Catalyst Scholars
Direct experience in biomedical innovation research for undergraduate students and VA caregivers
The MIT Catalyst Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate students and VA caregivers to gain direct experience in biomedical innovation research. Scholars collaborate closely with MIT Catalyst Fellows—professionals from fields such as healthcare, engineering, business, and more—to tackle unmet medical needs. This program offers hands-on research experience where students identify clinical problems, explore innovative solutions, and engage in the testing and validation of ideas, all while developing critical skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
Scholars will play an integral role in real-world projects, contributing to cutting-edge healthcare innovations alongside professionals and experts from various disciplines. By working directly on high-impact biomedical challenges, Scholars will gain unparalleled exposure to the intersection of healthcare, science, and technology.
The Catalyst Scholars Program offers the rare opportunity to engage directly in biomedical innovation and research. Scholars are not just observing innovation—they are actively contributing to the identification and development of solutions for real healthcare problems. The experience emphasizes a rigorous process of validation, ensuring that the challenges Scholars tackle are meaningful and impactful. Scholars will work on projects that are designed to move from research to development, with many advancing to commercial viability, far surpassing the typical success rate of biomedical ventures.
The program is a collaboration with the Priscilla King Gray Public Service Center at MIT and the Veterans Affairs VHA Innovation Ecosystem.
“At MIT, we’re proud of how well we solve problems, but that really depends on making sure that the problem is actually worth solving. Scholars learn to approach healthcare challenges with a critical mindset, ensuring their solutions are impactful and well-founded.”
Martha Gray, Director of MIT linQ
Who should join as a Scholar?
This program is perfect for those passionate about biomedical innovation and eager to contribute to healthcare solutions, complementing their education or work. Scholars will engage in deep, hands-on work alongside seasoned professionals, gaining invaluable experience in identifying and addressing critical healthcare needs. Ideal candidates will have a curiosity about healthcare, a desire to solve complex problems, and an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration. The program is designed for students who thrive in environments that encourage critical thinking and iterative learning.
“We provided a fresh perspective and were able to pinpoint problems that they hadn’t really thought about because when they’re so immersed in the field, they think there’s no other way to do this.”
Daisy Wang, PKG Scholar
What will Scholars experience?
As a Catalyst Scholar, you will be involved in critical steps of the biomedical innovation process—from identifying unmet clinical needs to conducting primary research, reviewing literature, and engaging with healthcare professionals. You will work with Catalyst Fellows and faculty, testing assumptions, gathering data, and contributing to the development of tangible solutions.
Scholars gain hands-on experience by conducting stakeholder interviews, visiting clinical environments, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams made up of students, faculty, healthcare providers, and experts in various fields. This experience is designed to immerse you in real-world healthcare challenges and provide the practical skills needed to tackle them.
How to join
Catalyst Scholars openings for 2025 are closed. Openings for 2026 will open in Fall 2025.
