MAS in Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship

Translational medicine is a new, process-oriented discipline that aims to translate new findings and products resulting from industrial development and basic research into clinical applications. It seeks to professionalize the essential interaction between research, clinics, regulatory bodies, investors and industry. This  two-year part-time program  study program is designed to train professionals in scientific-technical knowledge, and simultaneously in entrepreneurial skills to enable them to successfully coordinate the development and commercialization of their healthcare innovation.

What to expect from this program? 

• Take your innovative idea and boost the success of your start up
• Become proficient in navigating the landscape and interdisciplinary interaction along the translational pathway
• Increase your career prospects
• Obtain an internationally recognised degree from a prestigious Swiss university
• Gain expert insights from academia and industry
• Connect and exchange with peers, lecturers and experts from industry
• Acquire extensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills in topics relevant to your project
• Profit from small class sizes, individual coachings and flexible study formats

Who is the program for?

The program addresses researchers from various fields of medicine, pharmacy, natural sciences or engineering, who are eager to translate their research-based innovation projects into a succesful startup. It is designed to foster and develop startup ideas towards a marketable product by directly applying the knowledge acquired during the program to the individual project. The program also addresses professionals from industry, hospitals and academia that are active in the medical sector seeking to gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in translational medicine and biomedical entrepreneurship. 

After successful participation, the University of Bern awards the title Master of Advanced Studies with a diploma supplement disclosing the contents and achievements of the program.

The MAS TMBE is a two-year part-time program, consisting of six modules and a MAS thesis. The theoretical knowledge acquired during the six modules is directly and specifically applied to the individual projects.

The program scope corresponds to 60 ECTS, with one ECTS being estimated a study work performance of about 25-30 hours, including in-person events, preparatory tasks and all other course activities. The program is conceptualized as an extra-occupational program that can be reconciled with your professional work. The modules are taught in a blended learning environment and utilize e-learning, peer learning and interactive discussions with experts, on site lectures, workshops, and case studies. Small class sizes allow for large flexibility while at the same time permitting to profit from the lecturers’ expertise. 

The continuing education program in Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship has a modular structure, allowing individual learning approaches and fast tracks (see DAS TMBE, DAS TM, CAS TM, CAS BE). It is also possible to book single modules in case free places are available.

After successful participation, the University of Bern awards the title Master of Advanced Studies in Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship. 

Since 2017, the sitem-insel School has been able to provide financial support to our participants through a scholarship fund. We keep partnering with industry, scientists from universities, researchers, regulatory agencies, and collaborators who help us promote a new generation of innovative minds in many biomedical fields. 

What does the scholarship program offer? 

Scholarship recipients benefit from financial support to join the MAS TMBE and are enabled to access comprehensive training in scientific-technical/medical, as well as entrepreneuriship and access to a large network of experts to bring their innovation projects forward. 
If your application is selected by our committee, you will benefit from:

• A scholarship covering 80% of the full MAS Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship program fee, worth CHF 25'500.-
• A one-off opportunity to bring your project to life – i.e. a medical product or a service – and change patients’ lives.
• A large network of experts and international, like-minded professionals like you to collaborate with.

Am I eligible?

To apply for for the scholarship program, the same academic requirements apply as for all MAS TMBE applicants. Please consult the admissions section or the study regulation for more information.
In addition, you must bring a proposal for your own translational medicine project or venture, which will be continuously developed throughout the program.
Bursaries are limited and competition is high due to the number of projects and start-up proposals we receive every year.

How to apply? 

The application deadline for Scholarships is 31^st of May.

Applicants are required to fill in the regular registration for the program that can be accessed via the link above. You will be asked to submit the following attachments in one compressed .zip-folder:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Recent portrait photo (see guideline)
3. Copy of passport
4. Signed confidentiality agreement (provided in the download section below)
5. Copy of highest relevant academic degree
6. TMBE scholarship application documents (provided in the download section below)
7. Application video (max. 90 sec, .mp4)

Here's a guide to prepare your application video.

1. Content
   The goal of the video is to briefly introduce you, your startup or research project, and your ambitions. These questions will help you preparing your message:
   - Who are you? (Brief introduction: name, background, field of study)
   - What is your startup or research project about? (Main idea, goal, or impact)
   - Why are you applying for this scholarship? (How it will help you achieve your goals)
   - What is your long-term vision? (Where do you see yourself and your project in the future?)
2. Format
   Your video must meet the following format standards:
   - File format: .mp4 (alternatively: .mov or .avi)
   - Duration: Maximum 90 seconds (videos exceeding this length will not be considered)
   - Language: English (unless otherwise specified)
   - Clear audio and video quality (avoid background noise, ensure good lighting)
3. Style
   - You may speak directly to the camera in a portrait or medium shot (recommended) or include slides and visuals if they help illustrate your project.
   - If you use slides, images, or text overlays, ensure they are clear, relevant, and concise.
   - Avoid overloading the video with excessive text—keep it engaging and natural.
4. Submission
   - Name your video file using the format: LastName_FirstName_ScholarshipVideo_Year.mp4 (e.g., Doe_John_ScholarshipVideo_2025.mp4)
   - Place the video file inside your .zip application folder, along with all other required documents.
   - Submit your application by filling in the registration form to the program (red button at the top of this page).
   - Videos and application forms that do not meet the format standards or exceed 90 seconds will not be considered.

The receipt of your application will be confirmed by the sitem-insel School team. After the application deadline has passed, the submissions will then be evaluated by a committee of experts from academia, clinic and industry.
Applicants will be informed at the end of July whether they have been awarded a scholarship to the program starting in fall term of that year.

Scholarship sponsors

The scholarship sponsors dedicate a portion of their income to helping students acquire knowledge in the field of translational medicine and biomedical entrepreneurship and in supporting future leaders and professionals to bring their idea to market. Our partners are renowned companies that operate nation-wide and internationally.

We sincerely thank our scholarship sponsors for their generous support in providing scholarships for our TMBE students. Your commitment to education and investment in future talent make a lasting impact, opening doors to new opportunities and empowering future entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine (sitem-insel)

sitem-insel is the Swiss Institute for Translational and Entrepreneurial Medicine. It is located on the Insel Campus Bern and benefits from its proximity to Switzerland's largest university hospital (Inselspital) as well as the University of Bern. At sitem-insel, a wide variety of units from clinics, industry, research, and education are networked under one roof, driving innovation for the benefit of patients. Our mission is to establish, operate and develop a National Center of Excellence for Translational Medicine that professionalizes translational research for the benefit of patients, society, and science. An onsite cutting-edge 20,000 m² facility is the sitem-insel catalyst for a multidisciplinary collaborative approach to unlocking ‘bench to bedside’ innovation. 

Bringing innovation to the patient – by connecting people.

How to get a research idea from bench to bedside? 
Together with you, we are committed to bridging the gap between clinical practice, research, entrepreneurship and regulation.

Medical Faculty of the University of Bern

Our education programs in translational medicine, biomedical entrepreneurship, regulatory affairs and artificial intelligence are offered under the umbrella of the Medical Faculty of the University of Bern. 
The Medical Faculty is known for an excellent curriculum in human and dental medicine, and also offers an attractive and high-quality range of training and continuing education in the field of health and medicine. With several institutes and clinics in various disciplines, it has excellent, internationally recognized research performance. It also conducts cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence for medicine and provides access to data science for all research groups. 

Experts from industry and academia

Our experts from academia, clinic, industry and regulatory authorities, carry the teaching responsibility and support us in educating healthcare and regulatory specialists, bridging knowledge gaps, and advancing professional careers. They combine deep theoretical knowledge from their innovative research, with the latest practical insights from their extensive work with industry.

Admission requirements

Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor's degree from a university or university of applied sciences in the fields of natural sciences and engineering, medicine, pharmacy or law. Professional experience is not mandatory. If the applicant has no prior academic degree or professional experience, the study commission may define further conditions for the applicant to successfully complete the course.

Admission process

Please submit your complete application including all required attachments via the registration form. Extensions of application deadlines may be granted by the Directorate.
To complete the application, you will need the following documents:

• Copy of your resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
• Recent passport photo (see guideline) and a copy of the passport/ID
• Signed copy of Confidentiality Declaration (see documents below)
• Copy of highest relevant academic degree

Once we have received your application, we will gladly evaluate your documents and get back to you within a few working days. Upon successful registration, you will get a Campus Account from the University of Bern, which allows access to the student area of the University websites, the University´s WLAN network (eduroam), the use of library databases and of e-journals. MAS students will also receive a UNICARD and have access to sports, childcare and counselling facilities offered by the University of Bern.

Deadlines

Application for scholarship: May 31
Application for fall term: July 15
Application for spring term: December 15
Standalone modules can be admitted anytime, provided places are still available. 
The Directorate may grant exceptions on the above deadlines. 

Tuition fees & installments

Master of Advanced Studies (MAS): CHF 31'500.–
Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS): CHF 23'100.–
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS): CHF 12'600.–

The full study fee can be paid in full at once or in installments per semester.
There is no entitlement to a refund or waiver of the course fees if parts of the course are not attended. Costs for travel, accommodation and catering are not included. Insurance is in the sole responsibility of participants (accident, travel, cancellation, etc.).
Withdrawal of the registration before the registration deadline is possible without cost consequences. In case of withdrawal after the registration deadline, the full course fee must be paid.