Anatomy of Innovation Course

Go from health care problem to pitch deck in 10 short weeks

HealthTech Programs at the HMS Therapeutics Initiative lead the Anatomy of Innovation: The Biodesign Process course (NCE510.0) every spring. In the course that is predicated on the proven biodesign innovation framework, we teach the design thinking method used to transform real health care challenges into business ideas that change medicine. We work from a curriculum that brings together medicine, technology, and entrepreneurship, augmented by inspiring talks from experts in health IT, intellectual property, medical devices, and medtech. 

Working in small teams, students will apply what they learn in lectures and hands-on sessions to a real, unmet clinical need, developing a competitive innovation to address it. Students will complete weekly assignments to prepare for the final session, where they will pitch their innovation to a panel of industry experts. 

Who should register

We welcome students from various disciplines at Harvard (including MBA, Postdoc, PhD, MD candidates, graduate-level engineering programs, design programs, etc.), as well as staff, researchers, and care providers from Harvard-affiliated hospitals to join our course. Harvard students may enroll for 2 credits.

Project coaches

HMS HealthTech Fellows will guide the course as project coaches. As a part of their training, fellows spend time uncover unmet needs through clinical observation. They will bring those observations to the course so participants can create innovations for real issues happening in health care today.

Spring 2027 course details

• Schedule: Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Start Date: Feb. 10, 2027
• End Date: April 21, 2027
• Credits: 2
• Total Sessions: 10
• Spring Recess: One-week break (date TBD; we will survey participants to determine the week that works best for most)
• Format: Primarily virtual, with two to three in-person sessions at the HMS campus focused on team collaboration and community building. The application form will ask about your availability for these dates:
  • February 10 
  • March 17 or 24 (date TBD)
  • April 21

Deadline to express interest: Jan. 10, 2027