OCI — Innovating Digital Health Solutions
ON, Canada
Promotes digital health tech partnerships for improved patient care
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Innovating Digital Health Solutions (IDHS) Program is designed to support Ontario-based digital and virtual care technologies by fostering partnerships between Ontario Health Teams, Indigenous Health Care Organizations, and Ontario-based technology vendors. The program aims to implement market-ready, innovative digital health solutions addressing Ontario's health system priorities, enhancing patient-centered care, and achieving efficient and coordinated services. Eligible activities include evaluating and adopting digital solutions, developing evidence for broader uptake, and supporting changes in clinical care models and workflows.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically available to companies based in Ontario, Canada, as determined by the funding body's focus on Ontario-based initiatives. The eligibility is centered on fostering local innovation and partnerships within the province.
- Ontario-based Technology Vendors.
- Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) comprised of Health Service Providers (HSPs).
- Indigenous Health Care Organizations serving First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous persons within Ontario.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$400,000
Establishing a digital platform for mental health self-management
$500,000
Enhancing elderly care through wearable technology
$500,000
Deploying telemedicine services to remote Indigenous communities
$480,000
Developing AI-driven predictive models to reduce hospital readmissions
$500,000
Implementing AI-based diagnostic tools to enhance chronic disease management
$400,000
Integrating mobile health apps to improve diabetes monitoring
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are limited to the province of Ontario. Projects must be implemented within Ontario to qualify for the funding.
- The province of Ontario
grant_single_labels|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
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Express Interest
- Fill out the Interest Form available on the program's webpage to determine if the program is suitable for your project.
- Step 2: Review Program Guidelines
- Download and thoroughly review the Program Guidelines to understand the details and eligibility requirements.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: 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.
- Step 6: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents through the specified submission channel before the deadline.
- Step 7: Receive Confirmation
- Wait for confirmation of your application submission, which will include an acknowledgment and reference number for tracking.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
Innovating Digital Health Solutions for Ontario's Healthcare
The Innovating Digital Health Solutions (IDHS) program in Ontario aims to strengthen partnerships between health providers and technology vendors to enhance patient care through digital innovations. This grant facilitates the implementation of advanced digital health solutions, prioritizing patient-centered care and efficient service coordination in Ontario's healthcare system.
Detailed Overview of the Innovating Digital Health Solutions Program
The Innovating Digital Health Solutions (IDHS) program under the Government of Ontario's Ministry of Health provides a strategic platform to foster innovation and collaboration within the province's healthcare landscape. By bringing together Ontario Health Teams (OHTs), Indigenous Health Care Organizations, and Ontario-based technology vendors, the IDHS program seeks to evaluate, adopt, and implement digital health solutions that directly contribute to improving healthcare outcomes across Ontario.
Designed to address key priorities as defined by the Ontario Ministry of Health, the program focuses on areas identified through the Challenge Statement Workshops, which align with the Digital First for Health Strategy. These focus areas include delivering patient-centered care and achieving coordinated services through the heightened use of digital health technologies. Whether it is enabling chronic disease management or enhancing equitable access to healthcare innovations across communities, the IDHS strives to meet these challenges with practical and scalable digital solutions.
Ontario Health Teams, responsible for providing coordinated and integrated care in their respective communities, are central to the success of this program. These teams collaborate with technology partners whose solutions address the articulated health system priorities, focusing on community needs while ensuring these solutions are embedded seamlessly into existing clinical workflows. This integration is key to maximizing patient outcomes and optimizing resource utilization within healthcare settings.
The emphasis on collaborative efforts is further enhanced by the program’s support of other community-based organizations and expert implementation teams. By leveraging this network, the IDHS program ensures that projects are not only technologically feasible but also contextually relevant and strategically implemented to meet both local and provincial health priorities.
Eligibility for this program is inclusive of a wide range of health service providers and technology vendors, encouraging diverse participation to harness innovative solutions. Technology partners, regardless of their enterprise size, are chosen for their capability to innovate and deliver market-ready digital solutions within the project parameters defined by the program guidelines.
Ultimately, the IDHS program reflects a significant investment in Ontario's digital health future. It positions the province at the forefront of health innovation by empowering providers and technology innovators to jointly address today's healthcare challenges with forward-thinking solutions. This initiative not only supports immediate health system needs but also contributes to the broader objective of building a resilient, efficient, and patient-focused healthcare environment in Ontario.
