Arizona State University (ASU) has long been a leader in innovation and forward-thinking approaches to education and research, especially when it comes to health entrepreneurship. The institution’s comprehensive initiatives are setting new standards in healthcare education, research, and practical application, fostering an environment where future healthcare leaders and innovators can thrive.
Here are a few of the initiatives making ASU a leader in developing the next generation of health entrepreneurs.
A Unique Approach to Health Education
ASU is reimagining how healthcare education can be more integrated, innovative, and impactful. Its new initiative, ASU Health, aims to combine the university’s resources to improve health outcomes in Arizona and beyond. This approach includes the School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering, the School of Public Health Technology, and the Health Observatory at ASU, which serves as a real-time early warning system to help state leaders make informed health-related decisions based on the latest data).
ASU President Michael Crow emphasized the importance of this holistic approach during the 2024 Sun Devil Advocacy Breakfast. He highlighted that ASU Health’s mission is not only to produce more medical professionals but to ensure these professionals are better trained, more innovative, and committed to serving the local community.
The School of Public Health Technology, for example, is set to launch in the fall of 2025 with programs aimed at integrating technology into public health practices. These programs include a Bachelor of Science in public health technology, a one-year master’s degree, and a two-year master’s degree with a concentration in public health technology. This forward-thinking curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills needed to address contemporary public health challenges through technological innovation.
Empowering Student Innovators
The empowerment of student entrepreneurs is central to ASU’s mission. The Edson Student Entrepreneur Initiative has paved the way for nearly 300 student-led ventures, resulting in more than 40 patents and over $46 million raised in external funding. Programs like Venture Devils and Venture Devils Plus provide crucial support, including mentorship, funding opportunities, and collaborative working spaces.
The HEALab Advantage
HEALab, the Health Entrepreneurship Accelerator Lab, is another cornerstone of ASU’s health innovation ecosystem. Located within the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, HEALab serves as a hub for fostering innovative solutions across various health industries. It offers resources to assist students, faculty, and staff in finding mentors, preparing for pitch competitions, and developing their healthcare innovations.
Dr. Mike Collins, the HEALab director, and Program Manager Erika Griffin work closely with students, faculty, and community members in the HEALab to not only develop innovative ideas but also to connect students to the growing network of healthcare professionals. These connections help mentor the students throughout the development and launch of their ideas. Erika spent two years helping to manage the ASU/Mayo MedTech Accelerator and leans heavily on these experts when students feel like they need extra guidance. “The best part about innovation,” says Griffin, “is that innovators usually have a strong desire to help others.”
This summer was a perfect example of just how much ASU students are capable of when given a little bit of direction and a lot of encouragement. Twelve students from across the University came together to create a new design for a nursing tool used at HonorHealth. The students had four short weeks to redesign something they had never even seen before. In three weeks, their design was complete, and in the fourth week, they presented their new design to health experts from HonorHealth.
“The HEALab helped these students the same way we help all those who come to us with an idea,” Collins explained. “We helped ideate their design patterns, connected them with experts in healthcare, and brought in some product design companies we have worked with on other projects. Every time we brought in a new connection for the students, we could see their design become more focused and practical. By the end of the four weeks, our students nailed the design and impressed the stakeholders at HonorHealth. To be honest, they greatly exceeded all of our expectations!”
Success Stories: Students Leading the Charge
Several students have made significant progress on their entrepreneurial journey through ASU’s programs. For instance, Sam Bregman, the founder of Melts, leveraged resources from HEALab to develop his healthcare solution. Winning significant prizes at ASU’s Investment Competition and Venture Devils Demo Day, Bregman credits HEALab for providing critical mentorship and connecting him with the necessary resources to conduct efficacy studies. Melts is focused on developing “an innovative medical device aimed at accelerating patient recoveries through non-invasive immediate electrolyte replenishment,” explains Bregman. “The HEALab continues to be a vital part of Melts’ success. Thanks to Dr. Collins and Erika Griffin, we’ve been connected to invaluable advisors, research labs, and industry experts. With momentum rapidly picking up and ongoing support from ASU, the sky’s the limit.”
Another notable example is Ashwaq Mohamed, founder of Dawee Mascaxda and President of the Health Entrepreneurship and Innovation Student Club. Her transformative experience with HEALab equipped her with the tools to turn her dreams into reality. Similarly, Ashlyn Varner, founder of SonoBuddy, highlights how technological advancements in healthcare can lead to efficient patient care and a brighter future.
Cutting-Edge Research and Innovation
ASU is also a leader in research, advancing innovative solutions that enhance patient outcomes and the overall healthcare landscape. The university’s Knowledge Enterprise focuses on human health, developing new diagnostics and therapies while ensuring equitable access to care. This research benefits local communities and has global implications.
The integration of interdisciplinary cooperation is a hallmark of ASU’s approach. For instance, this summer, HEALab is collaborating with a major healthcare provider to innovate a piece of equipment used daily by nurses. This project involves students from diverse fields, including nursing, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, human user experience, and business management, showcasing the synergistic spark that such interdisciplinary collaboration can ignite.
Future Prospects and Community Impact
Looking ahead, ASU Health plans to enroll its first class of medical students in 2026, to achieve full accreditation by 2030. This timeline underscores ASU’s commitment to long-term planning and excellence in healthcare education. ASU’s efforts to integrate health innovation into its curriculum and community initiatives demonstrate a profound commitment to improving health outcomes and preparing students for impactful careers.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego emphasized the critical need for high-wage jobs in bioscience and healthcare, noting ASU’s significant contributions to transforming the local economy. With initiatives like ASU Health, the university is addressing immediate healthcare needs and fostering economic growth and development.
The impact of ASU’s entrepreneurial initiatives extends beyond the university campus. Programs like the Edson Student Entrepreneur Initiative and HEALab contribute to the broader community through innovation that addresses real-world healthcare challenges. These initiatives prepare students for successful careers and driving economic growth and improving health outcomes on a larger scale.
The Place to Explore Your Ideas
ASU’s innovative approach to health entrepreneurship sets a new standard for how universities contribute to advancing healthcare. Through its comprehensive programs, interdisciplinary collaborations, and commitment to community impact, ASU empowers the next generation of healthcare leaders and innovators. By continuing to invest in people and ideas, ASU is poised to make lasting contributions to the healthcare industry and improve health outcomes for communities both locally and globally.
ASU’s health entrepreneurship programs offer opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and make a real difference in the world. Whether through pioneering research, developing new healthcare technologies, or leading community health initiatives, ASU provides the tools, resources, and support to turn ideas into tangible solutions.
ASU Health and its associated programs are more than educational initiatives. They are transformative forces reshaping the future of healthcare. By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, ASU is preparing students for successful careers while also addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. The university’s commitment to excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement ensures that ASU Health will continue to lead the way in healthcare innovation for years to come.
Whether you are a student, faculty, or an entrepreneur in the community, Edson E+I is here to connect you with the support and resources you need to take your health innovation idea to the next level. Reach out to us or attend one of our welcoming events across the Valley, in-person or virtually.
