Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The following FAQs have been generated from questions we have received:

Will there be opportunities for students to network with other participants or identify others interested from their school to form a team?

The Challenge blog and Facebook page provide opportunities to leave a comment for others to respond to.

Do the submissions become the property of the competition or the supporters?

All entries are made available to the competition and supporters as part of the Challenge Structure. JJSI will have first of refusal to develop the solution. A further description of Challenge IP information is posted on our blog at: http://innovate4healthcare.blogspot.com/.  Specific questions can be sent to contact@innovate4healthcare.com

Do the proposals submitted need to be profitable?

The judges recognize that innovative solutions and businesses may take time to be profitable, and it is not necessarily expected that the proposed solution would be profitable at the beginning.  However, all entries must describe the business model that would ultimately make the solution financially viable and sustainable.

Is it required that the submission address all types of conditions or can it focus on a specific condition?

The project can focus on a specific condition or multiple conditions.  Please keep in mind the project size constraints when preparing your solution.

How many teams will advance to the final round?

The competition is targeting 7-10 teams to advance to the final round.

Is the competition aimed to promote product-focused innovations or service-focused innovations?

Solutions can focus on all aspect of the healthcare value chain, however, the solution must describe how the innovation will impact some activity that improves the patient-provider relationship.

Will the list of judges be made available prior to the final round of competition?

The list of judges for the final round will be made available once it is finalized.  However, participants are prohibited from contacting or attempting to influence in any way the judges.

How much emphasis should be placed on the security of the solution?
While a feasible solution will need to ensure security is being considered, and entries should point out where these concerns may lie and how they are addressed, but the focus is on the innovative approach to a new process and/or technology.

Can we focus efforts on managed care systems?

Yes, solutions can focus on the managed care industry.

Are technological tools required as part of the proposed business models?


The technology underlying the innovation will need to be described.

Will more than one team from a school be allowed to advance to the final round?

More than one team from a school may advance to the final round

How should HIPAA concerns be addressed in the business plan?

While a feasible solution will need to ensure HIPAA regulations are being considered, and entries should point out where these concerns may lie, but the focus is on the innovative approach to a new process and/or technology.

Will Johnson & Johnson use this challenge for potential employment opportunities?

The Johnson & Johnson recruiting teams are aware of this competition and may be interested in further discussions with students that show high potential.  Johnson & Johnson may continue to work with student teams post Challenge, but this is not guaranteed.

Are undergraduate students eligible to compete?

Yes, this challenge is open to all currently enrolled students in undergraduate and graduate programs.

Will teams selected for the final round be provided with a travel stipend?

While the challenge will not be providing stipends, often, home institutions are willing to sponsor their teams.

What limitations exist on the types of people that can be consulted by the teams as they develop their business plan?

Teams are allowed to have multiple advisors on their project.  The students must generate all content submitted.

How do I register my team?

Before any members of a team register, please read and follow these instructions:
  1. Determine who will be on your team before you register.
  2. Choose one person to be the Team Leader.
  3. Have the Team Leader register at https://innovate4healthcare2012.skild.com/skild2/UMD/viewRegisterLeader.action.
  4. Once the Team Leader is registered s/he must log in and go to the "My Team" tab.
  5. In the "My Team" tab, choose "Members".
  6. Here, the Team Leader selects "Add Team Member" and enters the name and email address of a new, previously unregistered Team Member.
  7. Repeat for each new team member.
  8. Each team members will then receive an invitation email.
  9. The team member must click the link to the registration page and then register.
  10. After registration, the member will receive a validation email.  After clicking on the validation link, the new member will be able to login to the system.  https://innovate4healthcare2012.skild.com/skild2/UMD/loginPage.action