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S&Q Breakthru!

A Competition to Shape the Future of Quality in Urology

The S&Q Breakthru! Competition supports innovative ideas that address priority quality challenges in urology that can be implemented in a clinical setting. Ideas will reflect the National Urology Quality Agenda priorities, which emphasize practical strategies that enhance patient outcomes, promote equity, improve safety, advance diagnostic excellence, strengthen the value of care, support joy in work, and integrate quality across the specialty. AUA members, including residents, fellows, and early-career urologists, are invited to submit their innovative ideas on how to advance NUQA into the future. Selected attendees will, Shark Tank-style, pitch their ideas at the S&Q Summit at AUA Headquarters on November 13-14, 2026. The winner will receive $5,000 to implement their idea with the support of key AUA committee members and AUA staff experts. 

Submit Your Idea View Application Details

Eligibility Information

All AUA members are eligible and encouraged to apply, including residents/trainees, Fellows, APPs, early-stage investigators, and practice managers. Only one submission per person is allowed during a competition year. An AUA member ID will be required during the application process, and proof of current membership must be provided to the program administrators prior to the live pitch.

Application Requirements

The AUA S&Q Breakthru! Competition application process consists of a written application followed by a possible live pitch at the first annual Science and Quality Summit. Applicants should review this Program Announcement in its entirety to understand and begin preparing the required components. 

To be eligible for the program, applicants will be required to:

  • Provide their AUA ID number to confirm AUA membership.
  • Submit a concise written description of their proposed S&Q Breakthru! innovation idea as part of the application submission process. This description should clearly articulate the core concept, implementation approach and anticipated impact of the idea in alignment with the NUQA. All descriptions must have:
    • Idea Title (limited to 255 characters, spaces included)
    • Body/Narrative (limited to 4,500 characters, spaces included)
      • The following sections are required:
        • Problem Statement & NUQA Alignment – Briefly describe the quality‑related problem or gap in urologic care that your idea is intended to address. 
        • Objective – State what your S&Q Breakthru! idea aims to accomplish. 
        • Implementation Strategy – Describe the overall strategy for implementing your idea. Outline key steps, stakeholders, and settings involved. Discuss how the concept would be tested, piloted, or operationalized in a real‑world urology practice,
          health system, or organizational context. Provide sufficient detail for reviewers to assess feasibility.
        • Anticipated Impact & Future Potential – Explain how successful implementation of your idea could advance urologic care, improve quality outcomes, or support the goals of the NUQA. Describe the potential for broader applicability or scalability within the specialty.

For full requirements or requirements for the LIVE S&Q Breakthru! Competition Presentation, review this Program Announcement. Questions on eligibility, application materials, etc. should be directed to the program administrator via email at sqsummit@auanet.org.

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

Pfizer Oncology