Frequently Asked Questions

By leveraging cross-sector collaboration, and launching innovation challenges, the project aims to fund sustainable, scalable solutions to improve health outcomes and foster economic development within Nova Scotia. This initiative has already united public and private stakeholders, creating a powerful synergy that drives progress towards healthier youth and stronger economic growth.

The project’s Lead Consortium includes Novo Nordisk, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, and Life Sciences Nova Scotia. The NS Lighthouse Project is an inclusive initiative, welcoming new partners based on their value and skill sets. Opportunities for additional parties to join will be available throughout the journey, ensuring that it is never too late to become a part of this transformative effort.

The project was formed through a collaborative effort among key stakeholders from the healthcare, government, and private sectors, inspired by the successful Lighthouse model in Denmark. The goal was to create a similar initiative tailored to the specific needs of Nova Scotia. The NS Lighthouse Project is the first project of its kind outside of Denmark.

The project is governed by a Lead Consortium consisting of core partners, an advisory board, and various committees responsible for different aspects of the projects.

The advisory board provides strategic guidance, expert advice, and oversight to ensure the partnership meets its goals and objectives and brings value to Nova Scotia. 

Our primary goals are to develop and trial innovative solutions for critical health challenges; scale successful initiatives nationally and internationally; and provide a blueprint for public-private partnerships to address key health challenges and stimulate economic growth.

Childhood obesity and associated chronic diseases are critical public health issues that can lead to poorer health outcomes and reduced quality of life. By focusing on children and youth, the partnership aims to test prevention interventions that can have long-term positive impacts on health and reduce healthcare costs. Healthy children and youth lead to healthy adults. The first challenge targets childhood obesity by supporting innovative solutions to complex challenges such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and mental health issues among adolescents. The goal is to create healthier environments and lifestyles for young people, since these factors are often out of their immediate control.

Short-term success will be measured through the successful selection and implementation of innovative pilot projects, establishing new public-private partnerships, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.

Intermediate success will be evaluated by gathering data on participation and engagement, expanding the available funding pool to promote partnership sustainability, and identifying early signs of improved health behaviours among target populations.

Long-term success will be measured through specific health outcomes, such as  improvements in physical activity and nutrition, and mental health indicators. Additionally, economic indicators like job creation, cost savings in healthcare, and the successful commercialization of innovative solutions will be key metrics of success.

Innovation challenges are a proven method for addressing complex social and economic issues. By fostering collaboration and leveraging innovative solutions, they encourage a broad range of participants, from grassroots organizations to startups and large corporations. A few notable examples of successful organizations launching innovation challenges include:

IMPACT Canada: The Impact Canada Initiative, led by the Privy Council Office’s Impact and Innovation Unit, manages a platform that enables government departments to issue challenges and engage diverse problem solvers. One such challenge, the Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Challenge, led to a reduction of diabetes risk in various communities.

EU Horizon Prizes: The European Commission’s Horizon Prizes incentivize innovative solutions across various sectors, including health, environment, and technology. Successful challenges have led to breakthroughs in affordable renewable energy storage and reducing air pollution in urban areas.

XPRIZE Foundation: The XPRIZE Foundation is a non-profit organization that launches high-profile competitions to solve global challenges. The XPRIZE mission is to bring about “radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity” through incentivized competition. One notable success is the Water Abundance XPRIZE, which advanced technologies to provide safe drinking water to underserved communities.

The model involves multiple stages: Letter of intent submission, proposal submission, implementation, and evaluation. Innovators submit their ideas, and selected semi-finalists receive funding to develop their concepts. Innovators submit their ideas and the best solutions are then implemented and evaluated for effectiveness.

The Innovation Challenge is open to for-profit or not-for-profit organizations registered to do business in Canada. Specifically

• not-for-profit or charitable organizations;
• for-profit or private businesses;
• Indigenous and African Nova Scotian organizations;
• government agencies; and
• academic institutions.

To receive funding, projects must be based in Nova Scotia and applicants must be a Canadian legal entity (such as a company, corporation, or not-for-profit organization) capable of entering into binding agreements in Canada or establishing one. International organizations may apply if these requirements are met. We recommend international organizations begin this process upon submitting an application if it is required.

The applicant must demonstrate that a lead/co-lead for the design, implementation, and direction of the concept is an organization whose mission represents a community within Canada (attestation and details of the community organization as a legal entity required on application).

Proposed projects will be selected through a rigorous evaluation process involving multiple stages, including an initial review of submissions, detailed evaluations by the Project Selection Committee, and final approval by the Lead Consortium. Evaluation criteria will focus on the project’s potential impact, feasibility, scalability, and alignment with the partnership’s objectives.

New partners can get involved by reaching out to the NS Lighthouse Project through the provided contact information, expressing their interest, and discussing potential collaboration opportunities. 

It’s important to note that inclusion in the advisory board, lead consortium, or project selection committees will preclude organizations or individuals from submitting applications to innovation challenges to ensure fairness and impartiality. Organizations can participate by submitting innovative solutions through the call for proposals and collaborating with other stakeholders to develop and implement their ideas.

The project is funded through contributions from Novo Nordisk and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness. Each has contributed $1.5 million, for a total of $3 million.

People can stay informed through the NS Lighthouse Project website.

For more information, please contact Info@LighthouseNS.ca.

Cultural differences and diversity are considered by engaging with diverse communities, respecting their unique needs and perspectives, and ensuring that solutions are inclusive and culturally responsive. The project also consults the Nova Scotia Health Equity Framework to guide our efforts, ensuring that all programs and interventions are equitable and tailored to meet the diverse needs of the population.