ECU Health Safety Innovation Grants

Project Description

The ECU Health Safety Innovation Grants were the catalyst for a new era of innovation in patient safety. For the first time in ECU Health’s history, frontline team members were given the platform, resources, and support to turn bold ideas into actionable solutions that enhance patient care.

This initiative wasn’t just about funding projects; it was about shifting the mindset of an organization. By applying design thinking and innovation methodologies, the program empowered nurses and healthcare professionals to reimagine safety, challenge the status quo, and co-create solutions that directly impact their work environment. Through structured engagement, mentorship, and an engaging pitch competition, the initiative ignited enthusiasm at every level, from frontline teams to the Board of Directors.

What began as a single event has now evolved into an incredible opportunity. With funding expanded sevenfold, a $3M proposal is now in place to establish the infrastructure, education, and accelerator programs needed to embed innovation and systematic problem solving into the fabric of ECU Health’s culture for years to come.

The Journey: From Concept to Culture Change

• Opportunity & Risk-Taking: An opportunity was presented to design, advocate for, and execute ECU Health’s first Safety Innovation Grants program.

• Human-Centered Design Approach: Using design thinking principles, the program focused on understanding frontline challenges, defining key problems, co-creating solutions, prototyping ideas, and iterating toward implementation.

• Engagement & Preparation: A structured application process was launched, featuring communications campaigns, mentorship programs, and selection committees to identify and support top ideas.

• Mentorship & Pitch Development: Finalists participated in workshops, iterative feedback sessions, and pitch coaching, refining their projects and sharpening their presentations.

• Pitch Day & Awards: The first-ever Safety Innovation Grants Pitch Day drew excitement from team members and leadership alike, culminating in a high-energy event where teams pitched solutions that directly impact patient safety.

  • 30 applications received

  • Three grand prize winners received $20,000 each to bring their ideas to life.

  • Two runner-up teams were awarded $5,000 conference scholarships to further their safety and innovation education.

  • Impact & Expansion: The event captured the attention of the Board of Directors and key sponsors, resulting in a sevenfold increase in available funding and a new proposal for $3M in long-term funding support to establish:

• Innovation infrastructure to sustain and expand frontline-driven problem-solving.

• Team engagement & education to cultivate a pipeline of healthcare innovators.

• Accelerator events to refine and launch new solutions.

• A systematic, collaborative problem-solving framework embedded within ECU Health’s culture.

Key Outcomes & Lasting Impact

• Empowering Frontline Voices to Lead Change

• Applying Design Thinking & Innovation Methodologies Ensuring solutions are iterative, user-centered, and impactful.

• Establishing a Pipeline for Innovation

• Securing Executive Buy-In & Funding Growth by Turning a One-Time Event into an Institutionalized Strategy.

• Driving Real-World Change Awarding $60,000 to top three projects and $10,000 in scholarships for continued innovation learning.