AI Lab: Building AI Native Health Product & Startups

3 credits · Graduate

Course Overview:nTransforming breakthroughs in the AI lab into high-impact health products and startups requires more than exceptional code - it demands navigating clinical validation, complex regulatory landscapes, and specialized venture financing. nThis course is a project-based, hands-on learning experience where you will build, test, iterate and pitch a computational health product idea. It serves as a practical, execution-focused playbook for devising AI-driven health tech from initial concept to a viable, funded venture. Students will co-develop a computational health product in partnership with clinicians, administrators, and researchers in the healthcare industry. nStudents will master the end-to-end startup process, covering critical milestones including:nFoundations & Incorporation: Structuring the venture, defining IP, and architecting the core team.nCommercialization & De-risking: Managing clinical validation, regulatory pathways, and early revenue models.nCapital & Narrative: Crafting a compelling thesis, assembling investor data rooms, and pitching across funding stages.nThe course features intimate lectures by top-tier venture capitalists and pioneering health-AI founders from a16z, Khosla Ventures, and Pear VC, along with successful industry entrepreneurs who have successfully built and exited companies in the space.nnnPrerequisites:nCS and Engineering: Familiarity with machine learning (e.g., CS 229 or equivalent).nMedical School: Basic understanding of clinical workflows or healthcare systems.nGSB and MS&E: Demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship or product development nnLearning Objectives:n1. Identify the Product Opportunity: Learn to systematically evaluate unmet needs in healthcare and education, distinguish between a "nice-to-have" feature and a "hair-on-fire" problem, and assess the commercial viability of lab-based AI innovations.n2. Find Product-Market Fit: Transition from a technology-first mindset ("look at this cool AI") to a market-first mindset ("who desperately needs this and how does it solve their problem?").n3. Land a Design Partner: Learn the tactical steps to identify, approach, and secure early pilot partners (hospitals, clinics, school districts, universities) to validate your product.n4. Master the Pitch: Craft a compelling narrative, a bulletproof slide deck, and a robust data room that clearly communicates market opportunity, traction, and de-risked execution to early-stage investors.nnCourse FormatnAs a 3-unit course, students will work in interdisciplinary teams to "spin out" a real or simulated AI solution.n-Guest Speakers: Each week features 45 minutes with a domain expert (VCs, founders, legal counsel, or operators).n-Workshop: The remainder of class is hands-on. Teams will iterate on their pitch decks, business models, and data rooms, receiving live feedback from the instructors and guests.nnNote: Due to the overwhelming demand for this course, we need additional information about the students. All students must fill-out this survey form to apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHDtap6_zBKqe-Q12atgNfowuvkip_jwYDHsesUtT1p0a8yg/viewform nnStudents currently enrolled will get priority.