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: 

1. 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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

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• Immersive Clinical Placement 
  Participants spend eight weeks embedded in hospital settings, identifying real-world unmet clinical needs. 
• Stanford Biodesign Framework 
  Built on the globally renowned Stanford Biodesign process. 
• Hands-On Innovation Training 
  Move from need identification to prototyping, business planning, and investor pitching. 
• Cross-Disciplinary Teams 
  Work in elite, diverse teams combining clinical, technical, and commercial expertise. 
• Expert Mentoring 
  Guidance from senior clinicians, academics, investors, entrepreneurs, and regulatory specialists. 
• Commercial Focus 
  Learn business modelling, fundraising, IP strategy, and go-to-market planning - ready to launch a venture. 
• Sustainable Innovation 
  Emphasis on developing scalable, cost-effective solutions that improve long-term patient outcomes.

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.  

• Prof Mark Bruzzi  
• Prof Martin O’Halloran

How will I learn?

BioInnovate Ireland uses a hands-on, real-world approach to learning, delivered through: 

• Just-in-Time Learning: Skills and knowledge delivered precisely when needed during the innovation process.
• Team-based Projects: Work in small, multidisciplinary teams to solve real clinical challenges.
• Clinical Immersion: Spend time in hospitals identifying unmet needs and engaging with patients and care teams.
• Workshops & Masterclasses: Led by clinicians, entrepreneurs, academics, and industry experts.
• Mentoring: One-to-one and team support from experienced professionals across healthcare and business.
• Peer Learning: Collaborate and learn from a diverse group of fellow professionals. 

The programme is intensive, immersive, and highly collaborative designed to mirror real-world healthcare innovation environments.

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Assessment in BioInnovate Ireland combines formal academic evaluation with practical, real-world outputs. 

• Formal written report is the core academic assessment and forms the basis for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma (those who choose to opt for the MSc will be required to undertake a master’s thesis over the summer).
• Engagement and professional conduct throughout the programme, including mentor feedback, participation, and collaboration.
• Presentations and pitch sessions to panels of clinicians, industry experts, and investors showcase each team's innovation journey.
• Business plan submission outlining the commercialisation strategy, market potential, and implementation pathway. 

There are no traditional written exams. Assessment is focused on meaningful outputs that reflect your ability to apply innovation in a healthcare context. 

Course queries: 
info@bioinnovate.ie

Q: How much does the BioInnovate Programme cost? 
A: Since 2024, BioInnovate is supported under the Innovators' Initiative Programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027. The BioInnovate Programme provides participants with a tax-free monthly scholarship totalling €38,000 over the 10-month duration. Additionally, programme fees up to €5,750 are covered. Visit our Programme Fees & Funding page for more information. 

Q: Do you accept applications from International Students? 
A: Yes- international applicants are very welcome to apply for the BioInnovate Programme. We actively encourage participation from individuals with diverse cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds, as global perspectives enrich the innovation process. 

International participants are fully integrated into the programme alongside their Irish peers and receive the same level of mentoring, academic credit, and financial support (subject to visa and eligibility requirements). 

Please note that non-EU applicants may need to meet specific visa and residency requirements set by the Government of Ireland and the University of Galway. The University’s International Office provides guidance and support throughout the visa application and relocation process. 

For details on international entry requirements, English language proficiency, and visa support, visit the University of Galway International Office website. 

Q: How competitive is the programme and when does selection happen? 
A: BioInnovate is a highly competitive programme, with only 12 participants selected each year to join the cohort. Applicants are chosen based on their academic background, professional experience, innovation potential, and ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams. 

Applications typically open in late October for the following year’s intake. The selection process involves a detailed review of applications followed by interviews (usually held in late February/ early March) for shortlisted candidates. Successful applicants join an elite group of innovators dedicated to transforming healthcare through needs-led innovation. 

Q: Do I need to relocate to Galway to take part in the programme? 
A: Not necessarily - the BioInnovate Programme follows a hybrid structure, combining on-site learning in Galway with clinical immersion and remote project work. 

The programme begins with a one-month intensive bootcamp held on-site at the University of Galway, followed by an eight-week clinical immersion period where participants visit clinical sites across Ireland. 

After the immersion, participants return to the University of Galway for the remainder of the first semester, typically on-site four days per week (Monday- Thursday) until the Christmas break. 

From January to May, participants are required to be on campus two days per week (Monday and Tuesday), with every second Wednesday also scheduled for mentoring.  

While flexibility is built into the programme, participants should be prepared to spend significant time in Galway and travel throughout Ireland for clinical immersion and collaboration activities.

Q: How do I apply for the BioInnovate Programme? 

1. Connect Before You Apply 
   We recommend that you reach out to a member of the BioInnovate team or one of our alumni before submitting your application. Speaking with someone who has completed the programme can provide valuable insight into the experience and help you prepare a strong application. You can view our alumni network here. 
2. Submit Your Online Application 
   Use the BioInnovate application portal to complete your details - including education, work experience, and a personal statement (max 500 words) outlining your motivation for applying. You’ll also upload:
   1. Your CV / resume
   2. A project file (optional, but recommended) - e.g. a design, prototype, portfolio, or other creative/scientific work demonstrating your innovation experience
   3. A passport-sized photo
3. Initial Screening
   The selection team reviews all applications, and you’ll be notified within 10 working days whether you’ve progressed to the next stage.
4. Shortlisting & Recruitment Day
   Shortlisted applicants are invited to attend an in-person Recruitment Day at the University of Galway. This is an opportunity to engage with the programme team, demonstrate your skills, and experience the collaborative environment first-hand. Recruitment day for 2026 will take place on February 28th, 2026. 
5. Offer Notification
   Following the Recruitment Day, successful candidates receive an offer to join the next BioInnovate cohort. 

Q: How can I make my application stand out?  
A: Strong applications show a genuine passion for healthcare innovation, a clear connection between your experience and the BioInnovate mission, and strong team and collaboration skills. 

Q: To make your application stand out, we recommend: 

• Tailoring your application to highlight relevant experience, achievements, and motivation. 
• Being clear and concise - communicate your ideas in a focused, professional way. 
• Completing the optional project to showcase your creativity, problem-solving, or technical ability. 

For more detailed guidance, visit our Tips & Recommendations page for practical advice from the BioInnovate team on preparing your best application. 

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. 

You can apply online via https://www.bioinnovate.ie/bioinnovate/programme/  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

Closing date for applications is 4th February 2026.  

Notes 

• Shortlisted candidates will be informed by 10th of February if they are invited to interview. 
• The interview day for the 2026/7 programme will take place on Saturday 28th February 2026.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€8,900		€28,500	€140		€9,040	€28,640

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

The BioInnovate Programme provides participants with a tax-free monthly scholarship totalling €38,000 over the 10-month duration (equivalent to an annual salary of €64,650 inclusive of tax). Additionally, programme fees up to €5,750 are covered. BioInnovate participants must are also liable for the student levy fee €140.00, and they must pay this in advance of the programme starting. Please visit our fees and funding page for more information https://bioinnovate.ie/bioinnovate/programme/eu-projects/  

Funding 

BioInnovate is supported under the Innovators' Initiative Programme co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.