Anatomy of Innovation Course

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

HealthTech Programs at the HMS Center for Primary Care leads 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. 

In small teams, students will apply classroom lectures and practicals to a real-life unmet clinical challenge, ultimately developing a real, competitively sound innovation to address it.

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 2026 course details

• Schedule: Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Start Date: Feb. 11, 2026
• End Date: April 22, 2026
• 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 1-2 hybrid or in-person sessions focused on team collaboration and community building. Applicants will be asked to indicate their availability for in-person sessions on the application form.

Deadline to express interest: Jan. 12, 2026