Program Overview

Invention Accelerator Program

The Invention Accelerator Program (IAP) is a competitive program that equips inventors to think like entrepreneurs and accelerate their path from discovery to patient care. Through close collaboration with Stanford researchers and clinicians, the program transforms promising health technology ideas into actionable solutions.

Program Overview

Over six months, teams refine their technology, tackle commercialization challenges, and gain access to a powerful network of mentors, partners, and resources to speed their path to impact. Each IAP project follows a tailored development plan to assess and address the areas most critical to moving the specific innovation closer to patients.

Focus Areas

Focus areas generally fall into two categories:

• Technical Development
  • Needs validation – confirm the problem through stakeholder interviews and workflow analysis
  • Product design – align the solution with clinical workflows and user needs
  • Prototype refinement – improve function, usability, and performance
  • Preclinical and early clinical testing – generate evidence to de-risk translation
• Commercial Strategy & Execution
  • Value proposition – define clinical, economic, and competitive benefits for stakeholders
  • IP strategy – secure protection and strengthen positioning
  • Market analysis – size and segment high-impact opportunities
  • Reimbursement – understand payer needs and support adoption
  • Business model – create a sustainable plan to deliver value
  • Fundraising – secure grants, investors, or partners to advance development
  • Team development – assemble expertise needed to execute and scale

Leadership Team

The leadership team includes:

• Bernie Andreas, Engineer in Residence, Fogarty Innovation
• Brandon Felkins, Assistant Director, Invention Accelerator Program
• Linda Lucian, Senior Manager, Translational Programs
• John Morriss, Director of Invention Acceleration, Fogarty Innovation
• Gordon Saul, Executive Director, Stanford Biodesign

Programs

• Fellowships
• Stanford Courses
• Executive Education
• Global Programs
• Grants

Our Impact

• Million+ Patients Helped
• Stories & Spotlights
• Technologies
• Companies
• Trainee Outcomes
• Our Fellows

About Us

• Purpose & Values
• Diversity
• Timeline & History
• Setting
• Process
• Team

News & Events

• News Archive
• Health Technology Showcase

Giving

• Philanthropic Donors
• Industry Sponsors
• Annual Reports
• Promise Program

Resources

• Learning
• Alumni Association
• Careers
• Directory

Non-Discrimination

Stanford complies with all applicable civil rights laws and does not engage in illegal preferences or discrimination. Stanford's Non-Discrimination Policy applies to all programs and activities.