Canada Health Infoway is putting out a challenge across the nation: How would you use information technology to improve health care in Canada?

The ImagineNation Ideas Challenge opened on March 31, and asks Canadians how they would improve health and health care through innovation in information and communications technologies.

"How many times have you thought, 'If only there were a digital solution that would do this faster or make it easier to provide great care,' but didn't know how to share your idea?" asked Dr. Jennifer Zelmer, senior vice president of clinical adoption and innovation at Canada Health Infoway. "Now is your chance to share your inspiration and perhaps be recognized for your creativity in the process."

Infoway is awarding over $35,000 in prizes to recognize the leading ideas. A total of 56 ideas will be recognized. A panel of judges will check submissions against four criteria: impact on health and health care, innovation, effective use of technology and feasibility. The top 50 ideas will be posted to the Infoway website and to be voted on by the Canadian public. The idea that receives the most votes will receive the Canada's Choice Award. The judging panel will determine the top five ideas, and from there, the best idea will be selected for first prize.

Submissions are open until May 15, and the contest is open to any Canadian with a great idea about how to improve our health care system using information technologies. Individuals or teams of up to five people may enter the challenge.

"Health is something that matters to us as individuals and as a country," said Zelmer. "This is a chance to look forward ... and make our health even better tomorrow than it is today."

Canada Health Infoway is an independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the federal government. The organization aims to accelerate the development information and communications technology projects in Canada.

For more information about the ImagineNation Ideas Challenge, including the submission process and evaluation criteria, visit imaginenationchallenge.ca. For more about Canada Health Infoway, visit infoway-inforoute.ca.