Frequently asked questions
FAQs
What if I’m having trouble accessing the portal/website?
Make sure your browser is up to date and accepts cookies. You can contact the Johnson & Johnson Health Equity Innovation Challenge Team at JJInnovationChallengeTeam@its.jnj.com if you are having technical difficulties.
Can I submit supporting documents (for example a video) as part of my application?
You will have the opportunity, and are encouraged, to upload supporting materials such as slide decks, research papers, and videos as part of your application. You may submit a video (maximum length of 2 minutes) along with your typed responses.
Is it ok if some of the information I submit is confidential or proprietary to myself or a third party?
Do not submit confidential information or information proprietary to you or a third party. Only nonconfidential information should be submitted and anything you submit will be treated as nonconfidential.
What happens with IP (Intellectual Property)?
As this is a no-strings-attached arrangement. Any IP creation and/or protection remains the sole responsibility of the inventors.
Is a patent required to apply?
No, a patent is not required to apply. However, you should not submit any information that you wish to keep confidential or that may negatively impact the future patentability of your invention.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Johnson & Johnson Health Equity Innovation Challenge has its own terms and conditions that can be found prior to filling out the application, and you need to accept prior to applying. Submissions on behalf of large corporations and national organizations are not eligible.
What are the specific criteria for application?
Solutions with the potential to significantly impact health in communities across the country will be evaluated by individuals appointed by Spelman College and a panel of judges on their ability to meet the following criteria:
- Focus on health inequities experienced by people of color (see more on Focus Areas)
- Ability to demonstrate need and measurably impact health within one of the defined metro areas
- Potential to expand
- Feasibility and practicality of the solution
- Implementation plan and timeline
- Current success metrics
- Team quality and capabilities
- Initial funding request does not exceed $75,000
Do I/Application Team need to be located in the city where my application is submitted?
Yes. Applicants should reside or work within a 50-mile radius of the metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia. For Los Angeles applications, applicants should reside or work within the county of Los Angeles.
How were the geographic focus areas selected?
The Johnson & Johnson Health Equity Innovation Challenge focuses on dismantling health inequities within Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia. Through the Challenge, Johnson & Johnson aims to highlight how socioeconomic gaps drive the greatest need for healthcare education, access, and care. The Challenge is an opportunity to elevate solutions with the potential to significantly impact cities with the greatest gaps and expand into other communities across the country.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the program or the application process?
Please contact the Johnson & Johnson Health Equity Innovation Challenge Team at JJInnovationChallengeTeam@its.jnj.com with any questions.
Where do I apply? And do I have to complete the application in one sitting?
The application is accessible through the Health Equity Innovation Challenge website. Applications can be started and returned to during the length of the application window.
Can I submit more than one application?
Yes. You can submit more than one application.
Why is Johnson & Johnson Supporting this challenge?
We believe that everyone should have access to quality healthcare. As a part of our $100M Our Race to Health Equity commitment, Johnson & Johnson Innovation and Johnson & Johnson Impact Ventures, a fund within the Johnson & Johnson Foundation, are supporting early-stage innovators to drive more equitable health solutions.
Submit an idea
Applications for the Johnson & Johnson Health Equity Innovation Challenge will be open on October 2, 2023 and close on November 6, 2023.
