Innovation in Life Sciences Summer Camp returns for fifth year at UTMB

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is accepting applications through April 10 for the Innovation in Life Sciences Summer Camp, a four-day immersive program set for May 4-7 and designed to inspire the next generation of scientific and entrepreneurial leaders through hands-on learning and real-world problem solving.

Celebrating its fifth consecutive year, the Innovation in Life Sciences Summer Camp invites curious, creative, and forward-thinking undergraduate and graduate students from Texas universities to explore how science, innovation, and entrepreneurship intersect to address today's most pressing challenges.

The program features interactive sessions, collaborative projects, and guest speakers and brings together students, faculty, industry leaders, and innovators in a high-energy, low-stress environment focused on driving change in the health and life sciences.

Daniel Jupiter, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs in the UTMB Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, said the camp grew from The University of Texas System's effort to advance innovation and entrepreneurship education.

"We had the opportunity to work with our colleagues across the UT System to build a camp, and we thought, 'Let's include students from across Texas,'" Jupiter said. "The camp has evolved, but it's still a great opportunity for us to share with our students, meet some interesting speakers, and also work with students and faculty from other institutions to think about these ideas."

The camp will take place at the historic Customs House, home of the UTMB Office of Innovation, located at 1700 Strand, in Galveston. Participants will gain exposure to scientific discovery, innovation pathways, and entrepreneurial thinking while engaging with faculty, industry professionals, and peers.

"When I applied to medical school, one of the things I wanted to learn about was innovation and biotech," said UTMB medical student Bobby Bobby. "When I saw there was an innovation camp, I couldn't help but apply. In hindsight, it was probably the best thing I did when I joined medical school."

Additional program details, including eligibility and curriculum highlights, are available through the application portal, which closes at 5 p.m. on April 10.