Discover
Understand the clinical need and establish a strong foundation for the design.
- Identify the problem and relevant stakeholders
- Determine user needs and engineering requirements
- Establish measurable criteria and constraints
About MDM 2027
Where engineering meets a real clinical need.
March 5-7, 2027, undergraduate teams from across the country will gather at the University of Oklahoma for the 9th Annual National Medical Device Make-A-Thon.
In one intensive weekend, students will turn a clinical challenge into an engineering solution through research, design, prototyping, and professional evaluation.
48 Hours
200+ Expected
$3,000 in Prizes
Our Mission
Engineering education with real-world impact.
The National Medical Device Make-A-Thon connects engineering education with real healthcare needs.
Students collaborate in teams to develop solutions that address clinical challenges while considering patient needs, engineering constraints, usability, safety, and feasibility.
Through professional mentorship, competition, and industry engagement, participants gain experience that extends beyond traditional classroom assignments.
The Competition Experience
From clinical problem to engineering solution.
Teams move through three major phases of the engineering design process over the course of the competition.
Develop
Transform design concepts into practical solutions through engineering analysis and iterative development.
- Generate and compare design concepts
- Apply CAD, modeling, and rapid prototyping
- Incorporate mentor feedback and evaluate feasibility
Present
Communicate the proposed solution and demonstrate its engineering value to professional judges.
- Explain design decisions and technical performance
- Demonstrate the proposed device or prototype
- Present findings and respond to judges
Weekend Overview
Three days of design, collaboration, and competition.
Explore the major activities taking place throughout the weekend. The full event schedule provides additional session details and locations.
Friday, March 5
Arrival, orientation, clinical challenge release, and competition kickoff.
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00–5:00 PM* | Participant Check-In | Participant arrival, registration confirmation, event materials, and initial orientation. |
| 5:00–6:00 PM* | Opening Workshops | Introductory programming and preparation for the design competition. |
| 6:00–7:00 PM* | Welcome Dinner | Dinner, introductions, and opportunities to meet fellow participants and event representatives. |
| 7:00–8:00 PM* | Clinical Challenge Release | Presentation of the competition problem, design expectations, and major requirements. |
| Following Challenge Release | Team Design Begins | Teams begin researching, defining requirements, brainstorming concepts, and developing initial design strategies. |
Saturday, March 6
Engineering design, prototyping, technical mentoring, and professional networking.
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00–9:00 AM* | Breakfast | Morning meal and preparation for the day's competition activities. |
| 9:00–10:00 AM* | Mentor Session | Teams receive technical, clinical, and design feedback from participating professionals. |
| Throughout the Day | Design and Prototyping | Continued concept development, engineering analysis, CAD, prototype fabrication, testing, and refinement. |
| Throughout the Day | Judging and Feedback | Competition evaluation activities and opportunities for teams to refine their proposed solutions. |
| 6:00–8:30 PM | Career Fair | Connect with companies, recruiters, industry professionals, and organizations offering career opportunities. |
| Following Scheduled Activities | Continued Team Development | Teams continue preparing their prototypes, technical documentation, and final presentations. |
Sunday, March 7
Final presentations, judging, and awards.
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Final Design Preparation | Teams complete remaining prototype refinements, technical materials, and presentations. |
| Scheduled Judging Periods | Competition Judging | Evaluation of team solutions by professional judges using competition criteria. |
| Final Competition Session | Finalist Presentations | Finalist teams present their designs and respond to questions from judges. |
| Event Conclusion | Awards Ceremony | Recognition of outstanding teams, announcement of winners, and presentation of competition awards. |
* Friday and Saturday session times marked with an asterisk are based on the working schedule and remain subject to final confirmation. The Career Fair time of 6:00–8:30 PM is confirmed. Additional judging and Sunday session times will be published on the full schedule page.
Hosted at the University of Oklahoma
National collaboration with a home in Norman.
The University of Oklahoma will welcome student teams from across the country for the 2027 competition.
Gallogly Hall serves as the primary event hub, with nearby Engineering Quad spaces supporting team design, collaboration, mentoring, and competition activities.
The event is organized by student leaders with support from the Stephenson School of Biomedical Engineering, university faculty and staff, and professional partners.
2027 Organizing Leadership
Hudson Harris
Co-Director
Ainsley Overheul
Co-Director
Dr. Alex Frickenstein
Faculty Advisor
Get Involved
Help shape the next generation of medical technology.
Students, universities, healthcare professionals, and industry partners all have opportunities to contribute to MDM 2027.
Students
Compete
Work with undergraduate teammates to develop a medical device concept and present your solution to professional judges.
Registration Details
Professionals
Mentor or Judge
Share expertise in engineering, healthcare, research, product development, regulation, or entrepreneurship.
View Opportunities
Industry Partners
Sponsor and Recruit
Support the event, engage with student participants, and connect with emerging engineering talent.
Explore Sponsorship
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you know before attending?
Answers to common questions about the competition, participation, and professional involvement.
What kind of challenge will teams solve?
Teams receive a clinical design challenge at the beginning of the competition. They apply engineering methods to research, develop, and present a proposed medical device solution.
Do I need a complete team to register?
Students may register with a complete team, a partial team, or as an individual requesting team placement. Team requirements and registration instructions are available on the Registration page.
Where will the competition take place?
The competition is hosted at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, with Gallogly Hall serving as the central event hub. Visit the Travel and Parking page for campus information.
Will students have access to prototyping resources?
The competition includes design and prototyping activities. Specific facilities, equipment availability, and participant preparation requirements will be shared through the Participant Resources page as event planning is finalized.
How can professionals or companies participate?
Professionals may participate as mentors or judges. Organizations can explore sponsorship opportunities, Career Fair involvement, and custom partnerships. Visit the relevant page for participation information and interest forms.
Are there prizes for winning teams?
The competition includes $3,000 in total prize money for the five highest-ranking teams. The first-place team also earns the traveling Make-A-Thon trophy.
Join Us in Norman
Be part of the next generation of medical innovation.
Join students, faculty, healthcare professionals, mentors, judges, and industry partners at the University of Oklahoma on March 5-7, 2027.