Training and education, the foundation of a rich medtech community
Minnesota is a global leader in medtech development and innovation, from medical devices to insurance to delivery systems. One anchor of this success is the University’s Technological Leadership Institute and its Medical Device Innovation program.
The Medical Device Innovation (MDI) program offers unique opportunities for students from all backgrounds–including clinicians, engineers and entrepreneurs–to learn how to manage complex innovation challenges in medtech. “MDI teaches students how to turn ideas to commercial success with core competencies in leadership, technology forecasting, and clinical exposure,” says Dr. Allison Hubel, TLI Director and Professor of Mechanical Engineering. “In an industry that is constantly evolving, our students gain skills to assess and adopt new technologies. They’re also able to engage with clinicians and understand how medical needs can drive the development of medical devices.” With a flexible schedule for full-time working professionals, MDI appeals both to those within medtech and those who want to pivot into the industry.
For current student Brian Johnson, MDI is uniquely valuable because of its faculty. “Dr. Hubel cultivates such a unique culture. The staff and faculty are all incredible people who you really want to spend time with and learn from,” says Johnson. From its board of advisors to directors to instructors, MDI prides itself in having professionals from leading medtech industries like 3M, Boston Scientific, and Mayo Clinic. “With faculty like Mark Wehde from Mayo Clinic Engineering, it’s so interesting to hear what different technologies Mayo Clinic might be considering and what kind of work the engineering department is doing.”
As his graduation day comes near in the spring, Johnson credits MDI for helping him find his potential. “With the opportunities I’ve had to work with Dr. Hubert Lim at the Earl E. Bakken Medical Device Center and also present during IEM Innovation Week, MDI really prepared me with leadership skills to take on sophisticated medtech challenges,” says Johnson.
Brian Johnson (far right) with other TLI students.
According to Hubel, MDI has an intentionally dynamic structure to ensure connections between the University and the state’s medtech industry. “I am really proud of the team that we've created at TLI. It’s innovative, nimble, and collaborative. We have created an environment here where companies and government organizations come and engage with us,” says Hubel. “We have also set in motion action to ensure ongoing quality in the program and that the curriculum is up to date with our stakeholders and industry advisory board,” says Hubel.
Hubel is particularly excited about TLI’s upcoming project with Polar Semiconductor and the Minnesota Semiconductor Manufacturing Consortium to expand semiconductor manufacturing in the state and support the industry’s regional growth through a $120 million grant awarded under the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. “This grant is going to impact the medtech community in so many ways because devices are driven by chips,” says Hubel. “When we talk about rapid growth in any industry, whether it's medical devices or silicon chip manufacturing, it's a tremendous challenge to get a skilled workforce to actually be able to participate in that rapid growth. We are excited to train and support this next generation of innovators and enhance our state’s workforce.”
Allison Hubel (left) and Brian Johnson (right)
