Optimizing Technology Solutions Innovation Grant

The Optimizing Technology Solutions Innovation Grant, supported by Omnicell and administered by the ASHP Foundation in collaboration with the ASHP Innovation Center, funds research initiatives that advance the use of innovative technology solutions to improve medication safety and effectiveness. This program seeks to catalyze projects that integrate data-driven, mobile, and cloud-based health technologies—such as telehealth, digital therapeutics, automation, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence—to positively transform the delivery of healthcare. Grants of up to $50,000 are available to projects that demonstrate impact on the implementation and use of technology in medication use. Proposals must include measurable objectives, rigorous methodology, and a defined study timeline not to exceed 18 months. Projects must demonstrate their potential to improve outcomes for individuals, organizations, and healthcare systems. Proposals must also outline how findings may be generalizable and should include detailed plans for statistical analysis and evaluation. To be eligible, the principal investigator must be a licensed pharmacist. Preference is given to those with prior research experience evidenced by publications and prior extramural funding. Institutions must be based in the United States. Not-for-profit organizations, for-profit entities, and government agencies may apply, though funds must be administered by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Only one grant will be awarded per cycle. Investigators must not currently serve on the ASHP or ASHP Foundation boards or be employed by them. Research must comply with NIH inclusion and ethics guidelines and must be reviewed by an institutional review board (IRB). Funds will not be disbursed until IRB approval or exemption is documented. The grant does not support capital expenditures, endowments, resident salaries, or ongoing operational expenses. It may fund salary support (excluding residents), supplies, IRB fees, relevant travel, and up to 8% for facilities and administrative costs. Travel to present findings is generally capped at $1,500 but can be increased with approval. Recipients must submit progress reports every six months and provide a final research and financial report after project completion. They must also submit findings for peer-reviewed publication within six months of study close. ASHP reserves right of first refusal for presentations and publications. Applications open on November 4, 2024, and close on January 30, 2025. Grantees will be selected in late spring. Detailed application instructions include narrative components such as specific aims, rationale, innovation, methodology, human subject protection, and timeline. The application must also include a biographical sketch for the principal investigator in NIH format and signed certification by both the PI and grant officer. A project may request one extension but must meet all grant obligations within the extension period. The ASHP Foundation upholds strict standards for research conduct, and any suspected misconduct must be promptly reported and addressed.

Emphasize measurable outcomes, experienced PI track record, inclusion plans, and generalizability of findings. Strong biostatistics support and a realistic timeline increase competitiveness.