HHS DRIVE is a platform designed for our people, to help our community of health-care providers, staff and patients. We are dedicated to accelerating the translation of innovative ideas into tangible solutions that improve patient outcomes and advance health care. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community of health innovators, recognizing that the best ideas come from a variety of perspectives and experiences.
Our DRIVE team is ready to answer any questions about the platform. Please reach out to Andrea Lee at hhs.drive@hhsc.ca.
SPARK Funding Program
Announcing the 2025 SPARK Funding Competition
Hamilton Health Sciences recognizes the transformative power of innovation in healthcare. We understand that many of our staff have incredible ideas that could revolutionize the way we deliver care. However, we also acknowledge the challenges in bringing these ideas to life. The SPARK Funding Competition is designed to support and promote innovation and commercialization efforts within our hospital community. We aim to create a culture where all staff members feel encouraged and empowered to share their ideas for improving healthcare.
Submit an expression of interest form
Application Process
The application process has three-phases:
1. Expression of Interest: Submit an expression of interest form and participate in a 15-minute virtual meeting with the DRIVE team to discuss your health innovation vision. This initial step helps us understand your idea and its potential impact.
2. Full Application (by invitation only): Selected applicants will be invited to fill and submit a comprehensive application, including a detailed form outlining their innovation, feasibility, and real-world potential. To support this stage, participants will be required to attend DRIVE Masterclasses focused on Value Creation and Pitch Preparation to strengthen their proposals, during the month of June.
3. In-Person Pitch Competition: Finalists will present their innovation to the DRIVE Board, highlighting their concept, strategy, and expected outcomes. This final stage, taking place on September 11, 2025, from 3:00pm-4:00pm, will determine funding decisions.
These applications will be reviewed by our board of directors, which consists of a diverse panel with backgrounds in health sciences and academia, clinician entrepreneurship, research translation, innovation incubation, venture capital advisory, law, intellectual property, and product manufacturing.
Two winners will then be thoughtfully chosen to receive up to $50,000 per year, along with a range of support services. Please note that funds cannot be used for research trials; they are intended to help develop and scale your innovation’s commercialization strategy.
By participating in this initiative, you will have access to resources including funding, mentorship, and guidance to take your ideas from conception to commercialization. We will work with you to develop your ideas, refine your business plans, and connect you with partners who can help bring your innovations to market. This initiative is not just about individual success; it is about creating a community of innovators who can work together to solve healthcare’s biggest challenges. Together, we can drive positive change and make a real difference in the lives of our patients and community.
If you have an innovative idea that could transform healthcare, we want to hear from you! We are committed to providing the support and resources you need to turn your idea into a reality.
Our DRIVE team is ready to answer any questions about the program. Please reach out to Andrea Lee at hhs.drive@hhsc.ca.
Discover the Achievements of Our 2024 SPARK Funding Competition Winners.