Invention Education (IvE) is an innovative approach to learning that equips students with hands-on problem-solving skills, encouraging them to become empathetic investors. Unlike traditional passive learning methods, this model actively engages students in identifying real- world challenges – especially those without straight forward solutions – and developing their own creative solutions. Through designing, prototyping and critical thinking, students cultivate a mindset of exploration and resilience.
In Kenya, Invention Education is being integrated into the national innovation ecosystem to strengthen pathways for young innovators. Universities play a crucial role in this transformation by fostering talent and facilitating idea generation to address local and global challenges. Kenyatta University’s first graduate IvE program is the M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering – Medical Device Innovation (MDI).
In the MDI program, students are presented with opportunities that simulate professional practice, from team-based design projects to mock interviews to working alongside medical health professionals. Students take classes in early-stage device innovation and develop professional networks through interaction with industry, learning the standards of medical device development.
M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering (Medical Device Innovation)
Kenyatta University is launching the M.Sc. Biomedical Engineering – Medical Device Innovation (MDI) program in September 2025. Modeled after Rice University’s Global Medical Innovation Masters’s program, this 18-month, full-time program prepares students for careers in the medical device industry, equipping them with the skills to develop innovative, globally relevant healthcare solutions.
The degree program is designed for individuals passionate about applying engineering and technology to solve unmet clinical needs. While the program emphasizes design and development of innovative solutions, it also equips students with the knowledge and skills to work accross various industry sectors, including regulatory affairs, quality management, desiogn and entrepreneurship – even beyond healthcare.
Comprehensive Training in Medical Design Innovation.
The program covers the entire medical device development process, including:
- Needs finding and screening – Identifying real world healthcare challenges and evaluating solutions.
- Engineering & prototyping – Applying biomedical engineering principles to design and develop devices.
- Business strategy – Learning business planning, market analysis, and commercialization strategies.
- Regulatory & quality standards – Understanding the pathways to medical device approval and compliance.
- Industry integration – Gain real world exposure through industry seminars, needs-finding exercises and collaboration with medical and industry professionals.
Hands-on Experience & Dedicated Makerspace.
Students will have full-time access to a specialized makerspace equipped for low-to-medium-fidelity prototyping accross mechanical, electrical, woodworking, metalworking, design and upholstery. The program emphasizes practical application, ensuring graduates are industry ready.
We do have some full scholarships and partial scholarships for the program. Applicants will be invited to apply once they are admitted.
The program begins in January 2026, with the first cohort following a full-time, 18-month schedule. We might explore part-time opportunities down the line but the first cohort will be full-time. Given the intensive course load, balancing a full-time job alongside the program will be challenging. However, part-time work may be manageable with effective time management. Additionally, there will be a paid opportunity to work as a teaching assistant at the design studio that will be competitive.
The program follows a very project-based approach. Students will interact with clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals and innovators to validate and explore real-world clinical needs and then innovate on those needs in multidisciplinary teams. Additionally we will have some technical classes such as global regulatory strategies, biomaterials, prototyping and quality systems that give you the information needed to innovate for this market.
As part of the program, you will have full-time access to the Centre for Design, Innovation & Engineering (CDIE) that is primarily dedicated to the program to do prototyping related to your course and personal projects.
As a program, we are commited to intentionally recruiting a diverse cohort of engineers and scientists from various disciplines, institutions and countries.
As part of the program, students are required to complete a mandatory internship. To support this, we are committed to providing opportunities for students to engage with potential employers throughout the semester. This includes industry interactions integrated into coursework and a dedicated career day exclusively for program participans. Through these engagements, students will connect with medical device companies, startups and industry professionals, building a network to help secure their internships. Additionally, the curriculum includes training on effective networking strategies and we will provide resume reviews to ensure they meet industry standards.
Please look at curriculum to see course outline.