PALO ALTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#AI—NEC X, the Silicon Valley-based innovation accelerator and venture studio backed by global IT leader NEC, today unveiled the standout startups selected to join Elev X! Ignite cohort Batch 11. The seven new startups were handpicked from more than 250 qualified applicants for their potential to disrupt and lead in emerging technologies, such as AI, public safety, marketing, healthcare and more.

Since 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 100 startups.

Elev X! Ignite goes far beyond the conventional venture studio model, providing a unique blend of collaboration, funding, engineering expertise, extensive R&D resources and comprehensive support services. The customized program fast-tracks entrepreneurs in the ideation and prototyping phase, preparing to scale their innovative technologies across global markets.

“Our record-breaking pool of applicants is a testament to the unique value we provide, transforming visionary ideas into market-ready innovations through a one-of-a-kind, collaborative journey,” said Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO of NEC X. “Many incredible ideas were submitted, but our chosen companies truly stand out for their outstanding teams, social impact and potential to synergize with NEC’s vast resources.”

Elev X! Ignite Batch 11 includes:

• AI VOBIS – transformative startup for digital health and medical AI
• Barricade AI – multimodal generative AI to help first responders cut reporting time and spend more time in the field
• Jump AI – AI-powered integration platform delivers custom SaaS-to-SaaS integrations on-demand to seed/Series A startups, enabling them to rapidly connect tools for prospects, with usage-based pricing and automated maintenance reducing integration overhead
• Metapyxl – elevating digital rights management by empowering creators and businesses to secure content, embed links for direct purchases in images, and leverage analytics for superior engagement and reach
• OwlVision – AI/ML-driven co-pilot using machine vision to enhance situational awareness, reduce collision risk and mitigate the effects of understaffed aviation infrastructure
• Talentlabs.ai – customizable, deep AI intelligence to automate recruitment and find ideal candidates faster
• UpendNow Inc. – SaaS platform that optimizes the pre-production workflow of high-end videos and films by automating ideation and strategy, using the power of generative AI

Elev X! members gain access to NEC X’s dynamic ecosystem of startup resources and services. This includes funding to grow, hands-on support and mentorship, integrations with advanced technologies, exclusive workshops, skill development, strategic collaborations and much more.

This vital combination of guidance, support, tools and resources uniquely enables startups to develop a compelling Minimum Viable Product (MVP), validate Proof-of-Concept (POC), engage paying customers, secure seed funding and thrive in today’s competitive startup landscape.

NEC X has experienced tremendous growth since launching in 2018, including a 72% increase in applications since Elev X! Ignite cohort Batch 10.

Past graduates of Elev X! include Metabob, eCommerceInsights.ai (Indellia), Beagle Technology, NavigateIO, Flyhound, Qualitative Intelligence and WeWalk.

For more information about Elev X! Programs, click here.

About NEC X

NEC X, Inc. is more than just an incubator, accelerator or venture studio; it’s an innovation powerhouse backed by the global technology leadership of NEC. With over 125 years of IT and network technologies expertise, NEC X turns visionary ideas into commercial successes that revolutionize how we work and live.

Located within the vibrant Silicon Valley ecosystem, NEC X’s programs – Elev X! Ignite and Elev X! Boost – equip early-stage startup founders with the tools to fast-track their tech development and adoption. The organization fuels startup success from inception to launch, offering unparalleled access to over 45,000 patents, 1,000 mentors and seasoned advisors, a network of industry partners, reach into 55+ international markets, and an $8 billion R&D ecosystem. Since its inception in 2018, NEC X has helped launch and grow more than 100 startups.

For more information, visit https://nec-x.com and https://www.elev-x.com.

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.

For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.

Contacts

Robert Brownlie
Bob Gold & Associates
310-320-2010
necx@bobgoldpr.com

Menopause and neuroscience.

70% of women experience neurological symptoms during the menopausal transition, and while historically menopause was associated only with the ovaries, it’s now understood that symptoms such as hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood changes, and insomnia are all neurological symptoms, writes The Guardian.

While very few brain studies look at menopause, interest in the topic has been surging lately.

The 2021 study led by Lisa Mosconi, the largest examination of the menopausal brain to date, showed substantial differences in brain structure across the menopause stages. Critically, many of these changes are temporary, and the brain tries to compensate for these changes through increased blood flow and energy production.

Other studies found an association between frequent hot flashes and an increased likelihood of having Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers and that the first signs of the brain disorder can appear at about the same time women start menopause, suggesting the hormonal event might have implications for disease risk.

There was a bunch of news around menopause, so I’m listing them right here as well:

• On February 28th, researchers from University College London pooled the data from 22 studies and concluded that talking therapies such as CBT and mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) could help with physical menopause symptoms, like hot flashes.
• March 5th, It’s time to stop treating menopause like a disease, according to Lancet: The article calls for a reframing of menopause and a management approach that is not simply focused on medical interventions that relieve symptoms.
• On March 22nd, the recent Nature study on whales may show the evolutionary nature of menopause (which presents itself in very few biological species). Just as in humans, menopause in toothed whales evolved by selection to increase their total lifespan without also extending their reproductive lifespan. This could provide insights for our understanding of the evolution of menopause in general.

While the studies have their limitations, it’s important to see the surge of research interest around the topic.

PMS

On March 5th, Flo Health Inc. shared the results of their RCT demonstrating the effectiveness of the Flo app in improving PMS symptom management. In 3 months, the use of Flo significantly reduced symptom burden and decreased the number of absent days from work (the study results were accepted for publication at JMIR).

Addressing PMS has the potential to contribute $115 billion to the global economy. But, as of 2015, the number of scientific studies about erectile dysfunction exceeded that of premenstrual syndrome by 5x.

A reminder: in January 2024, Flo published their research in Nature NPJ Mental Health, exploring the effects of acute stress on pain perception among women during the Russia-Ukraine conflict (based on de-identified data from over 88k Flo users in Ukraine). Higher stress levels were linked to lower pain sensitivity. See here for more.

IUD for fertility

This month, I was fortunate to visit the Montpellier regional development agency, AD’OCC Invest in Occitanie, thanks to Angélique CACHEUX, and read and learn more about the local startup scene, including its digital health potential. In a local magazine (practicing my French), I noticed an article about Womed, a startup developing the first fertility-oriented IUD (intrauterine device). The device is CE-marked and, in 2021, has already demonstrated its safety and efficiency in a trial of 23 patients.

Apparently, on March 7, 2023, Womed announced that the results of the PREG2 clinical trial demonstrated Womed Leaf® is effective in the management of severe and moderate intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), the primary mechanical cause of female infertility. At the 6-week follow-up visit, women who received Womed Leaf were 2.4 times more likely to have no adhesion than those in the control group.

Depression and cardiovascular disease

On March 12th, women with depression might face a higher cardiovascular disease risk than men:the study published in JACC: Asia tracked and reviewed medical claims between 2005 and 2022, analyzing more than 4 million patients. The results suggest that the hazard ratio of a depression diagnosis leading to CVD was 1.39 in men and 1.64 in women. While the study has some limitations, it raises the important point of treating patients as the whole person in the world of sub-specialties and considering connections between mental and physical health.

Latest research in endometriosis

Oxford University scientists conducted the largest genetic study of endometriosis to date, published in Nature Genetics (using the data of over 60,000 individuals diagnosed with endometriosis and more than 700,000 control subjects). The study revealed 42 genetic regions that are significantly associated with the disease, many of which are related to pain perception.

In 2023, researchers from Cedars Sinai used single-cell genomics technology to map out the molecular profile of endometriosis, providing detail on the condition’s complex cellular makeup (published in Nature Genetics), using nearly 400,000 cells from a total of 21 affected or healthy individuals. The study can be a game changer for identifying potential therapeutic targets at a cellular level; it could enhance treatment outcomes and reduce disease recurrence.

Other studies investigated connections between endometriosis, IBS, and the gut microbiome, as well as its association with mental health conditions. While past research suggested these mental health issues were merely byproducts of chronic pain, the study reveals their distinct genetic underpinnings, expanding our understanding of endometriosis beyond its reproductive implications.

A reminder: in February 2024, we saw the first promising results from the clinical trial of the first non-hormonal, non-surgical treatment for endometriosis (dichloroacetate) in Scotland. If the trial is successful, the drug (the first in 40 years!) could be on the market within 5-7 years.

March 19th, In the US, Biden signs an executive order to expand and improve how the US federal government funds health research about women, calling for an investment of $12 billion in new funding for women’s health research.

On March 19th, Bloomer Tech from Cambridge is launching a clinical trial for their smart bra that tracks heart health. The bra, which originated a decade ago at MIT, collects data about women’s cardiovascular system, hormones, and metabolism, showing the results on an app. The device underwent a feasibility study in 2018 and other tests with humans before Bloomer Tech prepared for the latest clinical trial.

Smart bras might be a great twist in the medical device industry; check out IcosaMed from Switzerland, a smart bra for breast cancer monitoring. IcosaMed’s technology emits ultrasound waves to perform echography scans for potentially cancerous cells.

March 21st, An AI breast screening solution called Mia (CE Mark IIa) helped doctors find an additional 12% more cancers than in routine practice during the collaboration between Kheiron Medical Technologies, NHS Grampian, and the University of Aberdeen (as part of a study with 10,889 patients). The augmented AI workflow also showed a decrease in women recalled unnecessarily for further assessment and modeled a workload reduction of up to 30%.

About 20% of women with breast cancer have tumors that are missed by mammogram screening, which is why many countries mandate that two radiologists should read every mammogram.

Overall, it seems like McKinsey coined the term ‘closing the women’s health gap’ with their report on the state of women’s health, released this January. There’s been a handful of publications and interviews repeatedly referring to the report and the ‘gap term’, or citing the studies mentioned in this report. I hope that this awareness surge will greatly contribute and lead to concrete developments in the mid-term.

More from Anastasiya Markvarde:

The funding, led by Amaanah Circle, a Singapore-based health tech fund, includes investors like Epic Angels, Cross Fund, USAID, Augmentor, Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), and the Elahi group of companies.

Founded by Dr. Sara Saeed Khurram and Dr. Iffat Zafar Aga, Sehat Kahani offers virtual doctor-patient connections within 60 seconds, along with on-demand laboratory services and online medicine delivery. The support from USAID has been crucial for Sehat Kahani’s growth.

Dr. Sara Saeed Khurram views the funding as pivotal for their future, enabling the development of advanced features like decision support systems and predictive AI models.

Its Corporate Application offers hassle-free access to specialists for corporate employees and their families, while the Consumer Application operates in over 310 cities, providing affordable healthcare.

Dr. Iffat Zafar Aga notes its significant growth, with a 141% average year-on-year growth and a fivefold increase in consultations post-COVID. The funding will support Sehat Kahani’s global expansion plans.

Sehat Kahani, with its network of over 7,500 healthcare professionals, aims to bridge healthcare gaps and empower women in medicine with its innovative solutions.

Frontiers Health has established itself as a pivotal platform for exploring the intersection of healthcare and technology, driving discussions on groundbreaking advancements, trends, and challenges in the digital health landscape.

This year’s conference will provide a dynamic hybrid experience with physical and virtual interactions, building on the success of the 2022 event in terms of attendance and engagement.

The prestigious Auditorium della Tecnica in Rome, Italy will provide the perfect backdrop for the convergence of global thought leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders that are shaping the diverse digital health landscape.

Frontiers Health has been at the forefront of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the digital health community and our media partnership amplifies the platform’s ability to disseminate cutting-edge insights, trends, and discussions in the rapidly evolving field of digital health.

The collaboration aims to provide comprehensive coverage and deep insights into the conference’s sessions, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops. With our expertise and reach, a broader audience will have the opportunity to engage with the latest advancements, breakthroughs, and critical conversations surrounding digital health technologies, patient care, telemedicine, AI in healthcare, and much more.

Stay tuned for further announcements, speaker reveals, and session updates as Frontiers Health 2023 approaches. For more information and registration details, visit the Frontiers Health website.

More on the FH23 event:

The iconic Start-Up Discovery segment of the conference is designed and structured to give visibility to emerging start-ups with established and scalable solutions, offer an opportunity to connect with companies, investors and stakeholders from the international digital health ecosystem.

Why send your application?

Frontiers Health has demonstrated over the past seven editions that start-ups are a key catalyst for the development of a better healthcare experience. Precisely for this reason, their collaboration with key players in the digital health ecosystem can have an even more significant impact. In addition, there is the opportunity to present a start-up during Start-up Discovery sessions in front of representatives of leading investment funds and digital health experts. Start-ups will also benefit from participating in events and competitions organised by leading pharmaceutical companies during the conference.

The call, open until September 6^th, is open to Seed to Series B start-ups with innovative solutions in the health sector.

As always, participation in Start-up Discovery is free of charge and this year all applicants will receive a free pass to attend the conference and an exclusive discount on additional passes.

How to apply

To streamline the application process, Frontiers Health has partnered with Accelerace, one of the leading investors in the Nordic countries. Through this partnership, Accelerace has made its highly intuitive application platform available for the Frontiers Health team.

Be sure to submit your application for a chance to present your company to over 100 investors and players in the digital health sector!

You have until September 6^th to submit your free application by clicking here.

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PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#anemia–Sanguina, a leading biotech company focused on providing rapid home-based testing and management solutions, announced today the successful completion of its $2.8m Series A funding round. Led by Veritus Holdings, the round saw participation from notable investors, including George Hornig of The Seed Lab and Stephen Ippolito of Veritus Holdings. The funding will be used to accelerate the development and expansion of Sanguina’s innovative blood health management digital and at-home-based platforms.

Sanguina’s mission is to empower individuals by creating a platform of accessible tools for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing wellness and chronic conditions from the comfort of their own homes. Founded in 2019 as a spin-off from prestigious institutions such as the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Sanguina has quickly made a mark in the biotech sector.

George Hornig and Stephen Ippolito of The Seed Lab and Veritus Holdings join Forbes 30u30 inventors and Sanguina co-founders Erika Tyburski and Rob Mannino, PhD, and world-renowned hematologist, Wilbur Lam, MD, PhD, on a Board with knowledge spanning decades in the healthcare, consumer behavior, consumer experience, and financial services industries.

Sanguina’s flagship product, the AnemoCheck app, is a digital health platform that estimates hemoglobin levels and aids users in managing anemia. In addition to the app, Sanguina boasts an FDA-cleared point-of-care test, which the company plans to expand for home use later this year. Anemia, characterized by low hemoglobin levels, affects over 1.6bn individuals each year and has always been a marker of both illness and wellness, as it coexists with many chronic diseases and can guide treatment regimens. In June, two large, independent peer-reviewed published studies featured in the Annals of Internal Medicine and Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that anemia is a chronic problem for very large categories of Americans, ranging from those taking daily aspirin to women and girls who have iron deficiency from a variety of conditions. Additionally, clinical hematologists reviewed several studies on anemia and reveal that chronic health inequity has caused many women and minorities to normalize their anemia.

With advancements in home testing and artificial intelligence, the management of anemia and other chronic conditions is moving towards preventive and personalized medicine. The Series A funding round will enable Sanguina to enhance its existing product suite with artificial intelligence and machine learning models, improving utility, performance, and accessibility. Furthermore, this funding will pave the way for the introduction of new biomarkers and indications, including home-based testing for circulation, dehydration, for management of other chronic diseases.

“We are thrilled to have secured this funding to further our mission of providing accessible tools for managing wellness and chronic conditions,” said Erika Tyburski, Co-founder and CEO of Sanguina. “This investment will enable us to enhance our technology and platforms, bringing us closer to our vision of becoming a leading provider of home-based testing solutions.”

With the successful launch of anemia management through the AnemoCheck app and point-of-care test, Sanguina has taken a major stride towards revolutionizing home-based testing and personalized disease management.

About Sanguina, Inc.

Sanguina, Inc. (Sanguina) is a leading biotech company focused on advancing accessible digital and at-home health platforms for rapid home-based testing and disease management. Founded in 2019, Sanguina aims to empower individuals by providing innovative solutions for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing wellness and chronic conditions. With a team of experienced scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals, Sanguina is committed to positively impacting global healthcare. To learn more about Sanguina, please visit sanguina.com or on social media through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Website: www.sanguina.com

Who is Sanguina video

Contacts

Jessica Tackett
Director of Marketing
jessy.tackett@sanguina.com

Steering Committee

This success was made possible thanks to the significant contribution of the Steering Committee, composed of key players in the digital innovation in healthcare. The Steering Committee will bring its experience and expertise to make Frontiers Health 2023 an even more remarkable event than previous editions.

From 8 to 10 November, Rome will become the stage for innovation, bringing together brilliant minds and revolutionary ideas.

Roberto Ascione, CEO and Founder of Healthware Group, will lead the Steering Committee for the eighth consecutive year as Conference Chair. We will also meet other leading figures in Digital Health such as Eugene Borukhovich, CEO and COO of YourCoach.Health; Megan Coder, Chief Policy Officer of the Digital Therapeutics Alliance; Jessica DaMassa, Executive Producer & Host for WTF Health; Fredrik Debong, Co-Founder and CPO of hi.health; Tony Estrella, Managing Director of Taliossa; Monique Levy, Chief Business Officer of Woebot Health; Min-Sung Sean Kim, Managing Partner of Digital Health Ventures (DHV); Marc Sluijs, Managing Partner of digitalhealth.network; and Paul Tunnah, Chief Content Officer and Managing Director of Healthware International.

Frontiers Health 2023’s Steering Committee defines the general themes of the conference program and brings well-known international experiences. Frontiers Health is not only an event for sharing innovative content, but also a platform for establishing relationships in the vast ecosystem of digital health. Frontiers Health has created over the years a network of experts and professionals who share the passion for innovation in healthcare and the search for sustainable solutions for human health’s future.

FH23 Ambassadors

The FH23 Ambassadors are enthusiastic professionals passionate about Digital Health. They spread the message of innovation and promote the conference program. This group of professionals shares the common goal of improving healthcare through digital innovation.

Frontiers Health 2023 is the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, create new connections and discover the latest trends and innovations in digital health.

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Frontiers Health 2023 will last three days, one longer than the last edition. Participants will have more time to share information and knowledge. They will also have the opportunity to attend a large number of side events, organised in collaboration with international partners and stakeholders.

This year, on November 9, there will also be the Italian Summit – a forum open to all the main actors in Italian life science – which for the first time will take place in the framework of the Global Conference.

During the Summit all the main actors will be able to discuss how digital innovation has become a determining factor for the progress of the Italian life science industry and how it has outlined useful paths to accelerate innovation in healthcare, thus further promoting the digitalization of the Italian Health Service.

As a Media Partner of the event we offer you a 20% discount to get your pass!

Frontiers Health 2023 will take place a few kilometres from the centre of Rome, in the EUR district, the economic and business heart of the city. Frontiers Health is moving to Italy’s capital after being hosted for two years in Milan, the strategic hub of the Italian economy. Rome is an innovative centre that fosters collaboration between universities, institutes, and health accelerators.

A crucial part of the conference’s mission is to bring together the different players in the innovation ecosystem, and this will also be facilitated by this year’s venue: Confindustria’s Auditorium della Tecnica (the largest association in Italy that represents manufacturing and service companies).

‘Architecture within Architecture’

The Auditorium was designed by architect Pier Luigi Spadolini. Its renovation was conceived to perfectly match the original building by architect Edoardo Monaco. It is for that reason that the Auditorium has earned the title ‘Architecture within Architecture’.

The design of this location combines modern structures, technology, and functional elements. The latest renovation has amplified this remarkable architectural heritage by creating a continuous flow of design elements.  This will create an immersive experience through multifunctional spaces.

This location will foster innovative ideas and be the perfect place to develop cutting-edge strategies aimed at life sciences advancement. The magic of the conference venue can be felt at the foyer entrance, with its sinuous geometries symbolising the ideal combination of versatility and luminosity.

The plenary sessions of Frontiers Health 2023 will be held in a space that combines innovation and elegance in which it will welcome the main international leaders in the field of digital health.

The Congress Centre will dedicate space to numerous initiatives, working sessions and networking activities tailored to the needs and objectives of the more than 1,000 expected guests.

The Auditorium della Tecnica is connected to Rome’s Termini station and Fiumicino airport via metro lines and motorways. It is an ideal and quiet place to enjoy the global conference.

More information on the Frontiers Health conference can be found on the website.

Get your FH23 pass by using our exclusive promo code FH23DHB20!

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“First, they think you’re crazy, then they fight you, and then all of a sudden you change the world.”

But we all know how it unfolded. Above all, we know that what she dreamed of is still badly needed.

The idea of simplifying healthcare, making it affordable and easy for everyone, is one that many have been pursuing for the past 15 years or so.

Blood-Testing Innovators

With a renewed focus on prevention, blood tests can be said to be the centre of innovative medicine and personal care.

Blood tests are at the heart of the debate about innovative medicine and personal care. Classic analysis laboratories, which are subject to staff shortages, are being replaced (or rather, implemented) by new, increasingly effective, and faster methods. This is where digital medicine plays a key role, as do these innovators.

We are witnessing a renewed surge of dynamism, with numerous established startups and scale-ups leading the way in the Blood Tech ecosystem. Scale-ups unveiled years ago in the US are conquering the market, such as Athelas, which makes it possible to check a patient’s immune system through minimally invasive blood draws taken conducted at home. Founded in 2016, it continues its activities together with other leading American companies such as Karius specialized in genomic mapping for infectious diseases.

On the other side of the pond, we are witnessing a real revolution in the field. Numerous startups and scale-ups are dedicated to improving the healthcare system through innovative digital medicine solutions that seamlessly integrate with local healthcare realities.

Aware, for example, is a software program that educates users about prevention and empowers them to take control of their health. Aware offers precise monitoring and facilitate communications with specialists, providing comprehensive and accurate check-ups with minimal blood samples.

On the front of social empowerment, theblood focuses on educating women about diagnosable diseases through insights gained from their menstrual cycles. Through the analysis of menstrual blood,  it enables the detection of biological irregularities and possible delays. When it comes to digital diagnostic infrastructure, DasLab is a pioneer. In fact, it connects companies and professionals simplifying workflows, enhancing user experience, and optimizing data management across home diagnostics, point-of-care, and professional samples.

Through technologies such as liquid biopsy and DNA sequencing, it has been possible to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular networks underlying diseases. These advancements have significantly contributed to oncology and cancer prevention. A notable example is Grail, a company specialized in detecting tumor traces in the blood of asymptomatic individuals.

SOPHiA provides precise analyses for the prevention of blood cancer, which is the fourth most common type of cancer in the world. Freenome likewise does similar work, focusing on the prevention of all diseases starting with a simple blood test. It also focuses on all types of cancer. Grail also adopts a similar approach, aiming to change cancer’s trajectory and make it a non-fatal disease by carefully uniting all stakeholders.

Thriva, on the other hand, offers a very precise analysis service aimed at people who want to adopt a healthier lifestyle. This is done by always keeping their cholesterol levels under control. Everlywell provides the same service, alongside virtual 1:1 meeting with team experts.

Many of the most serious diseases are easiest to predict. LetsGet Checked offers services to bring prevention to the home, with special kits that can be used by anyone and online consultations always available.

Artificial Intelligence is constantly changing and updating, so it is easy to think that this has also changed blood tests. Livo distributes next-generation blood and Pap smear analysis products. It can be used in all conventional facilities and can be easily integrated into hospitals and private testing laboratories.

The increasing presence of scale-up and start-up in digital medicine can be attributed to blood tests affordability. Combined with advancements in Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), the future of medicine is becoming more accessible and less burdensome for both the users and the healthcare system. Blood tests diagnose cardiovascular and infectious diseases and also serve as a foundation for in-depth studies on longevity and prevention. With adequate funding and attention from the health sector, blood tests could play a crucial role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Looking ahead, the focus will shift towards mass consumers, integrating BloodTech pioneering approaches into clinical trials that cater to real-world health systems rather than solely relying on out-of-pocket consumers.

PLEASANTON, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#AI—CharmHealth, a leading provider of healthcare technology solutions, today announced the launch of its 2023 Innovation Challenge, which provides a platform for digital health thought leaders to share groundbreaking ideas with the investors, incubators and partners who can bring them to market and effectively advance care.

This year’s Innovation Challenge invites proposals designed to address the biggest issues faced by healthcare providers, patients and organizations. From these submissions, 15 candidates will be selected to attend and present at Pitch Day, held at Asilomar Conference Center in Monterey, California, on Sept. 2-3, 2023. CharmHealth will cover the costs for accommodations and meals of the short-listed candidates invited to the event.

“Startups are at the forefront of innovation. By supporting entrepreneurs, particularly when the funding climate is tight, CharmHealth can be an advocate and connector that contributes to the development of cutting-edge healthcare solutions,” said Pramila Srinivasan, Ph.D., CEO of CharmHealth. “Our Innovation Challenge provides an ideal platform to showcase and exchange ideas and solutions that will reshape the healthcare landscape.”

What Sets the Innovation Challenge Apart

Unlike other startup competitions, the CharmHealth Innovative Challenge specifically targets entrepreneurs developing products or solutions related to digital health and the EHR domain. This focus allows CharmHealth to concentrate its resources and expertise in a particular realm, fostering innovation and advancements in the EHR and related landscapes.

CharmHealth goes beyond providing just funding or mentorship to winners. The Challenge also offers a comprehensive support ecosystem designed to address the unique needs of startups. This ecosystem includes connections to potential clients, users and partners within the healthcare industry. It also provides access to resources, educational materials, and workshops focused on EHR-related topics, helping entrepreneurs refine their product offerings and enhance their market readiness.

Another crucial aspect of the Innovation Challenge is knowledge exchange. While providing resources, guidance, connections and mentorship to entrepreneurs and thought leaders, CharmHealth and its community benefit from the fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving, and disruptive thinking rising startups share. The conversations that take place throughout the Innovation Challenge influence and enhance future product development, enabling all parties to stay agile, adaptive and competitive in a rapidly changing market. The future of healthcare technology will be built through such collaboration.

Areas of Consideration

The CharmHealth Innovation Challenge welcomes submissions across six focus areas, broadly defined to encourage a range of disruptive ideas and solutions. Focus areas for proposals include: Telehealth and Telemedicine, Tech-led Innovations, Digital Therapeutics, Drug Discovery, mHEALTH, and Disease Management. Innovators can submit in one of four categories: Startup Entrepreneurs, Developers, Students, or Nonprofits and Research Groups. Within each category, CharmHealth will provide cash prizes: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third place.

In addition to access to capital, partners and mentors, finalists will also have the opportunity to integrate their products or solutions with CharmHealth’s existing platform. This integration can offer significant market access, distribution channels, and exposure to a wide customer base, accelerating the growth and adoption of the winning startups.

To participate in the CharmHealth Innovation Challenge, interested individuals, startups and organizations can submit their proposals through the official challenge website at https://charmhealthchallenge.com/. The submission period closes on Aug. 1, 2023. All submissions will be carefully evaluated by a panel of esteemed judges with expertise in healthcare technology and innovation.

For more information about the CharmHealth Innovation Challenge, including guidelines, eligibility criteria, and important dates, please visit the challenge website or contact innovate@charmhealth.com.

About CharmHealth

CharmHealth is a leading provider of innovative healthcare technology solutions that empower healthcare organizations to deliver efficient, high-quality care. With a focus on interoperability, patient engagement, and streamlined workflows, CharmHealth offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of modern healthcare. For more information on CharmHealth, visit www.charmhealth.com. To get breaking news, follow the company on Twitter @charmhealth and Facebook at www.facebook.com/charmhealth.

All brand names and solution names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Tags: CharmHealth, Innovation Challenge, Pramila Srinivasan, AI, artificial intelligence, generative AI, digital health, healthcare, health care, healthcare innovation, healthcare technology, healthcare startup, venture capital, healthcare investment, telehealth, telemedicine, disease management, mHealth, insurtech

Contacts

Dottie O’Rourke, for CharmHealth
TECHMarket Communications
650-344-1260
CharmHealth@techmarket.com