ASGE physician members (Active, International or Trainee) are eligible to apply. The aim of the award is to foster a culture of innovation. Members in both academic and non-academic practice settings are encouraged to apply.

A $10,000 and $5,000 award are given and are a one-time 12 month award.

1. Awardees will be expected to present a report at an ASGE event (DDW or SIG Event) within one year of the award describing the innovation, its applications, potential and the process of its development.
2. Upon completion of the award, ASGE will require a final scientific and financial report from the grants or accounting office be submitted. All subsequent publications and abstracts must acknowledge support from the ASGE.
3. Micro-Tech® will be given an opportunity to create and sign a contract with the Award Winner - with the understanding that Micro-Tech® might have to bypass the development contract with the award winner if the technology possessed by the winner is outside of Micro-Tech’s® core.
4. Recipients are not bound to accept a contract from Micro-Tech® if offered.

Winners will be selected based on the level of innovation, potential impact and assessment of the project’s feasibility. The objective of this award is to cultivate the practice of innovation among gastroenterologists. Priority will be given to a project at concept stages that produce a tangible outcome (prototype), and is not part of larger or ongoing research effort. While prioritizing tangible outcomes, projects can include mechanical objects (devices) as well as information technology, communication, or novel approaches to patient and/or physician well-being.

The Innovation Award Review Committee will review the proposals and recommend awardees. The final approval of the award is made by the ASGE Governing Board during the November Governing Board meeting.

Candidates must submit a complete application as detailed below, in a single PDF file.

1. Submission Outline
   Limit to three pages. A specific format is not required. Preliminary images, drawings, photographs are encouraged. Professional drawings/images are not required. Applicants should efficiently convey the following:
• The problem being addressed, and relevance to gastrointestinal endoscopy and patient care.
• Why this project is novel or changes existing practice paradigms.
• Preliminary work on concept.
• Conflict of Interest: It is important that idea originates with the applicant. As such, statements regarding conflict of interest and/or financial ownership, patent rights, etc. of technique/devices being studied must be included in the application, along with a plan for resolution of these conflicts.
• Outline how the award money will be spent. Specifically, consulting (e.g., engineer/attorney) prototyping material, presentation material (e.g., video/images), facilities, equipment, and internal and external personnel required to complete the project.
2. Submission
   The following documents must be included in your submission:
• Applicant contact information
• A single PDF no longer than 4 pages.