This presentation focuses on the initial implementation phases of a regional applied research project called ‘Public eHealth Innovation and Equity in Latin America and the Caribbean (eSAC)’. The initiative is funded by the Ottawa-based International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and aims at improving the health of disadvantaged groups and contributing to the advancement of equity in health in the region, by nurturing and promoting Public eHealth innovation. eSAC was designed and is jointly implemented by the ‘People, Health Equity and Innovation (PHI) Research Group’ at the University of Toronto and the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), Washington DC. The project will create a fertile environment for innovation by using an integrated approach that will: introduce various types of incentives; support communication and networking activities; offer capacity development opportunities; assess the applied value of solutions based on information and communication technologies (ICTs) addressing priority public health challenges in the region; and inform and sensitize policy makers. Central to eSAC’s model is the role played by a small network of highly educated and motivated young professionals who work to catalyze the development of a regional community of practice and to provide necessary assistance to most project activities.