MDHS Innovation and Enterprise Programs

Apply now for the MDHS Impact Health Catalyst Program

Form an international team and work together to transform an idea into a potential social innovation venture!

The MDHS Impact Health Catalyst Program will provide participants from the University of Melbourne and the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Malawi the opportunity to co-design innovative solutions to address a major health issue, with a plan to promote impact and health equity in the Malawian community. The inaugural 2024 program will focus on reducing mortality rates in the first 28 days of life.

MDHS Team members will participate in a series of in-person education workshops with colleagues from the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, before attending four one-hour online mentoring sessions to support the development of their innovative health solution. Teams will then present their proposal to an audience at a pitch event. A selected team will have access to grant funding of up to $50,000 and have the opportunity to travel to Malawi to support the validation and implementation of their idea.

The program will provide all participants with a strong understanding of the principles of innovation and entrepreneurship, and a unique opportunity to work in an international team to co-design solutions to a major health challenge.

University of Melbourne participants must either be an academic staff member or a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and can apply individually or in teams of up to four people. Applications close Sunday 21 July at 11:59pm.

More information on key dates, program activities and eligibility can be found in the program guidelines document (73KB). PhD student applicants will need to include a signed PhD Supervisor Statement of Support Form (51KB) with their application.

Apply here

Information Session - Recording

Find out more about the program, timelines and FAQs - watch the Info Session recording [Melbourne University login required]