Patient Safety Innovation Challenge
A KidsX and Children’s Hospitals’ Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS) collaboration
Accelerating Pediatric Patient Safety Innovation
What is the KidsX and SPS Patient Safety Innovation Challenge?
KidsX and SPS are launching a joint Innovation Challenge to source early-stage digital health and AI solutions aligned to pediatric patient and employee safety needs across the SPS network. SPS is a collaborative of >150 children’s hospitals working together to eliminate serious health care associated harm through shared learning, evidence-based practices, and coordinated improvement efforts. Together, KidsX and SPS aim to identify and de risk digital solutions that reduce hospital acquired conditions and employee harm. To learn more about the KidsX and SPS partnership, startup eligibility and application requirements, access the Request for Information (RFI) here or at the link below.
Patient Safety Focus Areas
KidsX and SPS developed focus areas as a collaborative effort with patient safety and quality experts, which include Unplanned Extubations, Employee Safety-Patient Behavior Events, Employee Overexertion, Pediatric Hospital-Acquired Delirium, Nephrotoxic Acute Kidney Injury, and Ambulatory and Inpatient CLABSI. Clinicians and innovators building solutions that address one or more of the following focus areas are encouraged to apply:
Unplanned Extubations (UE)
Employee/Staff Safety — Patient Behavior Events (PBE)
Employee/Staff Safety — Overexertion (OE)
Pediatric Hospital‑Acquired Delirium (PHAD)
Nephrotoxic Medication Associated Acute Kidney Injury (NAKI)
Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) — Inpatient & Ambulatory
Program
KidsX and SPS are requesting information from vendors whose solutions may qualify for a centrally supported, SPS-led multisite pilot, and/or adoption by individual KidsX or SPS member hospitals. Selected innovators will present their solution at an in-person showcase attended by quality and patient safety leaders from the SPS network. They will also gain access to a mentor network with deep expertise in digital health and patient safety, and be provided with tailored curriculum combining virtual and asynchronous material to foster learning and networking with key stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Children's Hospitals' Solutions for Patient Safety?
SPS is a collaborative of >150 children’s hospitals working together to eliminate serious health care associated harm through shared learning, evidence-based practices, and coordinated improvement efforts. Learn more at: https://www.solutionsforpatientsafety.org/
Am I eligible to apply?
We welcome founders of existing companies as well as hospital, clinician, and other innovators developing solutions who are open to collaborating with SPS, KidsX, and SPS member hospitals to co-develop their innovations. Early-stage digital health innovators addressing one of the program’s focus areas are encouraged to apply. Digital heath and AI companies are invited to apply; MedTech companies are ineligible for this program. More information can be found in the RFI.
How do I apply for the Patient Safety Innovation Challenge?
The RFI can be found here. Instructions for submitting your application can be found on Page 9. You are able to submit applications at kidsx.ideawake.com from February 1 through March 1. The KidsX team will review all applications and notify the companies in March.
What is the application process?
The application closes on March 1, 2026. We will conduct 3 rounds of review including an interview with a panel of KidsX and SPS judges. If you are selected to proceed, the KidsX team will communicate next steps and timing, but expect interviews to begin near the end of March. In the process, you may be asked to provide more information and detail to the teams in order to proceed through the rounds. Due to the volume of applicants, we will not be able to provide individualized feedback to all that apply.
How will applications be judged?
Applications will be judged according to the following Evaluation Criteria:
- Alignment with SPS harm areas & potential impact
- Fit within pediatric clinical workflows
- Strength of evidence and safety profile
- Integration readiness and data governance
- Scalability & cost-effectiveness
- Team expertise and pediatric experience
What are the requirements to participate?
We will share more details with finalists about in person events, but please expect travel to one on-site event in May (St. Louis). We will confirm final details for you and your team to plan accordingly.
We will also be hosting virtual curriculum sessions during the last two weeks of April, covering a variety of topics. KidsX will send communications for program details once the program begins.
We will work together towards a successful outcome for you during the course of the Innovation Challenge but cannot guarantee results.
Who do I contact with questions or to get involved?
For any questions about this Innovation Challenge, future programs, or how you can get involved, contact us at kidsx.health@gmail.com.