MIT DHIVE Long Covid & Lyme track
A Deep Dive into Healthcare Entrepreneurship
The MIT DHIVE Long Covid & Lyme Track encourages and supports undergraduate and graduate students as they pursue entrepreneurial solutions to problems associated with long Covid and Lyme disease. Participants are exposed to in-depth knowledge about both long Covid and Lyme and the similarities in how these diseases manifest in humans. They also participate in focused training in entrepreneurial frameworks and topics critical to researching, developing and launching a startup.
This DHIVE 2024 program track is now complete. Complete this form to be informed of the next DHIVE program HERE.
Why focus on long Covid and Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is the fastest growing vector-borne infectious disease in the U.S., estimated to affect 55.7 million people in the US by 2050. Given the growing prevalence, current unreliable diagnostic tests, and manifestation of chronic symptoms in many patients, there is a significant need for development of novel methods and technologies to tackle the disease on multiple fronts. Long Covid presents a similar need, on a global scale, with many people suffering from a range of chronic and autoimmune diseases caused by the infection.
Read more research and updates related to long Covid and Lyme disease.
Dr. Steven E. Philips, a Yale-trained physician, researcher, and author, specializing in vector-borne infections, discusses overlaps between chronic Lyme and Long-Covid.
All of the DHIVE tracks offer an opportunity to learn about a variety of challenging healthcare problems that need solutions. The program is designed to provide you with education on various topics to spark your own ideation for possible solutions. There are no set expectations, and we encourage ideation and creative out-of-of-the box-thinking. We also value diverse educational backgrounds. If you are interested in healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship the DHIVE program is for you!
Who Should Apply
Individuals interested in healthcare entrepreneurship who want to explore potential topics/problems individually or by joining an existing team.
Individuals who have a novel idea on how to address a particular need or challenge related to any of the potential areas
Individuals who have expertise in proven technologies and are interested in applying their knowledge to address these unmet needs
Current or recent MIT Sandbox team members interested in exploring the application of their concept to address a particular need or challenge related to above
Eligibility and Program Information
Eligibility
Open to all MIT undergraduate and graduate students and Non-MIT students.
Limited paid Internships are available for MIT undergraduate and graduate students who can commit at least 20 hours/week. Undergraduate internship rate $15 per hour. MIT graduate student internship rate is $20 per hour.
Graduate students who have a RAship and are unable to commit 20 hours/week are still eligible for a limited paid internship and encouraged to apply.
Non-MIT students are welcome to apply, although internship stipend is not guaranteed.
Current or recent Sandbox team members are eligible to apply.
Program Elements
Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and subject matter experts
Education on understanding the needs and challenges related to specific healthcare focuses
Entrepreneurship-related workshops
Expert-led talks tailored for specific track focuses
Facilitated team formation; Opportunities to connect with the existing teams and other participants to foster collaboration
Tailored MIT I-Corps Customer Discovery workshop
Potential for continued support in MIT Sandbox
Relevant Articles Related to Long Covid and Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease Updates and New Educational Tools for Clinicians (PDF)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 20 , 2021
CDC presentation addresses early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, appropriate use of diagnostic tests, appropriate use of antibiotics, as well as patient education.
Relieve Chronic Pain (Video)
The Empowering Neurologist, April 2021
Dr. Steven Phillips and his patient Dana Parish reveal the role that chronic underlying infections, like Lyme disease, may play as it relates to autoimmune conditions.
Unlocking the Mysteries of Long COVID
The Atlantic, April 2021
“In many ways, the pace of progress on treating long COVID has been remarkable. But we still face a crisis that may change our medical system, our ideas about infectious disease, and the future of millions of Americans.”