Who We Are.
We develop innovative biomedical technologies driven by real‑world needs, leveraging the diverse expertise of undergraduate engineers across disciplines.
What is DEBUT?
DEBUT — Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams — is a national competition that recognizes undergraduate excellence in biomedical design and innovation. Hosted by VentureWell, it challenges students to solve real-world healthcare problems through a complete biomedical product development process.
Strong submissions demonstrate analytical and design mastery, effective teamwork, and clear technical communication. Projects are judged on problem significance, clinical impact, innovative design, working prototype, market potential, economic feasibility, and patentability.
Venturewell.org →What will you work on?
Research & Development Analyst
R&D analysts are the primary drivers of project brainstorming and development. They analyze gaps in biomedical innovation to generate ideas, then work with CAD and other tools before moving into the lab to develop and test prototypes.
Business Analyst
Business analysts work alongside R&D to bring each project to life. They conduct patent searches, research regulatory pathways, generate market analyses, determine per‑unit costs, and lead the final competition submission.
Operations Analyst
Ops analysts ensure the efficiency and continued operations of the team. They manage the budget, lead fundraising, negotiate sponsorships, run recruitment, and oversee the website and social media presence.
Our members come from across Cornell.
Students from 5 colleges and over 15 majors and minors, all years, from around the world.
Two years from concept to competition.
Phase I — Research & Design
Teams conduct literature reviews, identify unmet clinical needs, generate and evaluate design concepts, and produce comprehensive design reports. The year concludes with selecting one final concept to advance into Phase II.
Phase II — Prototype & Compete
Teams develop a working prototype, conduct testing and iteration, complete the business case with patent searches and market analysis, then submit the final package to the DEBUT national competition in late spring.