Bioinnovation

Who is this course for?



Professionals with 5 - 10 years’ experience beyond academia - from clinical, technical, commercial, or other backgrounds - who have a passion for innovation and a track record of driving change within their roles.

Individuals seeking a career shift into healthcare innovation or entrepreneurship.

People who thrive in collaborative, team-based environments.

Those with a passion for solving real-world problems and making a tangible impact on patient care.



What will I study?



The programme is split into three core phases:



Identify (August - November)

Participants begin with a four-week intensive Bootcamp introducing Biodesign methodology, clinical problem framing, regulatory strategy, and team dynamics. A 10-day focused sprint brings Participants up to speed on key clinical areas.

This is followed by an 8-week clinical immersion within clinical settings, where teams shadow clinicians, observe surgical procedures, and interact with care teams and patients. Participants typically generate 150 - 200 unmet clinical needs during this period. These are then filtered, prioritised, and refined in preparation for the next phase.



Invent (November - March)

Returning to campus, participants begin brainstorming potential solutions. This phase includes targeted sessions on:



Ideation and Concept Development

Clinical Trial Strategy

Regulatory and Reimbursement Pathways

Participants work with mentors, clinicians, academics, and industry leaders to assess feasibility, desirability, and viability of solutions.



Implement (March - June)

The final phase moves from concept to commercialisation. Participants select the strongest ideas and bring them through:



Prototyping

Business Model Design

Fundraising and Investor Engagement

Commercial Strategy



The programme concludes with business plan development and pitching to panels of venture capitalists, industry stakeholders, and healthcare leaders.

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).

Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.



Year 2 (90 Credits)

RequiredGS600: BioInnovate II Core and project: Concept Development and Implementation

RequiredGS601: BioInnovate I core and project: Needs finding to concept generation

RequiredGS602: Research Dissertation

Minimum Entry Requirements



We are seeking applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, as different perspectives are essential to driving meaningful innovation in healthcare.



Applicants should bring relevant professional experience to their prospective teams - ideally 5-10 years of experience and a demonstrated track record in their respective fields.



We typically welcome applications from four broad areas:



Clinical: Medical doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals

Technical: Engineers, scientists, data analysts, and designers

Commercial: Business professionals, MBA graduates, and marketing or sales leaders

Other motivated innovators: Individuals with a strong interest in healthcare innovation, regardless of background

We are particularly interested in applicants with expertise in software, AI, or data analytics, as these skills are increasingly important in shaping the future of digital health and connected medical technologies.



Participants are selected based on their experience, passion, and drive, as well as their potential to become leading innovators in the health technology field.



I don't meet the criteria outlined above- will my application still be considered?



Yes - but we strongly recommend that you speak with us before submitting your application. In some cases, applicants who do not meet the formal criteria but demonstrate exceptional motivation, creativity, or relevant professional experience may still be considered.



We are here to help and guide you - Contact us if you have any questions about the programme and if it might be the right match for you. You can also visit our FAQ’s and watch back previous Information Webinars to find out more.



In addition, candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 primary degree in a related subject area or hold a primary degree in a related area. Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here. 



English Language Entry Requirements



For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent. 



More information on English language test equivalency is available here.



Supporting Documents



CV



Optional Project (Highly Recommended)



Please submit an example of a design, prototype, portfolio or another suitable project piece that clearly demonstrates your ability to be inventive, creative and/or scientifically innovative. Mechanical, audio/visual or electronic media, photographs and artwork will be accepted for consideration.

10 months, full-time.

Next start date: September 2026

The programme builds highly transferable skills in innovation, teamwork, clinical insight, and commercial strategy - key assets in a rapidly expanding global sector. Equipped with a deep understanding of the needs-led innovation process, BioInnovate alumni have gone on to pursue diverse career paths. They have become industry leaders within their respective fields and are driving advancements in medical technology globally. 



Graduates of BioInnovate are in strong demand across MedTech, digital health, and healthcare innovation sectors, both in Ireland and internationally.



Typical roles include:



Start-up founder

Innovation lead

R&D or product development manager

Regulatory or market access specialist

Health innovation consultant

Senior management/Director positions in MNC's

By taking part in the BioInnovate programme, you join a supportive network of Alumni and friends including innovators, entrepreneurs and healthcare leaders. This powerful network fosters collaboration across sectors, providing alumni with the resources and connections to scale their ideas and make lasting contributions to healthcare worldwide.