Open Call: Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) Challenge – US

Deadline: 05-Jun-2026

The DEBUT Challenge invites undergraduate student teams to develop innovative biomedical solutions addressing unmet health and clinical needs. Sponsored by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) and VentureWell, this competition emphasizes design innovation, teamwork, technical communication, and market potential. Winning teams receive monetary awards, commercialization training, and recognition at the Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting.

Overview of the DEBUT Challenge

The Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) Challenge is a prestigious biomedical engineering competition for undergraduate students. It encourages:

• Development of healthcare solutions with real-world impact

• Demonstration of analytical, design, and problem-solving skills

• Teamwork and effective technical communication

• Innovation with market potential, economic feasibility, and patentability

The challenge targets interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering early exposure to product development in healthcare technology.

Key Objectives

DEBUT participants are expected to:

• Identify unmet clinical and health needs

• Develop working prototypes demonstrating design and functionality

• Apply engineering design principles and problem-solving methods

• Consider user impact, clinical relevance, and scalability

• Showcase market potential and intellectual property opportunities

Prize Structure

A total of $190,000 in awards is available:

Major Awards:

• First Prize: $20,000

• Second Prize: $15,000

• Third Prize: $10,000

Specialized Awards ($15,000 each):

• HIV/AIDS solutions

• Low-resource healthcare technologies

• Cancer-related innovations

• Rehabilitative and assistive technologies

• Nursing-focused technologies

• Kidney technologies

• Women’s health technologies

• Healthy aging solutions

Additional VentureWell Awards:

• $10,000, $5,000, $5,000 for special achievements

• Five honorable mentions: $1,000 each

Recognition & Training:

• Commercialization training for winning teams

• Presentation at the Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility requirements include:

• Undergraduate student teams of 3–8 members

• Full-time enrollment for at least one semester during 2025–2026

• At least one biomedical engineering or bioengineering student per team (if available)

• Team members must be 13+ years old

• Each student may participate on only one team

• Non-U.S. citizens may participate in the competition, but monetary prizes are reserved for U.S. citizens or permanent residents

• Team Captain must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Why It Matters

The DEBUT Challenge promotes early exposure to biomedical innovation, helping students:

• Develop critical design and analytical skills

• Gain experience in healthcare problem-solving

• Build professional networks and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Prepare for commercialization and entrepreneurship in biomedical technology

How to Apply / How It Works

Step 1: Form a Team

• Assemble 3–8 undergraduate students

• Ensure at least one biomedical engineering student is included

• Appoint a Team Captain who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Step 2: Identify a Project

• Select an unmet health or clinical need

• Design a solution prototype demonstrating functionality and innovation

Step 3: Submit Application

• Complete the official DEBUT Challenge application

• Include project description, team bios, and proposed outcomes

Step 4: Prototype Development

• Build and test a working prototype

• Document design process, testing results, and user impact

Step 5: Presentation & Judging

• Present solutions at the DEBUT competition

• Judges evaluate on:

  • Innovation and creativity

  • Technical design and feasibility

  • Impact on users and clinical care

  • Market potential and patentability

Step 6: Awards & Recognition

• Winning teams receive monetary awards, training, and public recognition

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to include a biomedical engineering student on the team

• Submitting incomplete applications or missing documentation

• Overlooking market potential or user impact in project design

• Participating on multiple teams

• Appointing a Team Captain ineligible for prizes

Tips for Success

• Focus on real-world health challenges

• Develop a working prototype, not just a concept

• Highlight team collaboration and technical communication

• Emphasize innovation, feasibility, and potential for commercialization

• Prepare a clear and concise presentation for judges

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can participate in the DEBUT Challenge?
   Undergraduate students enrolled full-time during the 2025–2026 academic year.

2. How many students can be on a team?
   Teams must have 3–8 members.

3. Do all team members need to be biomedical engineering students?
   No, but at least one biomedical engineering or bioengineering student is required if available.

4. Can non-U.S. citizens win prizes?
   Non-U.S. citizens may participate, but only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for monetary awards.

5. What types of projects are eligible?
   Projects must address unmet health or clinical needs and demonstrate innovation, feasibility, and user impact.

6. Is a working prototype required?
   Yes, teams must present a functional prototype demonstrating their solution.

7. What kind of recognition do winners receive?
   Monetary prizes, commercialization training, and presentation at the Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting.

Conclusion

The DEBUT Challenge is a premier opportunity for undergraduate students to innovate in biomedical engineering, develop practical health solutions, and gain recognition in the healthcare technology community. By fostering teamwork, technical skills, and market-oriented innovation, the challenge prepares future leaders in biomedical research, design, and commercialization.

For more information, visit VentureWell.