About us

An innovation is a program, process, or tool designed and implemented within VA that brings a unique value toward addressing a clinical, operational, or strategic problem.

Diffusion is the dissemination of an innovation beyond its point of origin. On the Diffusion Marketplace, it includes the journey of an innovation from its initial adoption and assessment to continued understanding of its impact and replication across VA facilities.

Innovations are grouped into three diffusion phases:

Emerging innovations are early in their adoption and are being assessed.

Replicating innovations are being adopted across multiple facilities as their impact continues to be validated.

Scaling innovations are being adopted widely with the support of national stakeholders.

VA and non-VA site visitors can email innovation owners directly to ask questions or request more information. To send them a message, simply click the "Contact Team" button on any innovation page.

Search by keyword, by tag, or by browsing all innovations.

To adopt an innovation, click the "Contact Team" button on any innovation page and send the innovation owner a message about your interest in adopting their innovation.

The ability of an innovation team to collaborate with non-VA personnel varies. If you have questions, or want to learn more about an innovation, you can reach out to the innovation editor by clicking the "Contact Team" button on any innovation page.

You can self-nominate or nominate other innovations for consideration on the Diffusion Marketplace by using our Nominate an innovation page. Innovations can also be nominated through competitions, such as the VHA Shark Tank Competition.

Nominated innovations will be reviewed by the Diffusion of Excellence team, relevant subject matter experts, as well as Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISNs) and program office leaders. Innovations will be selected in alignment with VA best practices and priorities.