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Session 2609

The Biomedical Engineering Partnership Program An Integrated Educational Approach to Biomedical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ofer Amit, Richard Schoephoerster, Alan Carsrud, Vish Prasad Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199

Abstract

Since its inception – four years ago as the Biomedical Engineering Institute – the Florida International University (FIU) Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) has adopted a broad definition of its role as part of South Florida’s largest academic institution. In addition to the mission of excellence in research and teaching, BME aimed at becoming an engine of biomedical innovation and a driver of regional economic growth. To achieve these goals, BME has developed an integrative approach to biomedical innovation that positioned BME at the center of a closed biomedical innovation loop. In that loop, BME faculty, students, and alumni are integrated at the three phases of biomedical innovation and commercialization: the ideation/innovation/research stage, at the development/realization step (via partnership with industry), and at the clinical implementation phase (through partnership with clinical organization). This approach propelled biomedical entrepreneurship to the forefront of the academic discussion at FIU, and created new opportunities for its faculty, students, and alumni.

At the core of FIU’s Biomedical Engineering Partnership Program is the understanding that a successful biomedical innovation and commercialization process is dependent upon the integration of three equally significant components: academia, industry, and clinical medicine. In such a partnership academia provides the innovation or, specifically, the newly created intellectual property; industry provides the development and commercialization know-how; and clinical medicine provides access to and feedback from the customer/end user. This arrangement places BME at a leadership position where it serves as a process facilitator and integrator. BME is, thus, actively creating entrepreneurial opportunities and identifying opportunities for its faculty and students to participate in the academic, industrial, or clinical settings. Moreover, the program creates a framework that allows partners a look into the biomedical engineering academic program and to participate in formulating their prospective employees’ professional preparation.

This paper will present the Biomedical Engineering Partnership Program as a case study for a university-lead partnership between academia, industry, and clinical medicine. It will discuss program structure, mechanics, and other issues arising from this unique partnership. It will also describe innovative joint programs that made the partnership successful: corporate and entrepreneurship options for Senior Design Project, business plan competition, and the two- phase Collaborative Technology Innovation Program (CTIP).

Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Prasad, V., & Schoephoerster, R., & Amit, O., & Carsrud, A. (2004, June), The Biomedical Engineering Partnership Program, An Integrated Educational Approach To Biomedical Innovation And Entrepreneurship Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--13499