Made, University of Iowa

MADE is a student-run manufacturing and e-commerce marketplace initiative of the University of Iowa dedicated to facilitating the commercialization and growth of medical technology (MedTech) innovation. The organization partners with University of Iowa faculty inventors—primarily from the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, and Engineering—to develop, manufacture, and distribute innovative medical devices and educational training tools. MADE's product portfolio includes single-use and reusable ophthalmic instruments (Sindt Ophthalmic Spatula for meibomian gland evaluation and expression), dental educational training models (Educational Caries Teeth—3D-printed realistic teeth with simulated caries lesions for dental student education), airway management devices (Abrons Oral Airway for difficult-to-mask-ventilate patients requiring fiberoptic intubation), microsurgical accessories (Sales Syringe Adapter for enhanced dexterity in corneal and microsurgery), and ergonomic surgical support devices (SurgiWings and Forcep Wings to reduce hand fatigue during precision forceps work). The organization operates an integrated e-commerce platform enabling direct-to-clinician and educator sales. Products are manufactured to support clinical applications and educational training across ophthalmology, operative dentistry, anesthesia, and general surgery. MADE leverages University of Iowa's research and clinical infrastructure, including partnership with UI Hospitals and Clinics, to validate innovations in clinical practice. Target markets include academic medical centers, dental schools, surgical training programs, and clinical practitioners. The initiative is housed within the University of Iowa's Office of Innovation and functions as both a product development accelerator and a licensing/commercialization platform for faculty-invented medical devices.