It is said that “innovation is change that brings value” — and innovation surely defines the future of health care.
For The Beckwith Institute, health care innovation’s true value is better care for patients. Since 2012, the Institute has supported more than 100 research projects and pilot programs. Its funding has touched the lives of thousands of patients and inspired caregivers to new levels of excellence. Its programs have evolved to respond to changing needs and opportunities in health care.
The Beckwith Institute is a UPMC-endowed fund with matching support provided by UPMC.
Our Core Programs
Many of the best ideas in health care come from the people who care for patients every day. The Institute’s first initiative, the Frontline Innovation Program, supported forward-thinking ideas to improve bedside care and clinical practice. Today, this program continues to support projects that can have an immediate and positive impact on patient care.
When the Institute launched the Clinical Transformation Program, its focus was bench-to-bedside discovery. That emphasis later shifted to shared decision-making to support UPMC’s mission of patient-centered care and led to the creation of the Beckwith Center for Shared Decision Making at UPMC. This process empowers patients and providers to work as health care partners to make informed treatment decisions.
In 2022, the Clinical Transformation Program increased its funding to support more high-impact, research-based projects. Many are early-stage pilot efforts to test compelling and promising concepts. Once validated, project owners can go on to pursue external funding.
Today, the Institute’s core programs — Clinical Transformation and Frontline Innovation — challenge the status quo and disrupt traditional approaches. At their best, they redefine health care delivery and patient care.
Projects Responding to Special Needs and Opportunities
During the pandemic, a special COVID-19 Relief Grant campaign was launched as part of the Frontline Innovation Program. More than 80 proposals were received to provide financial relief and support the emotional well-being of caregivers, patients, and their communities. In all, more than $450,000 was awarded to support these one-time initiatives. Additional contributions were made to local food banks and United Way programs.
In collaboration with UPMC, The Beckwith Institute also considers funding emerging opportunities for breakthrough research and new drug discovery. One of the Institute’s most significant initiatives is a project exploring a robust, cost-effective platform for antiaging therapies.
Funding Support From the Beckwith Institute
Since its inception in 2012, The Beckwith Institute has awarded more than $7.4 million to advance patient care and innovation.
Funding for its signature programs includes:
- Clinical Transformation Program — $5,294,183
- Frontline Innovation Program — $1,638,766
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute also provided support for:
- COVID-19 Support Grants $ 201,500
- Food Bank Donations $ 207,000
- United Way Donations $ 50,000
