Smith School Presents Challenge for Healthcare IT Innovation

The University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business has launched the Innovate 4 Healthcare Challenge, an national initiative that challenges students to develop a patient-centered, healthcare business model that uses information technology (IT) to facilitate interaction between patients and their healthcare providers.

Students from across the country are invited to form teams of up to five people to compete for a $20,000 first prize and a pair of $5,000 runner-up designations. Conducted by the Smith School’s Center for Health Information and Decision Systems (CHIDS), the Innovate 4 Healthcare Challenge will culminate in an April 20, 2012 round of presentations at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington DC. The winning team will combine an innovative idea, excellent market strategy and an outstanding presentation.

“This is a unique opportunity to think creatively about how we can merge technology, strategy and policy to deliver solutions that improve patient-provider connectivity and thereby improve health and wellness,” said competition director Kenyon Crowley, director of health innovation at the University of Maryland.

We will hold an informational webinar on Friday, February 3, 2012 at 5pm EST. The registration deadline is February 24, 2012 and registered teams must submit their proposed business model by March 6, 2012.

Examples of technologies to employ:

• Web and other digital platforms
• Smartphones, tablet computers and related apps
• Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Message Service (MMS)
• Bluetooth/ANT/WiFi/3G-enabled health accessories (e.g., pedometers and glucose meters)
• Social media
• Remote monitoring and automated decision support

Examples of health issues to target:

• Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, mental health disorders, etc.
• Acute events such as surgery, and including the exchange of information and activities prior to and after the procedure.
• Major life-stage conditions such as pregnancy, aging, etc.

The Innovate 4 Healthcare Challenge is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. For more information, please visit www.innovate4healthcare.com or contact Kenyon Crowley at 919-649-2279 or kcrowley@rhsmith.umd.edu.