OCI — Innovating Digital Health Solutions (IDHS)
Overview
The Innovating Digital Health Solutions (IDHS) program, funded by the Government of Ontario and managed by the Ontario Centre of Innovation, supports Ontario Health Teams and Indigenous Health Care Organizations collaborating with Ontario-based technology vendors to evaluate, adopt, and implement digital health and virtual care solutions. Eligible activities include developing and scaling innovative projects that enhance patient-centred care, improve disease management, and streamline health service delivery in alignment with Ontario’s health system priorities; the maximum funding amount is not specified.
At a glance
Funding available
- Integrate new technologies
- Develop a new product
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
- Closing date : March 31, 2024
Eligible candidates
- Information and cultural industries
- Health care and social assistance
- Ontario
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Indigenous Peoples
- Research
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation
- Other Health Services
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- All structures
- Provincial
Activities funded
The Innovating Digital Health Solutions (IDHS) program aims to promote the integration of innovative digital health technologies to meet Ontario's health system priorities. Eligible projects under this grant focus on patient-centered care and efficient coordination of health services through digital solutions.
- Enabling patients and families to manage health at home or in the community with improved access to digital solutions.
- Enhancing chronic disease care using advanced digital health technologies.
- Increasing adoption and scale of digital solutions that streamline processes and improve workflows.
- Developing innovative change management strategies for digital solution implementation.
- Integrating digital solutions with existing clinical pathways and managing patient-generated data.
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and partnerships.
- The applicant must be one or more Ontario Health Teams (OHTs), inclusive of Indigenous Health Care Organizations, or publicly funded Health Service Providers (HSPs).
- The project must be in collaboration with an Ontario-based for-profit digital health technology vendor.
- The technology partner must have a presence in Ontario with research and development and/or manufacturing capabilities and the commercial capacity to deliver the project.
- Collaborations may include community-based organizations and sector experts as additional partners.
Who is eligible?
The Innovating Digital Health Solutions (IDHS) program invites applications from collaborative teams consisting of Ontario Health Teams (OHTs), including Indigenous Health Care Organizations and other Health Service Providers (HSPs), in partnerships with Ontario-based technology vendors. These collaborations must focus on adopting and implementing digital health solutions in response to identified health system priorities and challenge statements outlined by the Ministry of Health.Who is not eligible
This grant requires collaboration with specific types of organizations and does not detail exclusions for ineligible companies or industries. Restrictions, if any, would aim to align resources with program goals.
Eligible expenses
This grant supports Ontario Health Teams and Indigenous Health Care Organizations in collaboration with technology vendors to implement innovative digital health solutions. The purpose is to improve patient care and optimize the health system through digital transformation.
- Evaluating and adopting digital health technologies that address Ontario’s health system priorities.
- Implementing digital health and virtual care solutions that improve patient outcomes.
- Driving collaboration between health service providers and technology vendors to scale health innovation.
- Enhancing chronic disease management through advanced digital solutions.
- Improving equitable access to digital health solutions in home or community settings.
- Streamlining care processes and improving health service workflows through digital solutions.
- Developing change management strategies for digital health technology implementation.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to Ontario-based companies as determined by the province's governmental priorities. Its purpose is to enhance the digital health innovation ecosystem within Ontario.
- Companies located in the province of Ontario, Canada.
Selection criteria
The Innovating Digital Health Solutions (IDHS) program evaluates applications using a set of assessment criteria aligned with program objectives through an external review process. The evaluation and selection criteria include completeness, eligibility, financial compliance, and alignment with provincial digital health priorities.
- Completeness of application
- Eligibility of the applicant
- Financial compliance (appropriate use of funds)
- Alignment with provincial digital health priorities
- Program objectives
- Assessment against the challenge statements
- Quality of the project plan
- Potential patient benefits
- Economic and commercialization potential for the technology company
- Evidence supporting broader uptake and scalability of the technology
How to apply
Express Interest
Review Program Guidelines
Contact Program Leads
- Reach out to the Program Manager or Business Development and Commercialization Manager for any inquiries or clarifications.
- Obtain insights and advice on forming effective partnerships and meeting application criteria.
Form Collaborative Project Team
- Ensure your project is led by one or more Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) or public Health Service Providers (HSPs).
- Partner with an Ontario-based technology vendor that can provide a suitable digital health solution.
- Consider involving community-based organizations or other partners that can enhance project implementation.
Prepare Application
- Complete the application form including all requested project details.
- Ensure alignment with one of the specified challenge statements related to health system priorities.
- Gather necessary supporting documents such as project budgets, timelines, and partner commitments.
Submit Application
Receive Confirmation
Additional information
The Innovating Digital Health Solutions (IDHS) Program aims to support Ontario-based digital health technologies through collaborative projects involving Ontario Health Teams and technology vendors, while excluding certain activities and funds. Eligible expenses are detailed in the program's guidelines.
- Projects must be completed by March 31, 2024.
- Flow of funds follows a reimbursement model, with an initial 50% released upon project activation.
- All partners must maintain good financial and reporting standing with OCI.
- Funding decisions are made by an External and Internal Review Panel.
- Specific exclusions include clinical trials and activities outside of Ontario.
- Applicants must retain proof of purchases and relevant documentation for financial claims.
- A metrics survey must be completed annually for three years following project completion.
