The Vinuri De Silva Biodesign Competition takes students through Stanford’s Biodesign Innovation Process. Participants, placed into multidisciplinary teams, attend workshops and seminars over 10 weeks, hosted by Industry Experts, Academics and MedTech Start-up Founders. From finding a need and developing a solution, to creating an effective business case, participants learn first hand what it takes to be MedTech innovators. At the end of the Program, teams Pitch to a panel of expert judges for over $6000 in prizes.
What do we offer?
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Five workshops hosted by MedTech Start-up Founders and Academics in Bioinnovation.
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Four industry seminars hosted by leading industry figures in the Start-up scene.
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Social events where you can form your own multidisciplinary teams and learn more about what MBSI can offer.
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The opportunity to pitch your innovation to the cohort and a panel of expert judges for prizes and further support.
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The opportunity to meet with experienced clinicians who provide insight into the challenges they face in a medical setting.
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Team mentoring with MBSI’s Biodesign Team.
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Access to prototyping materials and post-competition support.
Eligibility and Expectations
​To participate in the Vinuri de Silva Biodesign Competition, you must be:
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Graduating a university degree no earlier than the year of the competition
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Willing to commit approximately 6 hours per week for the duration of the competition, including attendance of the workshops (Tuesday evenings 5:30-7:30pm)
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Reside in Melbourne
2025 Competition Timeline
Vinuri De Silva
The Biodesign Competition has been named after Vinuri De Silva to acknowledge her lasting legacy to those around her.
FAQs
I don’t know anything about biomedical innovation, can I still sign up?
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Yes! We assume no prior knowledge; as long as you are enthusiastic to participate you are eligible.
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I don’t live in Melbourne, can I still sign up?
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The collaborative nature of this program necessitates in-person attendance, although we do provide hybrid online access and recordings for participants who miss an occasional workshop.
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When do applications open?
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Applications are open! Please fill out this form to apply!
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I want to participate but I don’t have a team, what can I do?
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Sign up! We are responsible for placing you in a team. We will host team forming social events to meet other program participants and you can submit team member preferences after that. However, even this is optional and we will find a team for you either way.
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Does this need to fit into my study plan?
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No, this is not a subject and is taken alongside your university subjects.