Propose a Project

Every fall, MTM students dive into a variety of capstone projects, with teams of student collaborating with a sponsor to take healthcare innovation from early concept toward clinical use. To learn more about the MTM, explore this site, and take moment to watch our introductory video.

Details about the MTM year and the submission process can be downloaded here. Learn more about how to submit a MTM capstone proposal here. To submit a project, please follow the outline in the solicitation document or use our web form for submission.

Projects focus on multiple aspects of the medical translation process, including technical development, prototyping, examination of the intellectual property landscape, market scoping, and business case development.

Teams involve 3-5 students with backgrounds ranging from bioengineering and molecular biology, to clinical training as RNs or MDs. The sponsor team can be multifaceted as well, including clinicians, academic scientists, business advisers, and consultants. Generally, sponsors meet with students on at least a weekly basis, providing mentorship, technical advice, and resources (e.g., lab space, hardware and software) required to complete the project.

Projects submissions are accepted until June 15 for the upcoming year (early drafts are encouraged and allow us to suggest ways to make the proposal a better fit for students). Submissions are evaluated to ensure they incorporate translational elements and have a robust mentorship plan to enhance the student learning experience. Sponsors will be notified whether they will be considered in early August. At the beginning of the MTM program in mid August, mentors will pitch their project to students and answer questions. Students express their interest in each project; projects must garner sufficient interest (at least 3 students) to proceed. Capstone mentors discuss with the MTM program the skills they need, and the MTM program builds teams, taking into account both student and sponsor preferences.

Teams begin work in early September, with each student expected to spend 10-30 hours per week on project activity (this effort typically ramps up during the year, with more intense project focus later in the spring). Sponsors from outside the SF Bay Area or who expect work to be primarily remote should plan for at least three in-person activities throughout the year. Projects that expect to be in person should describe contingency plans in case public health conditions necessitate switching to fully remote work.

Students use their capstone projects as the basis for assignments in core MTM courses, and projects must accommodate some level of discussion. At the conclusion of the MTM program, in June, students will present their capstone activities in a symposium that includes students, mentors, faculty, and other invited guests of the MTM program.