The partnership philosophy of the UM-MIC allows for flexibility. Each partnership is based on the unique needs, culture, and philosophy of a company and their desired outcomes from the interaction. The MIC recognizes that there is not a single, universal engagement solution that exists which consistently delivers value to both parties. Therefore, MIC will work with you to develop a partnership that works for your organization.

Educational Industry Engagement Opportunities

Industry-Sponsored Medical Innovation Fellowship

Our Industry-Sponsored Innovation Fellowship program offers an opportunity for companies to invest directly in exposing talented employees to medical innovation curriculum and both hands-on observation and opportunity selection methodologies. Our part-time format is designed for working professionals; thus, allowing participants the advantage to continue working, while also engaging in a two day a week fellowship, which runs for six months. Participating employees will enjoy similar benefits of our full-time, year-long curriculum, which includes clinical immersion activities.

The Innovation Fellowship experience provides an invaluable opportunity to observe the healthcare system in action and to develop relationships with clinicians, faculty and scientists.

• in-depth exposure to various techniques in front-end innovation
• knowledge of requirements and strategies for advancing biomedical concepts to solution
• an understanding of the "behind the scenes" inner workings of the clinical environment
• relationships with clinicians and researchers

Biomedical Engineering (BME) Courses

BME450, BME499 and BME599 are courses that encourage design in biomedical engineering. BME 450 and 499 are undergraduate capstone courses that seek corporate, clinical and staff involvement to provide students with defined biomedical design projects. Students work for 1 to 2 semesters on developing user specifications and requirements to define and develop functional prototypes. BME599 is a two-semester graduate engineering course, that encourages students to explore the entire spectrum of innovative design, from concept inception to prototype design. Students work with clinical mentors to define marketable, clinical problems and develop functional prototypes and commercialization plans. This biomedical engineering course challenges students to learn about the current state of the art, explore technical need for current challenges, and brainstorm new solutions with members of the medical community. Interested potential mentors, reviewers or sponsors should contact aileenhs@umich.edu for more information and instructor referrals.

Commercially-Focused Industry Engagement Opportunities

Design, Prototyping, and Commercialization Services

MIC’s Design and Prototype Lab can be utilized on a fee-for-service basis; hourly rates typically range from $100 to $150 an hour plus materials. The lab is one of the best equipped prototype labs in the State of Michigan and includes rapid prototyping equipment including SLA and Objet equipment. Capabilities include leading an inventor through the entire product development process, employing both industrial design and conceptual engineering to optimize the function of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both users and potential manufacturers. We can help you with brainstorming sessions, early ideation, study models and CAD development, product renditions all the way through functional prototypes and form studies. Please refer to the MIC Prototype Lab Web Page for a full list of equipment and capabilities.

Additional early-stage, pre-proof of concept to finalized prototype design, testing, and commercialization services are available through MIC’s Concept to Commercialization Program and Lab. Rates are quoted on a per project basis. The team has experience in delivering on a range of early-stage design projects while simultaneously considering factors such as clinical acceptability/clinical need, intellectual property acceptability, potential regulatory/FDA and reimbursement pathways, and general market viability.

*Prototypes produced are not GMP compliant or intended for human use.

Clinical Validation

Our clinical validation services provide a critical evaluation of a product idea by the professionals (i.e., doctors, nurses, physical therapists, administrators) who will be using it. Depending on the university personnel involved and session length, these sessions are provided for between $5,000 and $15,000 and include:

• Session preparation, scheduling and arrangement
• Facilities rental, supplies and snack
• Session documentation

Instant Innovation/Ideation Sessions

Instant Innovation is a professionally-facilitated, live session with select university faculty, scientists and staff. We will harness the creativity and knowledge of clinicians, engineers and scientists to research, design, or evaluate your innovative medical ideas (devices and software). These sessions may be used to generate new or build upon existing concepts for your biomedical product. Depending on the university personnel involved and desired deliverables, these sessions are provided for between $15,000 and $30,000 per day and include:

• Session preparation, scheduling and arrangement
• Facilities rental, supplies, and meals
• Professional facilitator
• Session documentation

If your organization is interested in becoming part of the MIC team, contact Lindsay Klee at 734.998.6994 to discuss partnering opportunities.