Northwestern Offers Paid Fellowships to Develop Medical Devices

CHICAGO --- Northwestern's Center for Device Development (CD2) is offering a unique opportunity for aspiring medical device entrepreneurs. CD2 is offering one-year paid fellowships to clinicians and engineers to team up and develop their medical device idea at Northwestern in a supportive environment that is thriving with entrepreneurial and innovative mentors.

The CD2 fellows will interact with a variety of industry experts including venture capitalists, regulatory strategists, reimbursement specialists and medical device company executives, all of whom will help vet ideas and provide advice on developmental strategies. 

The program begins July 2013. It was started by the Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO) at Northwestern with funding from donations to the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science and INVO.  

Program highlights include:

• Mentorship by the Center for Device Development's steering committee and a group of industry experts from Chicago Innovation Mentors.
• Access to the University's resources to protect intellectual property, prototype and test the device.
• Funds to work with industry partners in setting and meeting development milestones.
• Opportunity to market the device to potential licensees and meet potential investors.
• Externship opportunities at medical device companies.

Eligibility Criteria

We are seeking applicants with a background in engineering or medicine, preferably with an advanced degree. Industry experience -- corporate or startup -- is desired. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership potential and communication skills with an ability to take their projects to completion. Candidates should be entrepreneurial and demonstrate their enthusiasm for medical device innovation. 

Please visit cd2.northwestern.edu to retrieve the application form and to read more about the program. CD2 is accepting applications until Feb. 1, 2013. Final selection of fellows will be announced by March 1, 2013.