We help turn medical device ideas into real products
Hardware Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that connects inventors with experts in design, engineering, funding, and manufacturing to turn great ideas into world-changing MedTech devices. Qualifying projects can receive technical assistance services at no cost through Innovate Alabama’s Tax Credit Program and the generosity of our donor-partners.
You own your idea. We don't take equity.
Your concept will remain confidential.
Connecting with us is easy and costs nothing.
"Hardware Park started as a historic building ready for rejuvenation. It is now deep into that cycle with creative minds as a driving force. The leadership is poised to continue to nurture this seed into multiple paths of modern technology."
We Support Every Stage of MedTech Development
Hardware Park works with inventors, clinicians, and established companies to move medical device ideas from concept to clinical readiness.
Identifying Clinical Needs with the clinical voice mobile app
Through our Clinical Voice app, healthcare professionals can record and submit problems with current tools and unmet needs that inform future device development.
Turning Medical Device Concepts Into Working Prototypes
We offer non-dilutive funding to help first-time and experienced founders turn clinical and research insights into working prototypes by matching them with a tailored product development team.
Preparing MedTech Products for Scaled Manufacturing
Hardware Park supports growing MedTech companies with design for manufacturing, supply-chain planning, and connections to small-volume and contract manufacturers.
Submit your medical device idea for review
If you’re a clinician or inventor with a concept for a medical device, Hardware Park offers free early-stage support to qualifying projects. We connect you with our Alabama partners for design and manufacturing to help you refine your idea, build the first prototype, and validate the solution.
Medical Device Concept Submission Process
1. Sign Our NDA
A Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA) is a common and legally binding contract that prevents one or more parties from sharing confidential information with others. All communications related to your product concept will be protected by the NDA.
2. Explain Your Concept
After signing the NDA, you will receive a link to a secure Concept Submission Form to share more about your background, the problem/need your concept addresses, and specifics about your concept.
3. Hardware Park Research
Hardware Park staff will conduct initial high-level research to better understand the problem being addressed.
4. Discuss Findings & Next Steps
Hardware Park staff will follow up within 3 weeks to share our findings with you and discuss next steps.
Benefits of working with Hardware Park
Hardware Park turns medical device concepts into real products by combining design, engineering, and manufacturing expertise under one roof.
Funding Support and Access to Prototyping Tools
Our technical-assistance program provides early, non-dilutive funding and direct access to rapid prototyping equipment, enabling teams to test and refine ideas without giving up ownership.
Expert Mentoring and Engineering Guidance
Hardware Park connects founders and clinicians with product designers, engineers, and regulatory experts who understand the path from early prototype to regulatory readiness.
Our team blends design, engineering, and industry expertise.
Executive Director Mark Conner and Director of NextGen Programming D.J. Strickland bring bring decades of experience in engineering education, program development, and project management.
The broader team includes specialists in industrial design, biomedical engineering, advanced manufacturing, clinical insight, and supply chain.
FAQs
Answers to common questions about Hardware Park.
Hardware Park is a nonprofit MedTech development center in Birmingham, Alabama. We connect inventors and clinicians with product designers, engineers, and manufacturers to turn medical device ideas into real products through product development services, prototyping, and early non-dilutive funding.
We work with clinicians who have identified a clinical need, inventors developing their first prototype, and established MedTech companies seeking engineering or manufacturing resources.
No. Hardware Park’s programs are designed to help founders without taking ownership.
We primarily assist early-stage inventors and startups, helping them define the need, build and test prototypes, and prepare for regulatory readiness. We also collaborate with established companies seeking design for manufacturing services and manufacturing partners.
Selected projects may receive non-dilutive technical assistance funding to cover costs associated with initial research & development, prototyping, and testing. The funding is available through Innovate Alabama and our corporate partners.