no limit
  • Impact proposition workshops help teams refine their project definition, strategy, and story
  • Additional pitch skills workshops help teams prepare to make the case for support or collaboration
  • Partners can participate as mentors, resource connections, and/or workshop faculty

After IDEA²

  • Awardee teams connected to additional resources and support
  • Teams compete for further funding and investment from other sources
  • Teams enjoy expanded network access
  • In some cases, teams start new companies
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.