Conference Blog: turning innovation into impact at the IMS Healthcare Innovation Challenge

The Institute of Medical Science (IMS) Healthcare Innovation Challenge is a student-led competition that brings together graduate and professional students from across the University of Toronto to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions to real-world healthcare challenges and pitch their ideas to a panel of expert judges. This year's IMS Healthcare Innovation Challenge focused on improving healthcare access and delivery in rural and remote communities across Canada, with student teams developing innovative solutions to address some of the country's most pressing healthcare access challenges.

A team of Translational Research Program (TRP) students won the competition this year and tell us about their experiences below.

Our experience in the IMS Healthcare Innovation Challenge

By Muhammad Ansar, Hansika Dhari, Linette Penney and Vedant Shukla

“When our team entered the Institute of Medical Science (IMS) Healthcare Innovation Challenge, we were motivated by two things: a desire to improve healthcare access in underserved communities and the opportunity to test our ideas in a competitive, real-world environment. The challenge encouraged us to think critically about what matters most when designing solutions for healthcare problems, balancing innovation with practicality and evidence.

Using AI to improve access to specialized care in rural areas

Our team focused on a significant issue facing rural and remote communities in Northwestern Ontario, where access to specialized healthcare services can be extremely limited. In some fly-in communities, patients experiencing circulation problems that can lead to limb-threatening complications may be located thousands of kilometres from the nearest specialist and face lengthy wait times for assessment.

To address this challenge, we developed ROOTED (Remote Outreach and Optimal Thermography for Early Detection), a solution that uses AI-supported thermal imaging to identify circulation problems before they become medical emergencies. By enabling earlier detection and intervention, ROOTED aims to improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients who live far from specialized services.

Developing a story and ideas

One of the most rewarding aspects of the competition was seeing how our idea evolved from an initial concept into a polished final pitch. Throughout the process, we received valuable feedback from TRP faculty members and peers, which helped us refine both our solution and our presentation. We drew heavily on lessons learned through the TRP, particularly the importance of leading with the problem rather than the solution, using storytelling to make data meaningful, and communicating ideas clearly and confidently. We also spent considerable time rehearsing and strengthening the evidence behind our proposal.

A key insight we gained during the challenge was the importance of considering Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) when evaluating potential innovations. We learned that successful innovation is not always about inventing entirely new technologies. Often, the greatest impact comes from adapting existing, validated technologies to new contexts. By focusing on thermal imaging technology that has already demonstrated clinical value, we were able to concentrate our efforts on implementation, partnerships, and real-world impact rather than defending the underlying technology itself.

Opportunities for collaboration

The competition also reinforced the value of collaboration. Working alongside teammates with different perspectives and areas of expertise helped strengthen our idea and reminded us that innovation in healthcare is rarely a solo endeavour. The TRP's interdisciplinary approach prepared us well for this experience by encouraging teamwork, structured ideation, and critical evaluation of potential solutions. Previous opportunities to participate in pitch competitions and innovation training also gave us a strong foundation for presenting our ideas effectively.

Beyond the competition itself, the experience provided valuable professional and academic development. It challenged us to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences, build practical problem-solving skills, and create a project that demonstrates our ability to translate ideas into action. It also offered opportunities to connect with judges, mentors, and other participants who share an interest in healthcare innovation.

For TRP students considering competitions like this in the future, our advice is simple: take the opportunity. Participating requires an investment of time and effort, but the potential benefits far outweigh the risks. Whether or not you win, you will gain new skills, meet inspiring people, and learn more about the challenges and opportunities that exist within healthcare. The experience was both educational and enjoyable, and it has encouraged us to continue exploring innovation-focused opportunities in the future. In fact, we're already looking for the next challenge.

Sometimes the best way to learn is simply to say yes to an opportunity and see where it leads.”