Define the Challenge
Teams evaluate a real healthcare problem, identify user needs, establish constraints, and develop an engineering design strategy.
9th Annual National Medical Device Make-A-Thon
Design the next generation of medical devices.
A 48-hour national design competition bringing undergraduate students, healthcare professionals, and industry partners together to develop innovative solutions to real clinical challenges.
About the Competition
Real challenges. Practical solutions.
The National Medical Device Make-A-Thon brings together engineering students and industry professionals for an intensive weekend of innovation, collaboration, and experiential learning.
9th
Annual Event
Nearly a decade of student innovation
200+
Expected Participants
Students from universities nationwide
48
Hours of Innovation
From clinical need to final presentation
$3,000
Prize Money
Recognizing exceptional student teams
Competition Experience
From clinical need to working concept.
Design and Prototype
Students apply CAD, engineering analysis, fabrication, and mentor feedback to develop and refine their proposed medical device.
Present and Compete
Teams present their solutions to professionals in engineering, medicine, research, business, and industry for evaluation.
Get Involved
Find your place at MDM 2027.
Whether you are a student, university representative, healthcare professional, or industry partner, there are opportunities to participate and contribute to the event.
Students and Teams
Compete in a national medical device design challenge, work alongside fellow students, and develop practical engineering experience.
Teams consist of 4-5 undergraduate students, including at least two first- or second-year students.
Sponsors and Employers
Support the competition, connect with emerging engineering talent, and develop meaningful relationships with students and universities.
Partnership opportunities include sponsorship packages, Career Fair participation, recruiting access, and professional engagement.
Mentors and Judges
Share professional expertise in medicine, engineering, research, regulation, entrepreneurship, or healthcare technology.
Mentors support teams during development, while judges evaluate presentations and determine advancement and awards.
Faculty and Universities
Bring undergraduate teams to the University of Oklahoma for a collaborative national engineering experience.
Explore team requirements, registration information, preparation resources, and university coordination.
Event Schedule
Three days of innovation.
From initial introductions and problem definition to prototyping, professional feedback, and final presentations, the competition offers a comprehensive design experience.
Welcome and Launch
Participant check-in, introductory activities, event orientation, clinical challenge presentation, and the beginning of team design work.
Design and Development
Engineering design, prototyping, mentor interactions, technical feedback, and professional networking opportunities.
The Career Fair takes place from 6:00–8:30 PM.
Presentations and Awards
Team presentations, evaluation by professional judges, finalist recognition, and the conclusion of the competition.
Registration and Updates
Prepare for MDM 2027.
Registration is open for the 2027 competition. Review upcoming deadlines, explore partnership opportunities, and stay informed as additional event information becomes available.
Registration Open
Join the 2027 Competition
Early registration is available for $45 per participant through December 31, 2026.
Standard registration begins January 1, 2027 at $60 per participant. Registration closes February 14, 2027.
Students may register as complete teams, partial teams, or individuals requesting placement through the team builder.
Partnership Opportunities
Become a Sponsor
Support the 2027 National Medical Device Make-A-Thon and connect with emerging engineering talent through sponsorship, recruiting, and industry partnerships.
Explore sponsorship levels, Career Fair opportunities, and custom or in-kind contributions.
Event Information
News and Participant Resources
Stay informed about competition announcements, registration updates, sponsor participation, professional opportunities, and event logistics.
News and Announcements
Event planning and updates
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Participant Resources
Preparation and competition materials
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Travel and Parking
Arrival information and maps
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common event questions
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Contact the MDM Team
Questions or need additional information?
Email
Join Us in Norman
Be part of the next generation of medical innovation.
Join undergraduate students, medical professionals, mentors, judges, recruiters, and industry partners at the University of Oklahoma on March 5-7, 2027.