\SPARK Calgary is a one-year program supporting evidence-based digital health innovations within the University of Calgary and other local academic institutions.� SPARK is based within�W21C Research & Innovation Centre�and supported by�Innovate Calgary. The program is directed by�Dr. Scott Kraft, MD,�and managed by�Nicola Quiggin. It is currently being conducted remotely, over Zoom.
The goal of SPARK is to advance evidence-based digital health innovations to increase their chance of impact for patients in clinical and community settings. We respect that each participant�s pathway and the barriers they face in the innovation ecosystem are unique.�
Requirements
Novel approach to an unmet medical need using a digital health solution
- Either: Led by faculty, post-docs, or graduate students based at a local post-secondary institution, or led by a practicing clinician
- Evidence-backed innovation; supported by existing research, customer discovery, technology validation
- You have a clear development plan and end-goal in mind
- You have a history of demonstrated commitment to your project. See the selection criteria for a list of some recommended pre-SPARK programs
- Priority is given to innovations that specifically seek to benefit equity-deserving populations
Benefits
Advise
- Access to group mentorship from digital health and industry advisors through quarterly project update presentations
- Coaching meetings 1-2 times per month with the SPARK program team
Educate
- Curated learning opportunities from the innovation ecosystem specific to your needs
- Accountability to follow your self-led learning plan with a learning journal
Connect
- In-kind resources to develop your project, including W21C research credits to access testing, feedback, and evaluation services for your innovation
- Facilitate connections with people, resources, funding, and programs in the local innovation ecosystem and the SPARK Global network to help you on your journey
Timeline
- Application Deadline: February 20th 2022
- Interview take place: March 7-8, 2022
- Accepted teams onboarded to Program: March 28, 2022
- Invitations to interview distributed: March 1-4, 2022
- Notice of Final Decisions: March 21, 2022
For More Information: SPARK Calgary 2022 Cohort
