If you have the solution to a challenge faced by our patients and team members, apply to SPARQ Tank. We’re looking to provide innovation grants for new or improved technologies, practices, models or advancements that sustainably improve health outcomes, quality, safety and experiences for patients, teams, families and communities across UM BWMC and our outpatient practices.

Apply to SPARQ Tank in two easy steps:

Step 1: Submit an Intent to Apply

The deadline for the Intent to Apply is December 13, 2024 at 11:59 pm. After submitting, you will receive an automated email confirming that we have received your submission. If you qualify to apply, you will receive an email notification within three business days inviting you to submit a Full Application. You will also be paired with a SPARQ Tank coach to assist you with completion of the Full Application.

Step 2: Submit the Full Application

The deadline for the Full Application for those who are selected to apply is January 17, 2025 at 11:59 pm. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email that your submission has been received.

Applications will be reviewed by the SPARQ Selection Committee. If the Selection Committee has any follow-up questions about your application, you will be notified via email.

SPARQ Tank Event

If you are chosen as a top five finalist, you will be asked to present your idea to a panel of judges at the SPARQ Tank event on March 6, 2025. Applicants chosen to present at SPARQ Tank will be notified via email.

APPLY NOW

Application Requirements

Intent To Apply

Submission includes the following sections:

  • Project title
  • Date submitted
  • Name(s) of team members
  • One UM BWMC Employee ID Number required
  • Department
  • Project category
  • Short description of where project will be carried out
  • Project summary
  • Statement of need
  • Goals and objectives
  • Projected timeline
  • Budget overview

Full Application

The Full Application submission is approximately two pages and includes the following sections:

  • Description of your innovation (300-word limit)
  • Statement of purpose (300-word limit)
  • Impact of your solution (300-word limit)
  • Outline of your milestones (300-word limit)
  • Deliverables (300-word limit)
  • Budget (Excel template within Application)
  • Sustainability (300-word limit)
  • Optional: Supplemental documentation (tables, references, images, etc.)

If you have any questions, please send an email to Daniel.Cashman@umm.edu or McKenzie.Bedra@umm.edu.