On Sunday, April 26, Dr. Jackie attended the second-ever SPARK TANK!™ at the National University of Natural Medicine’s new campus in downtown Portland. An event centered around innovation, collaboration, and the future of natural medicine.
Created by Dr. Amy Bader and Dr. Trevor Cates, SPARK TANK!™ was designed to bring bold ideas into a curated space, surround them with insightful thinkers, and help ignite visions that are shaping what’s next in the field.
A Space for Big Ideas and Real Feedback
The event brought together a dynamic group of practitioners, innovators, and leaders in natural medicine. Dr. Jackie had the opportunity to observe and support three inspiring presenters, while five expert judges provided real-time, professional feedback.
Each idea reflected a different piece of the evolving healthcare landscape:
- A brand building an ecosystem to help practitioners deliver higher-value, more effective care
- A biotech innovator developing a line of bioavailable nutrients
- A platform designed to securely organize patient health data, helping individuals better navigate complex care systems
Together, these ideas highlighted the growing need for more connected, personalized, and accessible healthcare solutions.
Why This Matters for the Future of Wellness
Events like SPARK TANK!™ are a reminder that natural medicine is not standing still, it’s evolving, expanding, and pushing boundaries.
From technology to nutrition to practitioner support, the next generation of healthcare is being built through collaboration and creativity.
Being part of spaces like this allows us to stay connected to that momentum and continue learning from others who are equally passionate about improving health outcomes.
Carrying That Inspiration Forward
The energy from SPARK TANK!™ was both inspiring and motivating—exactly the kind of environment that fuels growth, creativity, and new ideas.
As we continue building EllyPop, experiences like this remind us why we started: to create something meaningful, intentional, and supportive of real people’s health journeys.
EllyPop Gratitude
We’re grateful to be part of a community that’s thinking bigger, asking better questions, and working toward a more connected future in natural medicine.