“It made me reflect critically on how to communicate this:” Impact Pitch winner Dr. Benjamin Li on the competition, patient outcomes, and business

How can innovative funding models transform cancer care? In this exclusive Q&A, Impact Pitch winner Dr. Benjamin Li shares how his research in radiation oncology and decision support is driving more equitable, evidence-based patient outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Innovative funding model in cancer research: Binaytara’s inaugural Impact Pitch introduced a live, Shark Tank–style competition at the Summit on Cancer Health Disparities, redefining how early-career researchers secure funding.
• Focus on health equity in oncology: Award-winning projects, including Dr. Benjamin Li’s work, emphasize reducing disparities and improving patient outcomes in radiation oncology.
• Real-world clinical impact through technology: Dr. Li’s project on point-of-care decision support aims to ensure consistent, evidence-based care for patients regardless of information gaps among providers.
• Rapid, high-stakes research evaluation: Researchers presented and defended proposals in just seven minutes, followed by expert critique—encouraging clarity, rigor, and real-world applicability.
• Support for early-career investigators: The $25,000 Binaytara Implementation Science Research Award empowers emerging researchers to advance impactful, scalable solutions in oncology.

Inside Binaytara’s Impact Pitch: A New Model for Cancer Research Funding

Binaytara’s inaugural Impact Pitch took center stage at last weekend’s Summit on Cancer Health Disparities. Following the first-of-its-kind Shark Tank-style funding competition, two early-career researchers walked away with the Binaytara Implementation Science Research Award after presenting their research and fielding constructive questions and feedback from the session’s Catalysts.

Who Is Dr. Benjamin Li? Leader in Radiation Oncology and Global Health

Among the awardees is Dr. Benjamin Li, a radiation oncologist and researcher at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Dr. Li is also an assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, where he acts as Physician Lead for the Program in Global Oncology and Health Disparities for Radiation Oncology.

At the Impact Pitch, Dr. Li pitched his project “Creating and Understanding Real-World Use of Point-of-Care Decision Support in Radiation Oncology.” Patient outcomes are at the heart of his project: “My goal is to… make it so that, if you’re a radiation oncologist, a lack of how we’ve been able to share information into your brain isn’t going to result in the patient in front of you getting worse care,” Dr. Li said.

But Dr. Li had some convincing to do, as the Binaytara implementation Science Research Award doesn’t follow the research funding process of old. In front of a live audience, Dr. Li was given seven minutes to pitch his proposed project, before the Impact Pitch Catalysts took their turn to clarify, critique, and question.

The Impact Pitch Experience: Real-Time Evaluation and High-Stakes Feedback

“It was exciting,” Dr. Li said. “It made me really reflect critically on how to communicate this to others, and also, do a little deeper dive to double check and make sure that what I’m doing is substantiated in evidence.”

Luckily, Dr. Li has an MD and MBA, so he’s no stranger to the entrepreneurial side of medicine. The researcher turned to a “business-y lesson” he took away from his combined degree when thinking about his next steps in disparities research.

Why Measuring the Right Outcomes Matters in Cancer Research

“They say that you achieve what you measure,” Dr. Li said. “When people are reviewing research and approving it or not, they’re testing it, [asking], ‘Are you measuring things? Are you measuring the right things in the right way?’”

For Dr. Li, “measuring the right things in the right way” is the path towards equity-oriented, patient-centered research initiatives. Following the Impact Pitch, he received the maximum prize of $25,000 to improve patient outcomes through digital radiation oncology support.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Binaytara Impact Pitch and Dr. Benjamin Li

What is the Binaytara Impact Pitch?

The Binaytara Impact Pitch is a live, Shark Tank–style research funding competition where early-career investigators present their projects to expert reviewers (“Catalysts”) and a live audience for critique and potential funding.

What makes this funding model unique?

Unlike traditional grant processes, the Impact Pitch emphasizes real-time feedback, concise communication, and immediate evaluation—helping researchers refine both their ideas and their delivery.

Who is Dr. Benjamin Li?

Dr. Benjamin Li is a radiation oncologist and researcher at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and an assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, specializing in global oncology and health disparities.

How does this research improve patient outcomes?

By enhancing decision support for radiation oncologists, the project aims to reduce variability in care and ensure patients receive consistent, high-quality treatment regardless of provider knowledge gaps.

What is implementation science in cancer research?

Implementation science studies how to effectively integrate research findings into real-world healthcare settings, ensuring that innovations actually improve patient care and outcomes.

How much funding did the winners receive?

Winners of the Binaytara Implementation Science Research Award, including Dr. Li, received up to $25,000 to advance their projects.

Who can participate in future Impact Pitch events?

The competition is designed for early-career researchers focused on cancer care, health equity, and implementation science, though eligibility may vary by event.