The Filene Research Institute has launched Idea Idol, a webinar aimed at gathering credit union input on which of four innovations will be further studied and implemented.

The contest kicks off on Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. EDT. Representatives from the Filene Research Institute's i³ program will have three minutes to make their pitch, followed by a brief question-and-answer period.

The audience will then weigh in to provide feedback and vote for their favorite idea based on criteria that include the impact on consumers and credit unions and their willingness to pilot and implement the idea.

The four ideas are as follows: 

• Flex.One – a first mortgage combined into a home equity line of credit with all the capabilities of a checking account.
• Heartfelt Hands – uses the “angel tree” concept of recognizing an emergency financial need and matching that financial need with members who are willing to help.
• HomeTrak – a program that allows homeowners to keep track of the remaining life and replacement cost of all appliances, mechanicals, and big-ticket items in their homes.
• The Signal – a website that helps consumers navigate through the questions and complexities of disability benefits and asset building.

According to Denise Gabel, chief innovation officer at Filene, the Idea Idol is a new way to add the voice of the marketplace.

Register here before Sept. 13 to take part in the Idea Idol webinar.