[Skip to Content]

Welcome to the digiSPARK Funding Program Portal!

The next cycle of digiSPARK will open September 1st, 2024 at 9am. Applications will be open until 11:59pm on September 25th, 2024  If you are looking for the SPARK program, click here.

                                                                       About digiSPARK

digiSPARK is a funding mechanism offered by CU Innovations. The goal of digiSPARK is to enable further use of digital health technology to improve both patient outcomes and health system operational efficiency through pilot study funding.

There are two main tracks within the digiSPARK program. The first track aims to enable PIs to commercialize their own digital health intellectual property (IP) through company creation or by licensing their IP to an existing company. The second track aims to enable PIs to partner with existing digital health solutions to solve problems that either they or their patients experience.         

          

A digiSPARK grant includes:

  • Funding: Teams are awarded funds in the range of $25K-$75K for no more than two years to work towards commercializing their IP or conducting studies with external companies. 
    • The source of this grant funding is from the OEDIT Advanced Industries Accelerator (AIA) Program. PIs are required to idenfity and provide a minimum 1/3 match of the grant funding from either company partners or other sources of funding.
  • Mentorship: Teams receive support from the CU Innovations team and digital health entrepreneurs-in-residence that have either built digital health companies or licensed technology to digital health companies. 
  • Education and Resources: Teams will have access to the SPARK | REACH Education library and Startup Toolbox.

Expectations of digiSPARK PIs

digiSPARK PIs should expect to commit a minimum of 10 hours per month to commercial development or partnership activities. Additionally, it is expected they engage in the following activities:

  • Track 1 - Turn IP into a company
    • Work with the CU Innovations team to develop and meet commercially relevant milestones, 
    • Work with CU Innovations to develop and implement a trial testing the impact of the technology
    • Attend ad hoc meetings with advisors, service providers, industry providers, or investors, 
      • Provide quarterly updates to the CU Innovations team
      • Provide an annual report to the AIA on the use of funds and the progress of the venture
    • Track 1 -  License IP into a company
      • Work with CU Innovations team to find a licensing partner
      • Work with CU Innovations to develop and implement a trial testing the impact of the technology
      • Attend ad hoc meetings with advisors, service providers, industry providers, or investors, 
      • Provide quarterly updates to the CU Innovations team
      • Provide an annual report to the AIA on the use of funds and the progress of the venture
    • Track 2 - Use Digital Health to Solve a Problem
      • Work with CU Innovations to collaborate with a company that has developed a solution that solves a problem you or your patients experience. PIs should have at least an informal relationship with the company they are looking to collaborate with at the time of application.
      • Work with CU Innovations to develop and implement a trial testing the impact of the technology
      • Attend ad hoc meetings with advisors
      • Provide quarterly updates to the CU Innovations team
      • Provide an annual report to the AIA on the use of funds and the progress of the venture

    Expected Outcomes 

    Projects exiting digiSPARK will be ready for: 

    • Licensing technology to an existing company 
    • Formation/acceleration of a startup
    • Receiving independent financing either through venture capital or non-federal funds
    • Furthering the use of digital health solutions at Anschutz

    Timelines for 2024

    • Applications Open: September 1st, 2024 at 9am
    • Applications Close: September 25th, 2024 at 11:59pm
    • Awardees are expected to be notified by: December 1st, 2024

    For More Information 

    Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to Gabe Laurence before or early in the application period to discuss eligibility, program requirements, and application preparation.