About the Innovation Challenge

Hand drawing lightbulb on a chalkboard with Do You have the next big idea

The University of Maryland Medical Center Innovation Challenge is a competition hosted by Dr. Bert O'Malley, UMMC senior leadership, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). The Innovation Challenge was launched in March 2021 with the goal of capturing new ideas and concepts, and to harness innovative spirit at the UMMC Downtown and Midtown campuses. Each year, the Innovation Challenge funds up to six inventive projects that advance health outcomes and improve the care experience. The projects have a 12-18 month timeline for completion.

The Innovation Challenge has experienced significant growth and success since its inception, receiving nearly 250 applications to date. In partnership with the UMB, the Challenge has awarded substantial funding to interdisciplinary projects that bring together diverse expertise to address complex healthcare challenges. With total funding reaching $1,815,000 by 2025, the program has supported innovative projects across multiple cohorts.

As the challenge progresses into its fifth cohort, numerous projects from previous years have been successfully completed, and new initiatives continue to make meaningful strides in improving healthcare to better care for our community.

Have a Great Idea? Interested in Applying to the 2024 Innovation Challenge?

Intent to Apply Deadline - September 13, 2024

The continued interest and organizational appetite for innovation will bring the Innovation Challenge back for the fourth year in a row. Another six awards will be given in December 2024. The Intent to Apply deadline is September 13 and the full application is due October 4.

Learn more about the application process.

Innovation Challenge Team

Rajabrata Sarkar, MD, PhD, Vascular Surgery

Rajabrata Sarkar, MD, PhD
Division Head, Vascular Surgery
Vice Chair for Clinical Operations for the Department of Surgery
Director of Faculty Group Practice Operations
Innovation Challenge Program Mentor

Coleen Hughes Dricsoll, MD, Department of Pediatrics

Colleen Hughes Driscoll, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Medical Director, Drs Rouben and Violet JiJi Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Innovation Challenge Program Mentor

Project Manager Makensey Ruth Makensey Ruth, MS, PMP
Innovation Challenge Project Manager

Contact Us

Questions? Please email UMMC_Innovate@umm.edu.