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Frequently Asked Questions

Is BioInnovate a full-time commitment?

Yes. The BioInnovate Programme is a full-time, intensive experience that requires participants’ full focus and engagement. The schedule can vary throughout the year — from periods of clinical immersion and teamwork to independent project development — but participants should expect to work the equivalent of a full-time role during the 10-month programme.

While some flexibility is built in to support work–life balance, participants are not permitted to undertake other employment during the programme. The commitment and pace reflect the immersive nature of the BioInnovate experience, ensuring participants gain the most from their innovation journey.

Who should apply, and how are the teams formed?

BioInnovate welcomes applications from experienced professionals across a diverse range of backgrounds, including clinical, technical, commercial, and other innovation-focused disciplines. We typically seek individuals with 5–10 years of professional experience and a demonstrated track record of creativity, leadership, or problem-solving within their field.

Once selected, participants are assigned to multidisciplinary teams by the programme directors. Each team is carefully balanced to include a mix of clinical, engineering, and business expertise, along with complementary perspectives and personalities that foster collaboration and creativity.

For more information, visit Who We're Looking For?

I don't meet the criteria outlined above- will my application still be considered?

Yes — but we strongly recommend that you speak with us before submitting your application.

If you’re unsure whether your background or experience meets the programme requirements, please reach out to a member of the BioInnovate team before submitting your application. We’re happy to discuss your experience and offer guidance on how your skills and interests might align with our needs-led innovation process.

In some cases, applicants who do not meet the formal criteria but demonstrate exceptional motivation, creativity, or relevant professional experience may still be considered. Contact us by emailing info@bioinnovate.ie to arrange a call. 

What kind of career paths can I pursue after BioInnovate?

BioInnovate builds highly transferable skills in innovation, teamwork, clinical insight, and commercial strategy — valuable assets across the global MedTech and digital health sectors.

Since its launch in 2011, BioInnovate Ireland has supported the creation of more than 30 new health technology start-ups, which together have raised over €300 million in funding. Many innovations developed through the programme are now improving patient care in Ireland and around the world.

Founding a company is just one of many possible outcomes of the BioInnovate experience. While some participants go on to establish start-ups based on ideas developed during the programme, others apply their skills in diverse ways — leading innovation within health technology companies, advancing translational research in universities and hospitals, or contributing to the wider innovation ecosystem through roles in design, investment, regulation, or policy.

Typical roles include:

  • Start-up founder or entrepreneur

  • Innovation or R&D leader within MedTech or health technology companies

  • Health innovation consultant or venture creation specialist

  • Academic or clinical innovation lead

  • Regulatory, market access, or investment professional

To explore alumni stories and career journeys, visit the BioInnovate Alumni Network.

 

How does the BioInnovate Programme differ from a traditional Postgraduate Degree?

BioInnovate is quite different from a traditional academic programme. It is a hands-on, experiential learning journey designed to mirror the real-world innovation process used by leading health technology teams. Rather than focusing primarily on classroom learning, participants learn by doing — working in multidisciplinary teams, engaging in clinical immersion, identifying unmet healthcare needs, and progressing through the full cycle of innovation, invention, and implementation planning.

The experience is highly team-based and collaborative, bringing together clinical, technical, and commercial perspectives to solve meaningful healthcare challenges. Throughout the process, participants are supported by expert mentors from industry, academia, and healthcare. The skills, insights, and connections developed through BioInnovate are practical, transferable, and immediately applicable to careers in MedTech, digital health, and innovation leadership.

All participants in the BioInnovate Programme are registered for the Post Graduate Diploma in BioInnovation. Assessment for this involves continuous assessment and the submission of a diploma report at the end of the 10-month programme. If participants wish to transfer to the Master's in BioInnovation (which requires the submission of a Master's thesis) they will have the opportunity once the programme begins. 

Is there a scholarship? What are the programme fees?

The BioInnovate Programme comes at no cost to successful participants. Each participant receives a tax-free scholarship totalling €38,000 over the 10-month duration, and programme fees of up to €5,750 are fully covered.

This support is made possible through the Innovators’ Initiative Programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021–2027. 

The tax-free scholarship is available to participants who are not in employment or running their own business during the programme and who fully attend and participate in all scheduled activities.

Standard full-time postgraduate fees apply, but these are covered up to €5,750 for eligible participants. Please note that fees may be higher for non-EU participants.

 Visit our Programme Fees & Funding page for more information.

 

Do you accept applications from International Students?

Yes — international applicants are very welcome to apply for the BioInnovate Programme. We actively encourage participation from individuals with diverse cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds, as global perspectives enrich the innovation process.

International participants are fully integrated into the programme alongside their Irish peers and receive the same level of mentoring, academic credit, and financial support (subject to visa and eligibility requirements).

Please note that non-EU applicants may need to meet specific visa and residency requirements set by the Government of Ireland and the University of Galway. The University’s International Office provides guidance and support throughout the visa application and relocation process.

For details on international entry requirements, English language proficiency, and visa support, visit the University of Galway International Office website.

 

How competitive is the programme and when does selection happen?

BioInnovate is a highly competitive programme, with only 12 participants selected each year to join the cohort. Each year, the programme typically receives around 150 applications, with approximately 30 candidates shortlisted for interview.

Applicants are selected based on their academic background, professional experience, innovation potential, and ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.

Applications usually open in October for the following year’s intake, with interviews held in April for shortlisted candidates. Successful applicants join an elite group of innovators dedicated to transforming healthcare through needs-led innovation.

 

Do I need to relocate to Galway to take part in the programme?

Not necessarily — the BioInnovate Programme follows a hybrid structure, combining on-site learning in Galway with clinical immersion and remote project work.

The programme begins with a one-month intensive bootcamp held on-site at the University of Galway, followed by an eight-week clinical immersion period where participants visit clinical sites across Ireland.

After the immersion, participants return to the University of Galway for the remainder of the first semester, typically on-site four days per week (Monday- Thursday) until the Christmas break.

From January to May, participants are required to be on campus two days per week (Monday and Tuesday), with every second Wednesday also scheduled for mentoring. 

While flexibility is built into the programme, participants should be prepared to spend significant time in Galway and travel throughout Ireland for clinical immersion and collaboration activities.

BioInnovate is based at the prestigious University of Galway. Galway with its unique blend of industry, cutting-edge research, and access to healthcare expertise, has firmly emerged as one of the world’s top 5 MedTech hubs. 

Can I continue developing an idea I’ve already been working on, or choose the clinical area I focus on?

The goal of the BioInnovate Programme is to teach participants the needs-led innovation process from start to finish. To ensure everyone gains a full understanding of this approach, participants work on needs and technologies identified by their team during the programme, rather than continuing to develop pre-existing ideas.

Each year, the BioInnovate cohort is divided into three multidisciplinary teams, with each team assigned a different clinical focus area. Teams spend several weeks in clinical immersion within their assigned area, observing healthcare delivery and identifying unmet needs first-hand.

This approach allows participants to explore unfamiliar clinical environments, question existing assumptions, and identify meaningful opportunities for innovation from fresh perspectives.

 

How can I make my application stand out? 

Strong applications show a genuine passion for healthcare innovation, a clear connection between your experience and the BioInnovate mission, and strong team and collaboration skills.

To make your application stand out, we recommend:

  • Tailoring your application to highlight relevant experience, achievements, and motivation.

  • Being clear and concise — communicate your ideas in a focused, professional way.

  • Completing the optional project to showcase your creativity, problem-solving, or technical ability.

For more detailed guidance, visit our Tips & Recommendations page for practical advice from the BioInnovate team on preparing your best application.