UM BWMC Hosts Third Annual “SPARQ Tank” Innovation Competition, Awards Funding for Patient-Centered Projects

The University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center recently hosted its third annual “SPARQ Tank” competition, giving health care team members the opportunity to pitch innovative ideas aimed at improving patient outcomes and experience. (Photo courtesy of BWMC/R. Hayes)

Modeled after the television show Shark Tank, the competition invites hospital staff—from clinical providers to administrative employees—to propose new technologies, practices, and care models. Selected participants can receive up to $50,000 in funding to bring their ideas to life. The initiative, which began in 2022, is fully funded through private donations to the Baltimore Washington Medical Center Foundation.

According to UM BWMC President Kathy McCollum, this year’s competition highlighted the “creativity, passion and expertise” of staff, with a focus on advancing patient-centered care. Funding for the 2026 competition included a $50,000 contribution from Anne Arundel County philanthropists John Belcher and Cathy Belcher. John Belcher also served as a judge alongside business leaders and health system executives.

Three of seven finalists were selected to receive funding:

The Compassion Fund  Developed by Population Health and Palliative Medicine teams, this initiative supports end-of-life care for patients who qualify for hospice but lack financial resources for safe discharge. Presented by Elizabeth Grady and Jennifer Bistrack, the project received $35,000.

The REST (Restorative Environment and Sleep Transformation) Initiative Created by Rehabilitation Services staff, this project introduces protocols to improve sleep hygiene and reduce delirium, falls, and agitation. It received $7,500.

Bringing Vital Health Monitoring Home — Designed by the Population Health team, this program provides at-home monitoring equipment for patients with chronic conditions who lack access. It received $7,500.

Dr. Jason Heavner, Chief Medical Officer at UM BWMC, emphasized that all projects reflected the health system’s core values, particularly compassion and patient-centered care.

The top-funded project, The Compassion Fund, will launch as a pilot program aimed at helping hospice-eligible patients transition from hospital settings to more appropriate environments for end-of-life care.

Funded projects are expected to be completed within 12 to 15 months. Previous SPARQ Tank initiatives have focused on improving early cancer detection, addressing food insecurity among discharged patients, and streamlining transitions to post-acute care.

Organizers say the competition continues to serve as a platform for frontline health care workers to develop practical solutions that can be expanded across the health system. 

To learn more about SPARQ Tank and the BWMC Foundation, visit umbwmc.org.