Scoring

Teams’ proposals are assessed at multiple stages during the program to include the Letter of Intent (LOI), Application, and the Pitch Event. Letters of Intent and Applications are reviewed by a panel comprised of various BJC and WashU Medicine departments including:

  • BJC Healthcare Innovation Lab
  • WashU Medicine Institute for Informatics, Data Science and Biostatistics
  • Technology (BJC and WashU Medicine)
Letter of Intent Scoring

Letters of Intent will be given a score from 1 (Low) to 10 (High) for the following criteria:

  • Is the problem well defined?
  • Is the proposed solution/innovation well defined?
  • Does the proposed solution/innovation solve the problem?
  • Is there relevant supporting evidence?
  • Is it innovative?

Scores are averaged and teams receiving the highest scores advance in the process to submit a full Application and present at the Pitch Event. Teams not selected to advance are provided feedback on their proposal intended to advise on next steps.

Application Scoring

Applications will be given a score from 1 (Low) to 10 (High) for the following criteria:

  • Innovation: Creative use of data, advanced analytics, AI, and/or workflow redesign.
  • Impact: Potential to transform operational excellence, workforce empowerment, or clinical outcomes.
  • Feasibility: Realistic execution and scalability within BJC HealthCare, WashU Medicine, and its markets.
  • Alignment: Demonstrated support for our purpose and values, including a focus on clinical, operational, financial, and community goals.
Pitch Event Scoring

Teams ‘pitch’ their proposal to a live audience and judging panel made up of BJC and WashU Medicine leaders, clinical champions, and subject matter experts. Judges and Audience members will score each teams ‘pitch’ using a ranking of 1 (Low) to 10 (High) for the following criteria:

  • Clinical Applicability
  • Feasibility
  • Innovation
  • Team Composition/Collaboration
Winning Team Selection Process

Scores will be aggregated from the Application, Pitch Event Judges, and Pitch Event Audience and weighted as follows:

   Application Scores      50%

   Pitch Event Judge Scores    30%

   Pitch Event Audience Scores 20%

Teams with the highest scores will be awarded up to $50,000 to fund their Big Idea. Teams not selected for funding are provided feedback on their proposal intended to advise on next steps.