Innovation Fellows Program Welcomes New Cohort (2025-2026)
BMDC’s Innovation Fellows Program (IFP) trains seasoned professionals from different disciplines – including engineers, scientists, and clinicians – to address unmet medical needs with novel solutions. The Program helps these professionals advance their medtech careers and build their networks amidst the demands of full-time jobs.
Through BMDC’s academic and industry connections, Fellows collaborate with experts across disciplines at the University and Medical Alley’s world leading ecosystem. “We invite professionals who are leaders in their craft to roll up their sleeves and work with the Fellows. These relationships continue long after trainees graduate from the program,” says Danny Sachs, IFP Director.
Hands-on experience is another important aspect of the program. “Our Fellows collaborate with University experts, in needs-finding, brainstorming, and grant proposals. Fellows learn how to use a variety of prototyping tools through a series of fun exercises,” says Sachs. “They may also work with the Medical School’s Anatomy Bequest Program, honoring the wishes of donors who wish to contribute to scientific research.”
Since its inaugural cohort in 2008, IFP has trained 91 Fellows. The Program continues to draw potential applicants because of the unique experience it offers trainees to collaborate with and learn from teammates across disciplines. “We graduate innovators who can help patients at scale over their careers,” says Sachs.
In July, the program welcomes 9 new Fellows.
Innovation Fellows 2025-2026 Cohort*
- Atiq Bhatti, MD, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
- Elizabeth Bottorff, PhD, University of Minnesota, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering
- Jesse Corry, MD, Allina Health, Neurology
- Greg Johnson, Veranex
- Matt Johnson, PhD, University of Minnesota, Dept. of Biomedical Engineering
- Susan Malaret, Vantive, Corp.
- Alok Sharma, MD, Minneapolis VA
- Erica Stoddard, MD, University of Minnesota, Interventional Neurology
- Amy Thompson, MEd, MA, Nalu Medical, Inc.
Learn more about the Innovation Fellow Program and how to become a Fellow.
*Current or most recent employer