LEARNING OUTCOMES
During the course the student will learn how need-driven innovation and commercialization of medical technology (medtech) works. By the end of the course the student can:
1. make observations in a relevant medical environment 2. identify problems from the observations 3. derive needs from problems 4. develop solution concept to address the need 5. develop a business concept for the solution 6. communicate the business concept to investors The skills learned will be applicable for innovating any new concepts, conducting medtech R&D, developing research questions, or taking your first steps towards your own medtech startup.Credits: 5
Schedule: 05.05.2025 - 30.05.2025
Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Heikki Nieminen
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):
Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):
Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
valid for whole curriculum period:
The contents of the course include e.g., needs identification, concept creation, customer-centric design, business model basic, and regulatory process of medical technology. Sustainability aspects in developing a medtech solution are also considered.
During the course, together with your multidisciplinary team, you will create a concept and a business case for your own medical technology. Your solution addresses a real and validated need in healthcare, based on direct observations of problems. By the end of the course, you will pitch your concept and medtech business case to real investors in a "Biodesign Dolphin Tank".
Assessment Methods and Criteria
valid for whole curriculum period:
Passing assignments on the first week of the course is required. Further, the student has to demonstrate a significant contribution in (i) the development of the team's business concept, (ii) daily assignments between contact session and (iii) preparation of the pitch presentation, along the intended learning goals. The student demonstrates ability to critically consider sustainability aspects in the development of a medtech business concept.
Workload
valid for whole curriculum period:
The study methods include:
- Lectures
- Independent studying
- Mandatory assignments
- Interviewing experts
- Preparing and giving presentations
- Team work
The course is intensive and cannot be passed by independent work or by just participating the contact sessions. The student is required to make necessary arrangements to be able to actively participate in contact sessions and do both independent and team assignments between the contact sessions.
DETAILS
Study Material
valid for whole curriculum period:
Supporting reading: "Biodesign: The Process of Innovating Medical Technologies (2nd Ed.)"
Substitutes for Courses
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
3 Good Health and Well-being
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
valid for whole curriculum period:
Teaching Language: English
Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Spring V
2025-2026 Spring V