"BI Innovation Fellowship"

Call for Applications: BI Innovation Fellowship

Unlock the Future of Biomedical Innovation at the University of Michigan (U-M) Biointerfaces Institute (BI)

About the BI Innovation Fellowship

The Biointerfaces Institute (BI) at the University of Michigan(U-M) invites applications for the BI Innovation Fellowship, a program designed to accelerate research commercialization in the life sciences, engineering, and health technology. This full-time fellowship is a one-year appointment, renewable for a second year, and offers a competitive salary and full U-M benefits.

BI Innovation Fellows are embedded within BI's world-class research ecosystem, gaining hands-on experience bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world impact. Fellows collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, receive direct mentorship, and access extensive training in innovation and entrepreneurship-positioning alumni for leadership careers at the intersection of academia, innovation, and industry.

Program Highlights

BI Innovation Fellows will:

• Work with multiple research groups across BI to identify, develop, and commercialize cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
• Work with multiple research groups across BI to pursue funding opportunities, including translational grants and local, regional, and national pitch competitions.
• Participate in entrepreneurship & innovation training hosted by BI, the U-M Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE), Fast Forward Medical Innovation (FFMI), and other campus partners.
• Receive mentoring from BI faculty, U-M innovation partners, and an extensive network spanning academia and industry.
• Attend conferences, workshops, seminars, and innovation events at U-M and with regional and national entrepreneurial organizations.
• Engage with stakeholders at the health systems and beyond to understand the opportunities and challenges of potential innovations.

Fellowship Structure & Benefits

Duration: 1 year, may be renewed for 1 additional year, pending funding

Stipend: Competitive annual salary plus $10,000 in professional development and travel funds

Networking: Opportunities to attend premier national conferences (e.g., BIO, JP Morgan, etc.)

It is anticipated that 2 fellowships will be awarded in this cohort.

Objectives & Outcomes

The program is committed to developing intellectually outstanding individuals with technical expertise and strong entrepreneurial interests. Fellows will:

• Gain advanced knowledge in health innovation, intellectual property, technology translation, and entrepreneurship
• Assess commercial viability of cutting-edge research projects
• Develop pitch materials and translational grant proposals
• Cultivate leadership, project management, and business communication skills
• Build an extensive, cross-disciplinary professional network
• Contribute to BI's vibrant, innovative ecosystem of scientific discovery

Who Should Apply?

We seek fellows who aspire to drive transformative advances in health technology and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to recruit a cohort of individuals who envision themselves actively pursuing careers at the intersection of innovation, health technology development, and entrepreneurship. If you are committed to making an impact beyond traditional research and eager to collaborate across disciplines, we encourage you to apply.

• Recent PhD or professional degree recipients, or junior postdoctoral fellows in engineering, life, or physical sciences (degree conferred before fellowship start)
• Strong multidisciplinary research record and scientific background
• Demonstrated interest in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly within engineering and the health sciences

To apply

please submit the following as a single PDF bundle to BIFellowshipApplications@umich.edu by 05:00 pm EST on Tuesday, March 31, 2026:

1. Written Statements
   • Describe your interest in the BI Innovation Fellowship. What draws you to this opportunity, and how do you anticipate it will contribute to your personal and professional growth? Please be specific about skills, experiences, or career objectives you want to develop in the BI Innovation Fellowship (limit 500 words).
   • Innovation often requires embracing uncertainty and risk. Tell us about a situation when you stepped out of your comfort zone during your academic or professional career. What did you learn, and how might that shape your participation in the BI Innovation Fellowship (limit 500 words).
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Two (2) letters of recommendation. Letters can be either sent directly to BIFellowshipApplications@umich.edu or included in your PDF bundle.