MDI Multidisciplinary Innovation

MAKING WAVES AND ADVANCING HEALTH

In 2025, Pitt Multidisciplinary Innovations set a new benchmark for impact across the university and the broader health care ecosystem.

Through our multi-collaborative initiatives, MDI advanced high-impact research that challenges convention and reimagines what’s possible in human health.

In 2026 and beyond, expect expanded opportunities as MDI continues to accelerate discovery into real-world impact.

Image of the University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning with a collection of numbers from the Pitt Un-Challenge. Over $1M across 45 teams from 12 schools and 25 departments.

2026-27 Programs

Imitation-worthy innovation.

  • PUnCh Phase 1 — Opens December 2026

  • VK Pain Research Challenge — Opens January 2027

  • Sustainability in Healthcare — Opens Summer 2027

Multi Collab Programs
An image displaying the logos for the Sustainability in Healthcare Challenge, The Pitt Un-Challenge, and the Virginia Kaufman Pain Challenge
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Research Designed with People in Mind

The Pitt Human-Centered Design (HCD) Team provides HCD facilitation, consultation, and training to help researchers engage patients, communities, and research teams in the design of more impactful studies, interventions, and solutions.

Explore Pitt HCD
An image of two women, one with a solid colored sweater and the other with a striped sweater and reading glasses. Text includes "It not only funds us - It trains us to be successful. - Smita S. Iyer. MEMBRAiN Team.
A graphic of one side of a human brain with text overtop that states "MDI's guidance lit up the other side of my brain when it comes to the marketing portion of research. - Jennie Dorris. Project Unmute Team
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From Collaboration to Commercialization

MDI has teamed up with HealthForge Venture Studio to offer hands-on workshops that empower innovators to uncover promising opportunities and transform scientific discoveries into scalable, market-ready solutions.

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Faster & Further

With more than 2,400 expert review assignments (among the most rigorous internal funding processes nationwide) 180 dedicated reviewers work in teams to identify and advance the boldest health innovations poised to redefine care.

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Whether you’re refining a proposal or exploring a new project, we’re here to help bring your vision to life. 

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An image showcasing the partnership between Pitt MDI and HealthForge Venture Studio and Bally Design. The image illustrates the process of design, develop, and market. A woman is pictured on the left and a man on the right.

Connect, Collaborate, and Create with Us

MDI’s Multi Collab is a research incubator built to advance bold innovations that challenge and evolve traditional health care. Bring us your big idea—and let’s make it real.

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