[ FRAMEWORK ]
Catalyst
Methodology
Catalyst is a program at MIT linQ that fuels biomedical innovation by tackling genuine, unmet healthcare needs using cutting-edge technologies. The program assembles cross-functional teams (researchers, clinicians, designers, entrepreneurs) to pinpoint unmet needs, identify technological possibilities, and create projects with significant commercial or clinical promise.
Approximately 50% of Catalyst projects progress toward commercialisation, surpassing MIT's broader 15% average. ASCENT adapts this proven methodology from biomedical innovation to aerospace and new-space technologies at Universidad Politecnica de Madrid.
50%
of Catalyst projects progress toward commercialisation
vs. MIT's broader 15% average
// SOURCE PROGRAM
catalyst.mit.edu
// PURPOSE
Mission
M
MIT's Catalyst methodology emphasises collaborative expert engagement across disciplines to identify unmet needs, generate ideas, and develop actionable projects with an iterative, human-centered approach.
Teams comprising MIT and UPM professors and students will apply Catalyst methodology to real aerospace contexts, incorporating professionals from academia, research, and industry.
// COMPARISON
How it differs from the traditional model
Primary focus on producing new knowledge
Strong incentives to go with what you know; risk discouraged or impeded
PI-centric: leaders drive programs and manage all aspects
Performance requirements reinforce professional and organisational silos
Hierarchical training system
Primary focus on improved outcomes and impact; knowledge generation is a natural by-product
Problem-focus is technology-agnostic; incentives to solve problems by best available means
Resources aligned with expertise to maximise results and include new contributors
Clear goals and timelines foster cross-professional and institutional collaboration
360° learning opportunities
// THE PROCESS
Two phases · ASCENT covers Phase 1
The 12-week ASCENT program covers Opportunity Discovery end to end. Teams leave with a validated problem statement and a concrete proof-of-principle plan. Phase 2 happens beyond the program, with the team's own venture, lab, or follow-on funding.
Phase 1
Opportunity Discovery
Every project begins by rigorously mapping the problem space before touching a solution.
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01.
Landscape exploration
Users, data, regulations, and alternatives.
-
02.
Interviews and user or patient journey mapping
Direct engagement with the people who live the problem.
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03.
Explicit hypotheses and kill criteria
Teams define in advance what would prove their assumptions wrong.
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04.
Proposed proof-of-principle and study plan
A concrete plan that sets up Phase 2 execution.
Phase 2
Execution and Validation
Once a problem is well-defined, teams continue execution outside the program, with their own venture, lab, or follow-on funding.
-
01.
Prototype and efficacy or feasibility studies
Build and test the core hypothesis with real evidence.
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02.
Value metrics and market evaluation
Define and measure what success looks like for users and markets.
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03.
IP strategy and funding pathway
Understand what can be protected and identify the right backers.
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04.
Team growth and partnerships
Labs, test sites, and institutional partners for execution.
// ECOSYSTEM
The community
Catalyst works because of the ecosystem around each team. ASCENT replicates this structure.
[FELLOWS]
Fellows
Diverse profiles with 360 degree learning. The core participants of each cohort.
[FACULTY]
Mentors and faculty
Ongoing commitment that weaves the ecosystem. From academia, industry, startups, and business universities.
[ADVISORY]
Advisory panel
Domain experts for critical decisions. An Independent Advisory Panel evaluates final presentations.
[PARTNERS]
External partners
Companies, laboratories, and public bodies engaged as real-world stakeholders.