Previous Innovation Fund recipients

Round one recipients 

The calibre of the first round of Innovation Fund submissions was impressive. As a result, we increased our funding to support more initiatives than planned. All recipients received $100,000, excluding GST, for their innovative projects.

All proposals targeted areas of need and had the potential to scale up and roll out nationally. Each of the initiatives were ready to deliver almost immediately, or within the first six months.

ĀKI Navigation Pathway - ĀKI Innovations Ltd

ĀKI Innovations Ltd is developing an integrated assessment tool for tāne Māori with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the Waikato. The tool considers the holistic needs of kiritaki, underpinned by a cultural framework. This will be supported with the introduction of a Kaimanaaki (navigator) role. Providing whānau-centred rehabilitation services with the help of Kaimanaaki will facilitate access to the right services at the right time. This pathway aims to improve whānau outcomes and increase trust in ACC services. This will be through early engagement and better communication.

Learn more about ĀKI Innovations Ltd: ĀKI aiming to put whānau Māori in control of wellbeing (acc.co.nz)

HealthOne

HealthOne is developing a digital interface to give ACC allied health providers access to HealthOne. HealthOne is a digital solution that already enables electronic sharing of health records. It gives access to key parts of an individual’s primary healthcare record, alongside public hospital records. Providing an efficient way of accessing health records leads to better and more timely care for clients.

Learn more about HealthOne: “This funding is a circuit breaker for our health system” (acc.co.nz)

Karo Data Management

Karo Data Management is a software development company, specialising in the health and social (NGO) sectors. They are developing a digital interface in the Karo platform, Kotahi. Social sector agencies can use it to refer their clients to health services they may be missing out on. A high percentage of clients in the social sector are not enrolled into primary care. This means many are missing out on funded programmes to improve their health outcomes. This project has the potential to contribute positive long-term impacts on the health system. Impacts such as a reduction in hospitalisations and recurring claims.

Ngākau Oho - University of Auckland, Te Piha Romiromi and Tūrama Practise Ltd

This group are introducing a holistic whānau-centred rongoā programme for ACC clients. They will provide a personalised programme that meets the needs of our clients and their whānau. They will have access to rongoā Māori and online support platforms, alongside a whānau Rapu Ora plan to facilitate self-care. Their intention is that this will work alongside and complement other rehabilitation services. 

Learn more about Ngākau Oho: Reclaiming a te ao Māori (Māori world) approach to injury recovery (acc.co.nz)

Wayfind-TBI

The Wayfind-TBI team, in partnership with Christchurch Hospital is developing a digital assessment tool for mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). The tool is being developed for an emergency department setting. It uses the Brain Injury Screening Tool as its basis. This digital solution will support consistent and high-quality injury screening, diagnosis and treatment of mTBI.

Learn more about Wayfind-TBI: Taking on concussion head-on (acc.co.nz)

Tū Tonu Limited

Raranga Takapau - Tū Tonu Limited is establishing a holistic and culturally responsive wrap-around service. This service is for women affected by maternal birth injuries, specifically wāhine Māori and Pasifika in Waikato. It will be available for all people who have given birth. This is a timely initiative with the recent maternal birth injury change. The service meets the needs of two specific kiritaki (client) groups. It provides early assessments to enable early intervention if needed and includes a continuous care model.

Learn more about Tū Tonu Limited: Indigenous approaches for optimal healing (acc.co.nz)