Summer Program

1. Program Overview

The International Summer Program in Medical Innovations is a four-week, intensive, non-credit professional development bootcamp designed to provide participants with immersive exposure to biomedical innovation, creative thinking, translational research methodologies, and the full medical technology development process.

The program is intended to cultivate and identify internationally outstanding innovators, researchers, and future leaders in health technology. It is designed exclusively for educational and professional development purposes and is not intended to provide employment, job placement, or academic degree credit.

Through a combination of lectures, case discussions, project-based learning, laboratory observation, and hands-on exposure to BioMed technology research and development, participants will gain a structured understanding of how to transform clinical needs into innovative solutions with real-world impact. Throughout the program, students will also explore emerging trends and high-impact technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, wearable medical devices, and brain-computer interfaces (BCI), helping them connect classroom learning with the future of medicine. A series of BioMed technology topics will be covered in the program depending on the participants’ interests.

In addition, to better align with real-world workforce skillsets, participants will work in teams to complete a capstone innovation project and deliver a formal oral presentation at the end of the program. This presentation component is designed to strengthen participants’ abilities in scientific communication, critical thinking, and professional presentation—key competencies for careers in medicine, research, and the biomedical industry.

A certificate of successful completion of the 4-week Medical Innovations program will be awarded to participants who actively engage in the program and successfully complete the capstone project, including the final oral presentation.

2. Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

By the end of the program participants will be able to:

• Explain the biomedical innovation pathway, from unmet clinical need identification through concept development and preclinical evaluation.
• Apply innovation and design frameworks to develop solutions for interdisciplinary biomedical challenges.
• Evaluate prototype development and testing processes, including key considerations in device design, validation, and performance.
• Analyze regulatory and commercialization pathways, including the roles of translational research, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer.
• Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams, integrating perspectives from medicine, engineering, science, and business.

3. Target Audience

This program is designed for highly motivated individuals with an interest in healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship, including:

• High school students with advanced academic preparation
• Undergraduate students
• Graduate students
• Post-doctoral scholars
• Junior academic faculty
• Industry engineers and researchers

Applicants may come from biomedical engineering, medicine, life sciences, chemistry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, entrepreneurship, or related fields. A strong interest in improving healthcare through technology innovation is essential.

This program is especially valuable for high school and undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a pre-med track. By participating, students can gain early exposure to research environments, strengthen their academic and extracurricular profiles, and better prepare for future medical school applications.

4. Curriculum Focus and Structure

This 4-week accelerated program provides a structured pathway from clinical need identification to early-stage prototype validation. Content is progressively scaffolded, moving from problem discovery to solution development, design, and implementation.

Key topics include:

• Clinical need identification and problem framing
• Ideation and concept development
• Device design, simulation, and prototyping
• Preclinical testing and validation (GLP overview)
• Regulatory strategy, quality, and commercialization

Weekly Progression and Outcome Alignment

Week 1 – Problem Identification (Foundation)

• Focus: Unmet clinical needs and opportunity analysis
• Outcomes: Identify and prioritize clinical needs (PLO 1,2)
• Activities: Lectures, group analysis, report + presentation

Week 2 – Solution Generation (Ideation)

• Focus: Concept development and selection
• Outcomes: Apply design thinking; evaluate solutions (PLO 2,3,4)
• Activities: Brainstorming, concept screening, report + presentation

Week 3 – Conceptual Design (Development)

• Focus: Device design and safety considerations
• Outcomes: Develop designs; assess feasibility and safety (PLO 3,4)
• Activities: Design workshops, modeling, report + presentation

Week 4 – Implementation & Validation (Integration)

• Focus: Prototyping, testing, and translation
• Outcomes: Build/test prototypes; communicate strategy (PLO 3,4,5)
• Activities: Lab work, testing, final capstone presentation

Assessment

Learning is evaluated through weekly reports, presentations, and a final capstone project, aligned with program learning outcomes. This structure supports progress tracking and continuous curriculum improvement.

5. Teaching Format

The program is delivered through a flexible and interactive format that integrates:

• Expert talks and lectures
• Case-based discussions
• Project-based learning
• Mentored observation of ongoing research projects
• Hands-on demonstrations and laboratory exposure

Participants will engage in face-to-face instruction and collaborative activities, benefiting from direct interaction with faculty, researchers, and peers in a dynamic learning environment. They will have opportunities to observe or interact with a variety of instruments and technologies, such as 3D printers, cardiovascular testing systems, pathology tools, molecular biology platforms, and other biomedical research equipment.

Lectures may be delivered by faculty, scientists, clinicians, inventors, entrepreneurs, and experienced engineers from CALMI2, 3DT Holdings, Acculab Lifesciences and affiliated institutions, as wellas from leading academic, medical, and industrial organizations in the San Diego region.

6. Host Institution and Innovation Ecosystem

California Medical Innovations Institute (CALMI2)

The California Medical Innovations Institute (CALMI2) is a nonprofit, multidisciplinary institution dedicated to advancing healthcare through science, engineering, and translational innovation. CALMI2 brings together researchers, engineers, and clinicians in a collaborative environment focused on creating technologies with the potential to improve patient care

Academic Strength

CALMI2 includes scientists and researchers with backgrounds in:

• Chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering, including fluid and solid mechanics.
• Molecular biology
• Physiology, including small and large animal surgery.
• Pathology
• Image processing
• Microcirculation
• Computational modeling, including multi-physics and multi-scale approaches.

Its academic record includes:

• More than $100 million in funding from NIH, NSF, AHA, BSF, and industry sources
• More than 450 full-length publications in over 60 medical and engineering journals
• More than 300 abstracts and proceedings
• 4 books and 29 book chapters

Translational and Entrepreneurial Impact

CALMI2 has also demonstrated a strong record of translation and commercialization, including:

• More than 300 issued and pending patents
• Sale of a technology to a major device company
• Four exclusive licenses to major medical device industry partners
• Ten current start-ups at various stages of development
• Four products currently on the market

This combination of academic excellence and translational success makes CALMI2 a powerful center for innovation education and medical technology development.

Co-Organizing Institutions

To create a unique integrated ecosystem, the program is supported by two co-organizing sister institutions founded by Dr. Ghassan Kassab:

3D Holdings LLC

3D Holdings is an incubator and accelerator for medical devices with a cardiovascular and metabolic disease focus. It supports early-stage innovation, technology development, and entrepreneurial acceleration

Acculab Life Sciences

Acculab Life Sciences is a pre-clinical contract research organization (CRO) that provides GLPcompliant services for medical devices and pharmaceutical development. It supports preclinical validation, regulatory-grade testing, and translational research.

Trifecta Model of Innovation

Together, CALMI2, 3D Holdings, and Acculab Life Sciences form a distinctive Trifecta Model of Innovation under one roof. This integrated structure creates an efficient innovation engine that connects:

• Clinical need identification
• Engineering and prototype development
• Preclinical validation and testing
• Entrepreneurship and commercialization

7. San Diego Location Advantage

The program is based in San Diego, one of the world’s leading biomedical innovation hubs.

A Global Biomedical Innovation Center

San Diego is home to a dense concentration of world-class biomedical resources, including major pharmaceutical and medical device companies, research institutes, universities, hospitals, and avibrant start-up ecosystem. The region is widely recognized for its strong biotech and medtech innovation climate, which makes it an ideal place to learn, network, and explore realworld healthcare innovation.

Nearby institutions and innovation resources include the University of California San Diego, Scripps Research, and the Salk Institute, along with numerous hospitals, venture-backed startups, and industry partners.

A Highly Livable Coastal City

San Diego is also known as one of the most attractive and livable coastal cities in the United States. It offers a mild year-round climate, beautiful beaches, scenic ocean views, and a relaxed but internationally connected cultural atmosphere. The city is popular for its outdoor lifestyle,tourism, dining, arts, and family-friendly environment

This combination of scientific strength and exceptional quality of life creates an inspiring setting for an international summer program.

8. Program Leadership

Dr. Ghassan Kassab

Chairman of the Board and Institute Professor, CALMI2

Program Director

Dr. Ghassan Kassab is an internationally recognized biomedical engineer, educator, inventor, and translational innovator whose work bridges fundamental science, engineering, and clinical applications.

Education

• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 1990
• M.Sc. in Engineering Sciences, University of California San Diego, 1987
• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, University of California San Diego, 1986

Dr. Kassab trained with Professor Y-C Fung, widely regarded as the father of biomechanics and bioengineering.

Academic Appointments

Dr. Kassab previously served as the Thomas J. Linnemeier Guidant Foundation Chair and Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Professor in Surgery, and Professor in Cellular and Integrative Physiology at Indiana/Purdue University.

Honors and Recognition

Dr. Kassab is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including:

• NIH Young Investigator Award
• AHA Established Investigator Award
• Farriborz Maseeh Best Research Award
• Abraham M. Max Distinguished Professor Award
• Eminent Engineer Award of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
• Indiana’s President Circle Award
• Glenn Irwin, MD Chancellor Best Research Scholar Award

He is a Fellow of:

• The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering
• The American Physiological Society Cardiovascular Section
• The American Venous Forum

Scholarly and Translational Contributions

Dr. Kassab has:

• Published more than 600 proceedings, abstracts, and full-length publications.
• Served as a regular reviewer on two NIH study sections and as ad hoc reviewer on multiple others.
• Served on the editorial boards of leading journals, including the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology and Journal of Biomechanics
• Previously served as Associate Editor of Mechanics and Chemistry of Biosystems

His scientific interests encompass the biomechanics of cardiovascular, lymphatic and gastroenterology systems in health and disease.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Impact

Dr. Kassab also has more than 300 issued or pending patents in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure, including electrical, valvular, and coronary artery disease, aneurysm, and obesity. His intellectual property portfolio has resulted in:

• One technology sale to a major industry partner
• Six ongoing start-ups
• Four exclusive licenses to major medical device industry partners

Dr. Kassab’s career reflects a rare combination of academic excellence, translational impact, and entrepreneurial leadership.

9. Capstone Requirement

At the conclusion of the four-week program, each participant will complete a capstone assignment designed to demonstrate achievement of the program learning outcomes (PLOs). To ensure appropriate rigor and relevance, participants will complete one of two options based on their academic background, experience level, and program track (e.g., high school vs. undergraduate/advanced participants).

Option A: Innovation Project Report (Advanced Track)

This option is intended for participants with sufficient technical or academic preparation and emphasizes applied innovation and translational thinking

The report may include:

• Clinical need identification and problem definition (PLO 1)
• Concept development and solution rationale (PLO 2)
• Preliminary design strategy and feasibility considerations (PLO 3)
• Prototype or proof-of-concept discussion (PLO 3)
• Validation and preclinical testing approach (PLO 3, 4)
• Regulatory and commercialization considerations (PLO 4)

Option B: Reflective Learning Report (Foundation Track)

This option is designed for participants at earlier stages of training and emphasizes knowledge integration, reflection, and learning synthesis.

The report may include:

• Reflection on learning experiences and team activities (PLO 5)
• Key knowledge and concepts gained (PLO 1, 2)
• Skills developed (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving, communication) (PLO 2, 5)
• Insights into biomedical innovation and translation (PLO 4)
• Future academic or professional goals (PLO 5)

Assessment and Evaluation

All capstone submissions are evaluated using standardized rubric to ensure consistency, transparency, and alignment with program expectations. While the two options differ in focus, they are designed to be comparable in overall academic rigor, with evaluation criteria adjusted to reflect the intended learning level of each track.

Core evaluation criteria include:

• Understanding and application of key concepts
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Integration and synthesis of learning
• Clarity and quality of communication (written and/or oral)
• Engagement with innovation, design, and/or translational considerations

The capstone serves as a summative assessment, providing evidence of each participant’s progress, strengths, and areas for further development. Assessment results may also inform continuous program improvement

10. Certificate of Completion

Participants who successfully complete the program requirements will receive a certificate recognizing completion of the International Health Technologies Innovation Process program.

11. Program Schedule

• Duration: 4 weeks
• Program start date: Monday, July 20, 2026
• Recommended arrival date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
• Class size: Limited to 16 participants

The small cohort size is designed to ensure a highly interactive, personalized, and immersive learning experience.

12. Tuition and Fees

Registration Fee

• A non-refundable registration fee of 200 USD is required to secure enrollment and initiate the application process.
• Upon receipt of the registration fee, an official admission confirmation and preliminary invitation letter may be issued for visa preparation purposes.

Tuition

• USD 20,000

Tuition covers:

• Instruction and program materials
• Housing, meals, and transportation (see Section 13 for details)

Payment Policy

• Tuition payment is due (within 4 weeks) after admission and must be completed prior to the visa interview and program start date.
• A final invitation letter confirming full payment may be issued upon receipt of tuition if required for visa documentation.
• The registration fee is non-refundable; additional refund terms (if any) are defined in the enrollment agreement.

13. Accommodation and Student Services

To maximize learning efficiency during this intensive program, all-inclusive learning environment is provided, and housing and daily logistics are centrally organized.

Included Arrangements

• Housing is located near the institute.
• Daily transportation between housing and the institute
• Weekday breakfast and lunch at the institute
• Coffee breaks (morning and afternoon)
• Dinner provided Monday–Thursday at the lodging facility.
• One organized weekend city tour

Special arrangements may be available for participants traveling with a spouse or parents. Detailed logistics will be provided after registration

Academic Advising and Learning Support

Participants will have access to academic and learning support services designed to enhance their experience and promote success throughout the program:

• Faculty Advising: Instructors and mentors provide guidance on project development, coursework, and academic interests.
• Capstone and Writing Support: Structured feedback and optional review sessions support final reports and presentations.
• Peer Collaboration: Small-group work promotes peer learning, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Office Hours and Mentorship: Scheduled office hours and informal mentorship offer additional academic and career guidance.
• Learning Resources: Participants receive curated materials, selected readings, and access to relevant instructional and institutional resources where applicable.

Student Experience

The program emphasizes a supportive, collaborative learning environment, where participants can actively engage with faculty, researchers, and peers. These integrated academic and support services are designed to help students:

• Stay on track in a fast-paced learning setting
• Strengthen academic and communication skills
• Gain confidence in interdisciplinary collaboration

14. Visa Information

After registration and payment are completed, participants will receive an official invitation letter from the program

This letter may be used together with a valid passport when applying for a U.S. visa, most likely a B1/B2 visa, at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the purpose of attending the program in the United States.

The invitation letter will indicate that tuition has been paid in full

15. Application Process

Thank you for your interest in the California Medical Innovations Institute (CALMI2) Center for BioMed Innovation Education.

The program accepts only 16 participants, and early registration is strongly encouraged because positions are reserved quickly.

Application Deadline

April 15, 2026

Required Application Information

Please provide the following information: