Education
We believe innovation is a discipline that can be taught and honed.
We offer the following educational programming tailored to our diverse constituents:
For resident companies and entrepreneurs
Participants in our incubation and acceleration programs work in a real-world living laboratory where they receive immersive, collaborative training that helps them thrive. This includes spontaneous peer-to-peer discovery and interaction as well as expert-led roundtables and scheduled instructional events. In addition, Fogarty Education develops and hosts a full calendar of educational programs for our companies and alumni. Taught by Fogarty Innovation staff as well as external experts, these practical lectures and workshops provide actionable information and establish new connections for our innovators.
Some examples of themes and key considerations for a successful startup that have been delivered in workshop and short course formats by staff, industry veterans and experts include:
Fundraising
Reimbursement
Commercialization
Leadership
Business development
Quality systems
Intellectual property & strategy
Clinical evidence development
AI
Regulatory affairs
Team and
organizational development
Soft skills
Our entrepreneurs not only have immediate and convenient access to educational programs at Fogarty Innovation, they may also attend programs at El Camino Health and Stanford Biodesign, as well as industry symposia and events. In addition, we introduce them to our alumni and other teachers within the Fogarty network and expose them directly to government regulators through our one-of-a-kind fellowship program with the FDA.
Learn more about our Company-in-Residence, Company Accelerator, and Invention Accelerator programs.
For the medtech innovation community
We regularly extend our educational opportunities, including our robust program of Lunch & Learn presentations, half-day workshops, lectures and other events to members of the medtech community, including innovators, startups, investors and additional allies. We do this because we believe that patients and the industry benefit when we inform and improve the entire ecosystem.
Some of our medtech community educational programming partners include:
Ferolyn Fellowship
Founded in tribute to Ferolyn Powell, a dynamic leader in the medtech startup world, the program supports rising leaders with a strong passion and aptitude to transform healthcare. Participants undergo an immersive 10-month program of customized mentoring designed to accelerate their careers and nurture leaders who will drive the next wave of medtech innovation. Fogarty Innovation helps administer the Ferolyn Fellowship and Fellows have access to all Fogarty educational programming as well as regular progress reviews by Fogarty staff.
Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign – Summer Extension
Graduating Biodesign Innovation Fellows who are awarded a Summer Extension grant are assigned Fogarty staff coaches for the summer months. During this time, they may also use the facility to further advance their concepts and business plans. Successful companies may then be invited to apply to our longer-term development programs. Companies that have followed this pathway include Diatiro (IAP), Auricle (IAP and CAP) and Selera (IAP and CAP).
Inside Our Educational Programs
An Afternoon with Ceribell’s Jane Chao
“An EQ to match her IQ.” That’s how the head of sales for Ceribell described co-founder and CEO Xingjuan (Jane) Chao when Fogarty’s chief commercial strategy officer Marga Ortigas-Wedekind asked about her working style. At Fogarty’s recent educational event,...
Why—and How—Confidence Can Become Your Edge
Practical, expert-led educational programs are one of Fogarty’s foundational pillars, with the goal of shedding light on topics of import to resident companies and alumni, as well as the medtech community as a whole. To this end, one of the most recent Fogarty...
Fundraising Workshop Helps Entrepreneurs “Find a Way”
“Eighty percent of the conversations I have with Fogarty companies, with the companies whose boards I am on, and at industry conferences are about fundraising,” said Andrew Cleeland, CEO of Fogarty Innovation, kicking off Fogarty’s recent, half-day educational...
For students
Since we believe in learning by doing, we help expand young minds by offering summer internships for college and high school students who may be interested in the business or technical aspects of medtech or who simply want to gain a better understanding of the healthcare industry.
Read on to learn more about specific student programs.
Lefteroff Internship
This hands-on program offers college students from around the world an opportunity to get involved in all facets of healthcare innovation. Lefteroff Interns work directly with Fogarty Innovation startup companies and staff, shadow physicians and watch procedures at El Camino Hospital, participate in educational seminars and meet with seasoned industry leaders. These diverse experiences help students learn what it takes to develop a medical technology and bring it into patient care. Interns also build a professional network and leave with a practical understanding of the many career options within the healthcare industry.
The program honors the late Tracy Lefteroff’s spirit and passion to support entrepreneurs in medical technology and the life sciences.
DxD HealthTech Exploration Workshop
Designed for college students from historically less represented populations interning in the medtech ecosystem, this two-day program fosters a sense of belonging while equipping participants for long-term success in the industry.
Highlights include an immersive workshop on the Stanford Biodesign process, engaging case studies, and thought-provoking panels with healthtech innovators. Participants also benefit from speed mentoring sessions, networking with industry leaders, and personal development opportunities—all within an intensive and supportive learning environment.
