Prizes include US$15,000 and networking opportunities with global leaders and policymakers in the healthcare industry
The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) is now accepting applications for the 2022 cycle of its Innovation Award Program, an initiative that supports promising innovations that address the world’s most urgent healthcare challenges. WISH is an initiative of Qatar Foundation.
All early to mid-stage health-focused start-ups are eligible to apply, and innovators selected through a judging process will be invited to exhibit at this year’s WISH international healthcare summit, set to take place in Doha, Qatar.
WISH Innovation Award Program
The WISH Innovation Award Program comprises two categories: Spark for early-stage start-ups and Booster for established start-ups that are looking to scale. Out of the innovators selected as part of this year’s competition, one grand prize winner from the Spark category will be awarded US$5,000 and one from the Booster category will be awarded US$10,000.
Other benefits of the programme include access to all the sessions of the WISH 2022 summit, and the opportunity to network with investors and global health leaders, policymakers and other innovators at the event. Additionally, innovators will be given the chance to be part of WISH’s media outreach activities for up to a year and participate in workshops and mentoring sessions on topics such as business modelling, gaining customer traction and marketing. Finally, they will be given the opportunity to participate at the Web Summit 2022, one of the world’s largest annual technology conferences in Portugal.
WISH Head of Innovation Mahmoud El Achi said that the Innovation Award Program sets out pathways to promote local and regional partnerships and connect the innovators of tomorrow with the right people to grow their start-ups.
The programme empowers start-ups that share our dream of achieving an inclusive, accessible, and equitable healthcare system, through harnessing the power of innovation and digital technology.
He said that investing in healthcare innovation is now more crucial than ever. As a global society, he said that we must ensure that healthcare systems are more resilient, accessible and equitable. Such goals can only be achieved if healthcare entrepreneurs are given the right opportunities that enable the commercialisation of novel products and services faster.
Innovative solutions
Proposals can involve solutions addressing any area within the industry, including care delivery, disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and rehabilitation. The organisers are particularly keen to hear from innovators whose projects fit within the themes of the 2022 WISH Summit: disability, the legacy of COVID-19, sports and health, and well-being.
The WISH Innovation Award Program was launched in 2013 and has supported a total of 128 innovators from 25 different countries, to date. Among those innovations supported are practical devices, design-based solutions and integrated software applications, all aimed at making global healthcare more affordable, sustainable and accessible.
Innovators are encouraged to apply via wish.org.qa/innovationaward. Applications are open until 31 May 2022. Shortlisted projects will be announced on 20 July 2022.
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