From Code to Cadavers: The Spark Behind Integrate-Ed
Jennifer German, founder of Integrate-Ed, never imagined that her path would lead from software development to medical school to founding an education technology startup. “The dots all connected and became Integrate-Ed,” she says. This innovative video game bridges the gap between textbooks and hands-on medical practice.
After 19 years in software development, Jennifer switched career paths and became a medical student. “In Anatomy class (which is only one semester for the entire human body), I noticed that my classmates, mostly Gen-Z, were not learning in the same way that courses were taught, with lectures and textbooks. Most of them never read the textbook and preferred to watch lectures online, at 3X speed. The old methods were not working for them.” Beyond the classroom, anatomy is best studied in cadaver lab practice. However, students had very limited access to that laboratory.
Over Christmas break, while playing a video game with her children, she had an epiphany: “I could develop a video game to help teach today’s medical students in a way that works for them.” She had an idea and the software experience to create a platform, but she would lean on Small Business Support from Ann Arbor SPARK and Washtenaw Community College to make another shift: from medical student to technology entrepreneur. “It was all networking,” she said, noting that Small Business Support connected her to the right people and resources.
Building the Vision: Turning an Idea Into a Product
She learned the importance of building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) – an early version with only essential features needed to test her core value proposition with minimal resources. This approach allowed her to validate her idea before committing significant time and funding.
When Jennifer was paired with Michelle Julet at the Washtenaw Community College Entrepreneurship Center, her concept transformed into a viable product. Michelle’s hands-on coaching style proved instrumental in helping Jennifer navigate the transition from healthcare student to software business founder. “Michelle didn’t just advise me on business concepts—she rolled up her sleeves and helped me find ways to solve problems,” Jennifer reflects.
Strategic Support: From Startup Struggles to Launch Readiness
Through the Entrepreneurship Center’s structured programs, Jennifer received specialized guidance on business registration, customer discovery, and marketing. Her one-on-one appointments with Michelle helped her address specific business challenges as they arose during her startup journey. Jennifer also accessed crucial funding sources tailored to her needs. “They helped me develop a logo, purchase testing devices, including a locking/charging case for those devices.”
Small Business Support from Ann Arbor SPARK’s entrepreneurial services team further supported Jennifer by connecting her with pre-seed funding opportunities. The combination of Small Busines resources and WCC’s entrepreneurship programs created a powerful support network to propel Integrate-Ed forward.
About Small Business Support
Small Business Support from Ann Arbor SPARK provides no-cost coaching, mentorship, workshops, and resources to help entrepreneurs in Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties start and grow their businesses. Through a collaborative network of Business Support Partners, we offer expert guidance, technical assistance, and tools designed to strengthen local entrepreneurship, fuel innovation, and build long-term business success.
