Tips & Recommendations
1. Do Your Research
Before you apply, take time to familiarise yourself with BioInnovate — what we do, how the programme is structured, and the kind of innovators we’re looking for. Understanding the Stanford Biodesign-inspired process and our focus on needs-led innovation will help you decide how your experience and ambitions align with the programme. We also encourage you to review our FAQ's for further insight into the programme’s structure, eligibility, and selection process.
We also encourage you to reach out to a member of our team or one of our alumni to learn more about their experience. These conversations can offer valuable perspective and help you approach your application with clarity and confidence. You can explore our alumni network here.
2. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted throughout the application window, so early submissions receive the fullest consideration. The programme is highly competitive, and places are limited to 12 participants per year — submitting early ensures your application gets timely attention.
3. Tailor Your Application
Your application should reflect your passion for healthcare innovation and the experience that supports it. Highlight specific examples that show how you’ve identified problems, driven change, or brought new ideas to life.
Focus on how BioInnovate will help you amplify your impact — whether your goal is to found a start-up, lead innovation in your field, or contribute to advancing healthcare technology.
4. Be Clear and Concise
Keep your responses focused and easy to read. Avoid jargon, and make sure each section of your application clearly demonstrates your:
- Relevant skills and achievements
- Ability to innovate and think creatively
- Potential to contribute to a multidisciplinary team
Remember, reviewers come from different professional backgrounds — clarity and simplicity make your strengths stand out.
5. Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
BioInnovate is built on team-based, cross-disciplinary collaboration. Use your application to share examples of when you’ve successfully worked across different areas — for instance, with clinicians, engineers, business leaders, or researchers. Highlight what you contributed, what you learned, and how teamwork helped deliver better outcomes.
6. Complete the Optional Project (Highly Recommended)
We strongly encourage you to complete the optional project section of your application. This is your opportunity to demonstrate creativity, problem-solving, and innovation — in whatever form best reflects you.
You can include mechanical, audio/visual, or electronic media, photographs, artwork, or other material that showcases how you think and create. It’s one of the best ways to make your application distinctive.
7. Leverage Your Network
Before submitting, seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or alumni who understand innovation and healthcare. A fresh perspective can help refine your responses, ensure clarity, and highlight strengths you may overlook.
8. Prepare for the Recruitment Day
If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to the in-person Recruitment Day at the University of Galway. Come ready to collaborate, share ideas, and learn.
We’re not looking for perfection — we’re looking for potential, creativity, adaptability, and openness to new perspectives. Show us how you think, how you work in a team, and how you approach complex healthcare challenges.
Final Advice
Above all, let your curiosity, motivation, and purpose come through. BioInnovate seeks passionate professionals who want to make a real difference in healthcare — and every strong application tells that story clearly and authentically.
