Expand your industry expertise
Learn From experts about the health sciences, innovation and technology.
Work with a diverse network
Learn from and work with students and mentors from cutting edge disciplines and backgrounds to develop your innovative solutions
Receive resume-building experience and funding
Gain meaningful work experience and make $1,000 in the process
Experience the HealthTech Challenge
- Take part in the exciting experience of building a physical innovation designed to address a complex problem in the healthtech space
- Gain experience working with and learning from students outside of your program
- Learn about your topic of focus from industry experts and student mentors on your team
“As a student, my involvement in the HealthTech Challenge has been immensely beneficial, providing me with hands-on experience in critical aspects of engineering and software development. Working on my HealthTech project has taught me the importance of precision and reliability, essential for engineering solutions for patient care and medical outcomes. This experience has not only deepened my technical expertise but also fostered a strong sense of responsibility and empathy towards users.”
— Nik Srivastava, HealthTech Student
“COVID-19 ended my high school pre-engineering classes, crushing my Mark Rober-inspired DIY gadget creation dreams, or so I thought. Through the experiment-proof budget, community of mentors, and motivating stipend, this university program was transformative in providing the resources needed to direct my passion and skills toward tackling the larger issues society faces today. I’m excited to continue to build my innovation skills by spending part of my stipend on a 3D printer, something I wouldn’t have been able to afford before the challenge.”
— Triumph Aramunde, Software Lead for Team Aging
Program details
Session info
The HealthTech Challenge applications are open for BCIS/BCS/BDS students for the 2025 cohort!
Program requirements
- HealthTech Challenge participants can expect to spend 6 - 8 hours per week during the program.
- Participants must complete the 16-week program to receive the funding.
- Participants must attend all in-person and mentoring sessions to receive the funding.
Apply to the HealthTech Challenge
Apply as a BCIS/BCS/BDS student
ApplyApplications for non-BCIS/BCS/BDS students have closed at this time.
Get in contact
Erin Creegan-Dougherty
Program manager
Erin, a Métis entrepreneur and Entrepreneurship Development Officer at the Institute, was raised in Calgary, Alberta, surrounded by the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Her deep love for nature and cooking fueled her ambition to launch a backcountry food venture. Inspired by family and friends who were successful entrepreneurs, she embraced her Métis heritage and founded Maskwa Backcountry Foods. With a mission to share Métis culture through food, Erin remains dedicated to her passions for the wilderness, her cultural heritage, and cooking while eagerly pursuing business opportunities on a national and international scale.
Book a meeting
Contact Erin at ecreegandougherty@mtroyal.ca if you have any questions or need support applying to the Innovation Sprint.
For additional information on our other programs, contact us at info@innovate.com
FAQs
Applying
How do I apply?
Fill out the application form to apply. If you require any support with filling out your application, email program manager Erin Creegan-Dougherty at ecreegandougherty@mtroyal.ca for assistance.
Please note, there are 2 application forms; one for BCIS students and one for non-BCIS students. Please make sure to select the correct application form when applying.
Why should I apply?
Take this opportunity to gain valuable experience building an innovative hardware solution while simultaneously working with students and mentors from various backgrounds to build your product. After building your product, you will have the opportunity to present your product to an audience of fellow students, faculty, and members of the LaunchPad community!
General FAQs
How big are the teams?
Your teams will have 5 students, each with a specific focus. In addition to the students on your team, each group will have a senior student mentor and a faculty mentor who will provide guidance and mentorship to your team as you build your product.
What is the final deliverable?
Each team will deliver a physical innovation designed to address a complex problem in the healthtech space while also helping affected communities.
Is this an internship?
This is not an internship; rather, it's a hands-on experience that will give you the opportunity to work closely with a team of students and mentors from various disciplines to create an innovative physical solution aimed at addressing a complex problem in the healthtech space. At the end of this experience, you’ll have gained 16 weeks of transformative experience that can be added to your resume and portfolio, positioning you strongly for future internships or post-graduation positions.
If I have previously participated in the HealthTech Challenge, can I apply again?
Whether you are pursuing any degree program across campus, the HealthTech Challenge welcomes you. Our inclusive approach values diverse perspectives and knowledge, making it the perfect fit for students with varying degrees of knowledge in the HealthTech space. Rest assured, your background and expertise will be highly appreciated and contribute significantly to your team's success.