Forecast Update: Powerful swell of innovations with a chance of spreading across VHA. Application season is now closed; semifinalists are coming. Be on the lookout for Sharks!

VHA Shark Tank Competition identifies frontline employee innovations that promote positive outcomes and improved experiences for Veterans, employees, caregivers, and VHA community. The competition spotlights passionate employees who are addressing the toughest challenges across VHA and provides a platform for exposure from all levels of leadership.

Applications closed on April 28. Thank you and good luck to all VHA innovators who applied to the competition – we have our fins crossed for you! Did you miss jumping aboard with your application for 2023? Be on the lookout for next year’s application period in Spring 2024.

Evaluators are now reviewing applications. Diffusion will announce semifinalists on June 12 and finalists on August 15. Applicants may reference the Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below or contact the VA Diffusion Support Team with any questions.

Coming Soon: 2023 Shark Recruitment

Are you a Medical Center or VISN Director looking to take a bite out of innovation? Be sure to tuna-in starting the week of July 11 – The Week of Sharks! Diffusion will open the floodgates on Shark recruitment information and applications. Sharks place bids on finalist practices to fish for a chance to replicate one of the practices at their facility! Check back for more information.

For immediate questions, please contact the VA Diffusion Support Team at VADiffusionSupport@va.gov.

Nominated practices addressed one or more of the below 2023 VHA Shark Tank Highlighted Priorities. For more information on the 2023 priorities click here.

Facility leaders are encouraged to promote the announcement of this year’s VHA Shark Tank Competition semifinalists at their facilities. A customizable toolkit will be available soon.

Check out the fin-tastic highlights of VHA Shark Tank Competition through the video below!

Click on the document below to view the 2022 Promising Practices and winning facility Shark Bids and check out testimonials from previous VHA Shark Tank winners.

At the 2022 VHA Shark Tank Competition, held during VHA Innovation Experience (iEX), finalists competed for the chance to replicate their innovations at another health care facility. Check out the 2022 finalist pitches through the video below!

For more information about all finalists for the 2022 VHA Shark Tank Competition, check out the below Marketplace pages.