FCVC Innovation Challenge

• Briefly describe:

  • The problem you are trying to solve

  • The idea or solution that you are pitching

  • Who your idea will benefit

  • How you will go about executing your idea

  • How you will utilize the funds if awarded

  • The team that will complete the work

• See judging criteria below for more details.

• Videos can be filmed on a phone or tablet, on Zoom, or any other method of creating a video file. Videos can feature team members' faces, a presentation, or a tour through a space - feel free to get creative! Videos will be available to the public, so videos must be HIIPA compliant. See below for additional criteria.

• Limit videos to 3 minutes.

• Filming on your phone or tablet? Read through for sound, orientation, and lighting from Michigan Medicine and from a PR firm.

• Use the video format as an opportunity to show the problem, team, or solution.

• You can use Zoom to record yourself or a powerpoint presentation. Need a background? We've designed an FCVC Innovation Challenge background (download it here).

Proposals will be evaluated by the following criteria.

Consistent with FCVC Principles

• • Is the project consistent with patient and family-centered care?

  • Is the project innovative?

  • Does the project advance the goal of excellence in education?

Innovation

• • Is the project innovative? Is it new/novel to the FCVC? At Michigan Medicine? Beyond Michigan Medicine?

  • Does the innovation have potential to change the current model/practices of healthcare and create value?

Value Proposition

• • Is the value proposition clearly articulated?

  • Does the solution satisfy a clear unmet need?

  • Are correct stakeholders identified?

Team

• • Is the team capable of accomplishing their aims? Do team members have the skills, time, and motivation complete the project?

  • Is the team supported by necessary stakeholders, including departmental leadership and any ancillary resources?

Project Aims

• • Are the goals and outcomes clearly defined?

  • Does the team have a plan to test their value proposition before scaling?

  • Are there key metrics for success?

  • Is the project doable (timeline and budget)?

  • Does the project have current funding? Does the project have a path to next steps (financial, operational) in approximately one year?

What is the purpose of the Innovation Challenge?

The Frankel Cardiovascular Center Innovation Challenge offers an opportunity for faculty, staff, trainees, patients, and families to design and implement novel solutions to improve the quality (safety, efficacy, timeliness, efficiency, patient centeredness, equitability) and cost of patient care in an interdisciplinary fashion.

When does the Challenge start?

The Challenge will open for submissions starting Monday January 11, 2021. All ideas must be submitted by Thursday, February 18th at 11:59 EST. We plan to notify finalists the week of April 19.

Who will see my idea?

Submitted proposals will be publicly viewable after a brief review for proprietary or sensitive information.

What if I don’t have anyone to collaborate with?

The beauty of this online challenge is that you can find colleagues to collaborate with through the innovation platform. Take a look at the videos, and feel free to reach out to anyone with a project you are interested in. Email FCVCInnovation@umich.edu with questions or to be connected to a team. Our hope is that teams will form around common interests and ideas.

I have a question or comment about a submission. How can I submit it?

Feel free to contact the teams directly, or email FCVCInnovation@umich.edu. Your questions and comments can help strengthen proposals.

If I can’t think of an idea, are there still ways for me to participate in the Innovation Challenge?

Absolutely! You can spread the word about the challenge to your friends and colleagues, you can contact teams to comment on proposals, and you can also attend the contest event on May 20, 2021 from 3-5 pm.

What are the contest rules?

• You must be at least 18 years old to submit an idea or proposal.

• Any suggestions or ideas included in your comment will not be treated as confidential by Michigan. Do not include any confidential information in your submission.

• Michigan is free to use and commercially exploit in any way, any and all ideas or suggestions you submit. You will not be compensated for any ideas or suggestions you provide.

• You agree to release and hereby release Michigan from any claims you may have against Michigan in connection with ideas or suggestions provided in your comment.

What are the stipulations of funding?

• In case of overlap or any conditions that prevent your team from completing this project, unspent (prorated) funds must be returned.

• As a result of this award, we ask that you report regularly on the status of progress.

• In most cases, publication is expected at the end of the one-year projects.

• We ask that you report the occurrence of any of the following:

  • Departmental or other funding as a result of this award

  • Abstracts, posters or publications

  • Patent applications, technology transfer or development of a spin-off company

  • Other relevant accomplishments or honors

• Use of funding for faculty or staff credentialing or training must be clearly linked to the outcomes or deliverables for your project. If credentialing or training is required for your proposal budget, it is recommended that you clarify with the Innovation Core Team while preparing your submission.

I submitted my idea but I want to make a change. How can I do that?

• If the idea submission window is still open, email FCVCInnovation@umich.edu to let us know you would like to make a change. If the submission window has closed and you have a major update (e.g., data, new team member), feel free to email us and let us know. We will try to incorporate the information into our judging process.

Can funding be used to support employee salaries?

• In certain projects, the best model of execution requires a designated employee, and this may require hiring a specific person/expertise. In some cases, a term-limited position can be supported, with no expectation that support for this position will be provided outside of the funding and term of this grant.

• If your project is likely to require the creation of a term-limited position, consider and plan for:

  • The time to post, interview, and hire the new position.

  • Salary and benefits required for the position.

  • Is the intent to transition this position to an FTE? What is the path to this? How will this be justified within one year?