Let's get you to the
right place
Do you have an innovative concept that can impact the lives of Veterans and their families? Here's your opportunity to collaborate with VA.
As part of the VHA Innovation Ecosystem (VHA IE), PathFinder aims to be the catalyst for external innovators to drive impactful change for Veteran healthcare and to operationalize innovation in the Nation's largest integrated health care system.
Here’s your chance to collaborate with the Department of Veterans Affairs and capture the attention of VA stakeholders with unique ideas, solutions, or products.
If your innovation is a novel concept that provides value to the Veteran community, then we ask that you thoughtfully and completely fill out a submission form to ensure it receives a proper evaluation. With PathFinder, you are now a step closer to driving healthcare innovation for those that serve, and their families.
Here's a quick glance at characteristics that make a submission through PathFinder truly stand out:
Traits of quality submissions
Novel, meaningful, and feasible
Strategically aligned to
Relevant to Veteran needs
Supported by data, evidence, or materials showcasing need or value
Represented by a clear ask for VA collaboration and stage of solution
We want your submission to get the attention it deserves. Be mindful of these roadblocks:
Common submission roadblocks
Solution already exists within VA
Unclear or incomplete ask for collaboration
Falls into VA acquisition and purchase criteria
Does not comply with VA legal requirements
Requires VA funding
Submission evaluation
Take a moment to review the criteria that will be used to evaluate your submission during the PathFinder review process.
- Is there a clear target market?
- Is there a reasonable time frame?
- Has it been tested or replicated?
- Is it novel and unique?
- Does it take on a clear challenge?
- Is it relevant to the target market?
- Does it address key VA and VHA ?
Please Note:
- Submitting to PathFinder is NOT a funding opportunity.
- PathFinder does NOT award contracts, provide research grants, or offer other forms of financial support in response to submission.
- Submitting to PathFinder is NOT a substitute when other avenues of engagement with VA are more appropriate, such as a vendor application to the Office of Acquisition and Logistics or joining the Community Care Network.
- PathFinder does not lead or establish scientific research studies. Please contact your local VA Office of Research and Development to inquire about research opportunities.
Innovation starts here
Ready to take the first step towards innovating with VA? Start your journey now.
What makes a successful submission to PathFinder?
PathFinder has created an objective platform for innovators matching solutions with the correct VA stakeholders across clinical disciplines and content areas.
However, VA has a finite number of resources to successfully collaborate with all interested external innovators.
Please carefully review the submission criteria before completing the intake form.
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VHA priorities
- Cut red tape around VA care and services
- Deliver timely access to care for Veterans
- Support all aspects of Veteran well-being
- Instill a culture of caring, customer service, and accountability
- Improve outreach to vulnerable Veterans
- Support rural Veterans with enhanced outreach and services
- Enhance the operation of Community Care
- Increase efficiency and maintain high standards of care
