Cornell DEBUT is an undergraduate project team that develops innovative biomedical devices — from initial concept through prototype — and competes in VentureWell's national DEBUT competition.








We are a team of undergraduates from across Cornell's colleges who come together to develop novel solutions for real biomedical problems. After two years of research and development, our project is submitted to VentureWell's DEBUT competition — judged on innovation, feasibility, marketability, and patentability.
More than twenty universities — including Columbia and Johns Hopkins — compete annually for up to $20,000.
We develop innovative biomedical technologies driven by real‑world needs, leveraging the diverse expertise of undergraduate engineers across disciplines.
DEBUT — Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams — is a national competition that recognizes undergraduate excellence in biomedical design and innovation. Hosted by VentureWell, it challenges students to solve real-world healthcare problems through a complete biomedical product development process.
Strong submissions demonstrate analytical and design mastery, effective teamwork, and clear technical communication. Projects are judged on problem significance, clinical impact, innovative design, working prototype, market potential, economic feasibility, and patentability.
Venturewell.org →R&D analysts are the primary drivers of project brainstorming and development. They analyze gaps in biomedical innovation to generate ideas, then work with CAD and other tools before moving into the lab to develop and test prototypes.
Business analysts work alongside R&D to bring each project to life. They conduct patent searches, research regulatory pathways, generate market analyses, determine per‑unit costs, and lead the final competition submission.
Ops analysts ensure the efficiency and continued operations of the team. They manage the budget, lead fundraising, negotiate sponsorships, run recruitment, and oversee the website and social media presence.
Students from 5 colleges and over 15 majors and minors, all years, from around the world.
Teams conduct literature reviews, identify unmet clinical needs, generate and evaluate design concepts, and produce comprehensive design reports. The year concludes with selecting one final concept to advance into Phase II.
Teams develop a working prototype, conduct testing and iteration, complete the business case with patent searches and market analysis, then submit the final package to the DEBUT national competition in late spring.
30 engineers and scientists across six subteams, working on real biomedical devices from concept to competition.
We recruit new members every semester. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Reach out to debut@cornell.edu with any questions.
When applications open, positions are available across R&D (Phase I & II) and Business subteams. Both the DEBUT-specific application and the Cornell General Project Team Application must be submitted together.
Help bring together a team of incredible minds developing novel biomedical innovations at one of the nation's top engineering universities.
Cornell DEBUT sponsors directly fund undergraduate biomedical research and development — giving students the resources to turn ideas into working prototypes and compete on a national stage.
Sponsors gain visibility within Cornell Engineering, access to talented students, and the opportunity to support the next generation of biomedical innovators. All contributions are tax-deductible.
Innovative biomedical solutions developed by DEBUT teams and submitted to copmetition.
DEBUT developed HemBrace, a low-cost, reusable system for real-time detection and management of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The device combines a calibrated flow sensor with a responsive compression belt to measure blood loss and automatically apply graded uterine pressure when excessive bleeding is detected. Data is displayed through an LCD interface with color-coded indicators, while embedded sensors provide feedback to ensure safe and effective compression. Powered by Arduino-based control, the system operates autonomously and adapts to hemorrhage severity. Prototype testing demonstrated high accuracy in both blood loss measurement (96.8%) and pressure response (100%), and when used with existing non-pneumatic anti-shock garments (NASG), HemBrace offers a scalable, cost-effective solution for under-resourced settings.
DEBUT developed MeyeAttention, a low-cost, wearable diagnostic support device designed to improve ADHD screening through objective measurement of attention dysregulation. The system uses infrared pupillometry during a brief visual oddball task and applies machine learning algorithms to analyze pupil responses associated with cognitive attention states. By reducing assessment time from hours to under 15 minutes, MeyeAttention enables faster and more accessible screening. The platform also has potential for broader neurological applications, including traumatic brain injury, migraines, and photophobia.
DEBUT developed NanoLIST, a low-cost, rapid saliva-based test kit for detecting lead exposure. The system uses gold nanoparticles that aggregate in the presence of lead ions, producing a visible colorimetric shift. The test consists of a multi-chamber vial system containing reagents including deionized water, hydrochloric acid, gallic acid, and chloroauric acid. The user activates the reaction by mixing saliva with the reagents, initiating nanoparticle synthesis and enabling visual detection of lead contamination within 30 seconds.
DEBUT developed SteadyStride, an assistive cane designed to reduce tremor-induced instability in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The device integrates a tuned mass damper (TMD) within the cane shaft to attenuate tremor amplitude and a shock-absorbing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) base with textured rubberized treads to enhance ground stability. Experimental testing demonstrated an average 12.25% reduction in cane tremors, with 75% of users reporting improved stability and usability.
DEBUT developed MobiLab, a lab-on-a-disk diagnostic platform for early detection of pancreatic cancer. The system utilizes microfluidic channels on a rotating disk platform operating at 2000 RPM to drive analyte transport via centripetal force and capillary action. Detection is achieved through gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric assays targeting biomarkers such as miR-143, miR-223, and miR-30e, enabling rapid and sensitive visualization of cancer-related signals.
DEBUT developed BPLP, a sense-and-response system designed to mitigate phantom limb pain (PLP) in amputees. The device uses a gyroscope-based motion tracking system to determine the amputated limb's position within the gait cycle. At critical points—specifically when peak pain would normally occur—a TENS unit delivers targeted electrical stimulation to disrupt pain signaling. This coordinated system reduces perceived phantom pain by counteracting aberrant neural firing associated with limb absence.
DEBUT developed Intelli-Patch, a diagnostic adhesive patch for early detection of driveline infections in left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The device functions as a "bullseye" sensor that monitors discharge levels and produces a colorimetric change when S. aureus concentrations exceed infectious thresholds. This early detection capability enables patients to seek timely medical intervention, with the potential to reduce infection-related mortality, reimplantation rates, and overall healthcare costs.
DEBUT developed CABG, a device designed to improve the efficacy and reliability of coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. The device enhances ease of insertion and reduces postoperative complications, particularly blood leakage at the surgical site. It incorporates a novel attachment mechanism to improve arterial sealing while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
DEBUT developed SeptuClip, an intranasal drug delivery device designed as an alternative to traditional allergy medications. The device uses inhalation-facilitated transport to provide continuous, all-day symptom relief. SeptuClip is a disposable, clip-in device that attaches to the nasal septum, enabling locally targeted drug delivery while minimizing drug loss from exhalation.
DEBUT developed TUBLOX, a reversible tubal occlusion device designed as an alternative form of long-acting contraception. The system utilizes a minimally invasive catheter-based procedure in which a balloon catheter is inserted through the vaginal canal, uterus, and into the fallopian tube. The balloon is then inflated with a saline-dye solution and secured in place using a fast-acting adhesive to achieve tubal occlusion. The catheter is subsequently removed below the occlusion site. TUBLOX is designed to prevent fertilization for a minimum of six months and can be reversed upon patient request through surgical deflation and removal, with the option for replacement if desired.