The submission window for the ASAP Innovation Competition has closed as of April 2nd, 2012 at 11:59pm EDT. Thank you to all who participated.
What types of technologies are the judges looking for?
Our judging panel is looking to identify technological innovations, including both newly developed technologies and unique applications of existing technologies, that can motivate kids to get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day. “Technology” may include, but is not limited to, devices, tracking and measurement systems, software applications and platforms, innovative uses of social media, gaming, smart phones, mobile phones, and more.
These technologies may be practical for increasing physical activity in many settings (at home, before or after school, online, on weekends, etc.); however, all entries must be able to demonstrate at least one use or application of the technology that could be feasible and impactful within a school environment.
What is the benefit of being named a Grand Prize Winner and having my technology entered into a school-based pilot study?
Winning teams will have the unique opportunity to work with leading researchers at Tufts University and ChildObesity180 to have their technology piloted in a school-based environment. Pilots will be designed to evaluate the potential of these winning technologies to motivate and encourage 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous activity at school and beyond. Ultimately, we aim to see these technologies widely used in schools across the country as a component of obesity prevention programming.
In addition to the pilot study, winning technologies and their developers will be recognized at an awards ceremony following the close of the competition.
I have a great idea for a technology. Can I apply?
The “Technology Innovation” category is for technologies that are in late-stage or final development. Technology innovations must be at a stage of development where they are ready to be deployed in a school environment. Ideas for new technologies will not be accepted to the ASAP Innovation Competition this year. However, entrants may submit an entry featuring a new use or application of an of existing technology so long as said entrant(s) can demonstrate a valid claim of ownership to the technology they outline in their proposal, including any associated intellectual property rights (See “Eligibility”).
Is there a target age range our team should consider when creating our school-based pilot proposal?
Entries to the “Technology Innovation” category may outline proposals for students of all ages. Preference will be given to entries which demonstrate potential for widest reach (elementary through high school). However, all entries must be able to demonstrate at least one application of the technology that could be feasible and impactful within an elementary school environment reaching children ages 5-12.
My technology is already being used in schools. Can I apply?
Yes, technologies that are currently on the market, in schools or otherwise, can apply. The goal of the competition is to identify both newly developed technologies and/or unique applications of existing technologies that can increase quality physical activity in school and beyond. Entries that would achieve increased scale, reach, and impact from study and refinement during a pilot program are preferred. Technologies already widely deployed or funded for commercial expansion are less likely to benefit from being named a Grand Prize Winner.
Are there restrictions on how prize money is used?
Yes. Entries identified as Grand Prize Winners will be awarded $50,000 to execute a school-based pilot study featuring the winning technology. Researchers at Tufts University and ChildObesity180 will oversee spending of the award to manage pilot design, staffing, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
Winning teams will have their technology deployed in a school-based pilot study with the ultimate goal of expanded use in schools across the country.
Can winning teams use prize money to further development of their technology?
Prize money for winning technologies will be used to execute school-based pilot studies. Prize funds may not be used for other purposes. Please refer to “Judging and Prizes” for further detail.
Who is sponsoring the competition?
ASAP is an initiative of ChildObesity180. Conducted in collaboration with Tufts University, ChildObesity180 fosters cross-sector collaboration through a portfolio of high-impact initiatives to reverse the trend of childhood obesity. Recognizing an opportunity to partner with ChildObesity180 to spark a sea change in the physical activity culture of American schools, thirteen health plans have come together to provide financial support for this competition. For a complete list of these sponsors please visit the “About” page on our website.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) serves as a strategic partner of ChildObesity180.
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