The MIT DHIVE Takeda Innovation Track, offered in partnership with Takeda, is a new and exciting internship opportunity exploring a variety of unmet biomedical technological and innovation needs. Participants will gain insights from knowledgeable Takeda subject matter experts on key needs and challenges, engage in brainstorming and ideation activities, and learn from seasoned entrepreneurs how to transform ideas into viable solutions.  The partnership with Takeda provides a unique chance for interns to work on innovative solutions with a patient-focused, values-based, R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company. Complete our form below to stay informed of future programs.

• New Clinical Trial Methods

• Clinical trials are changing!  They are becoming more decentralized rather than being held at a brick-and-mortar site (e.g., telehealth, remote monitoring, and device integration).  This becomes expensive and creates unique challenges for all stakeholders. Solutions are needed that improve communication with study participants, transparency, and efficient ways to collect data. 

• New Digital Tools:  Development of novel, patient-friendly, digital tools that can be utilized for neurodegenerative diseases 

• Very few tools exist for testing and understanding disease progression and changes (positive and negative) especially in the cases of neurodegenerative/neurodevelopmental diseases, like Parkinson’s. 
  

• Early prediction of Fabry disease (FB)

• FD is a rare inherited disorder of glycosphingolipid (fat) metabolism resulting from the absent or markedly deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme, α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A). Though potentially detectable at birth, affected populations are often not identified until end-organ effect is dominant. Developing ways to identify patients early on will allow them to get access to medications sooner (e.g., at the onset of symptoms).
  

• Assessment of Brain Function using novel electroencephalogram (EEG) methods

  • EEG is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain using small, metal discs (electrodes) attached to the scalp. There is a need to have better tools to assess brain function that is evidenced possibly earlier or can be better quantified than behavioral readouts that can be applied to assessment of therapies for rare diseases. 

Who Should Apply?

• Individuals interested in healthcare entrepreneurship who want to explore potential topics/problems individually or by joining an existing team.

• Individuals who have a novel idea on how to address a particular need or challenge related to any of the potential areas 

• Individuals who have expertise in proven technologies and are interested in applying their knowledge to address these unmet needs

• Current or recent MIT Sandbox team members interested in exploring the application of their concept to address a particular need or challenge related to above