Innovate-A-thon: Accessible Prosthetics Internship

Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S.-based college or university and have an active student bursar account to apply

Students: Build Innovation skills (with Biomed focus) in three weeks—and receive a scholarship

Join a national student innovation experience focused on developing real-world solutions in biomedical device workflows. This hands-on Innovate-A-thon® opportunity is designed to equip students with the skills to accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and expand access to life-changing medical devices.

Students will explore the challenges and opportunities around using 3D scanning and 3D printing to create personalized biomedical solutions, such as prosthetics and cranial helmets. From streamlining scan-to-print workflows to improving accessibility and usability of low-cost medical devices, teams will design practical strategies that enhance both technology and health equity.

Create impact through biomedical engineering and innovation
Biomedical devices—from custom-fitted prosthetic sockets to surgical implants—are essential but often costly or difficult to access. Technologies like 3D scanning, modeling, and printing are transforming this landscape, yet many underserved individuals still lack access due to workflow complexity, cost, or policy barriers. This program asks: How can we simplify and scale these processes? What innovations can expand access and save lives? Can surgical options like bone-infused prosthetics create better outcomes if it were more accessible?

Lead the charge in next-gen health technology
Innovate-A-thon® is a project-based, cross-university experience empowering students to lead the innovation process, not just participate in it. This IAT, hosted in partnership with Education2Success and leading industry sponsors, invites student teams to tackle real-world challenges that impact lives and shape careers.

Applicants should be committed to health equity, biomedical innovation, and real-world problem solving.

In addition to receiving a modest scholarship ($450–$600) and building high-value experience, students will gain career-building connections to professionals in healthcare, biomedical engineering, and emerging technology sectors.

The experience culminates in a final team pitch, presented to a panel of judges representing innovation, engineering, and health equity leadership.

Students in engineering, biomedical sciences, design, data science, business, and public health are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility:

• Entering your Undergraduate junior, senior year or Graduate Level
   
• Must be able to attend scheduled virtual sessions and participate 12–16 hours over the 3-week program
   

Additional Submission Requirements:
 Submit a 1-2 paragraph position statement that includes:

• Why the innovation process is important to you
   
• Why you are passionate about biomedical technology and health equity
   

Students are encouraged to review the free online mini-course outlining the 4-stage Innovation process used in Innovate-A-thon®.

Program Dates (all virtual in EASTERN TIME):
Meet and Greet: 2:00–3:30 PM (Wed) May 28th
Workshop 1: 4:30–6:30 PM (Fri) May 30th
Workshop 2: 4:30–6:30 PM (Fri) June 6th
Final Presentations: 4:30–6:30 PM (Fri) June 13th

Sign up to learn about our 4-stage innovation process and other free resources here:
https://courses.iat1.org/collections