The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), an initiative of Qatar Foundation, has announced the shortlisting of 12 innovators for two awards in the 2024 WISH Global Healthcare Innovation Competition. These innovators have been selected from over 150 applications and will have the opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking innovations to global policymakers and healthcare leaders at the summit in Doha on November 13 and 14. In addition to the chance to win one of two investment awards of $10,000, the shortlisted innovators will also receive mentoring sessions with industry experts to learn about marketing, social media, presenting, and pitching to investors.
Eman Tag, Head of Innovation at WISH, expressed excitement about bringing together bright entrepreneurs and innovators at WISH 2024, whose inventions and startups aim to make global healthcare more affordable, sustainable, and accessible. The goal of these competitions is to provide a platform for these innovators to nurture their innovations and empower them to continue developing transformative health solutions. The competition is being delivered in partnership with the Qatar Research Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), showcasing the strength of collaboration in transforming healthcare.
The competition award committee will announce a winner in each of the two award categories, ‘Young Innovators’ and ‘Innovation Showcases’, during the WISH closing ceremony on November 14. The ‘Young Innovators’ category is designed exclusively for health startups led by founders aged 30 years and younger, with seven candidates being shortlisted. Some of the innovative startups include Elggo from the UAE, Castomize Technologies from Singapore, and Fitra Health from the UK. The ‘Innovation Showcases’ category is tailored for health startups that have established their market presence within the past five years, with five shortlisted applicants from countries like the US, Italy, and Japan.
The competition aims to drive innovation that tackles pressing global health challenges and establish Qatar as a hub for cutting-edge solutions that improve health outcomes worldwide. The selected innovators represent a diverse range of healthcare solutions, including AI-powered mental health platforms, MedTech companies using 4D printing technology, and companies offering drone- and AI-based solutions in climate and health. By supporting these forward-thinking innovators, the competition contributes to advancing healthcare innovation and making a positive impact on global health.
The WISH Global Healthcare Innovation Competition provides a platform for innovators to showcase their solutions and receive recognition for their efforts in transforming healthcare. The winning innovators will not only receive investment awards but also gain visibility among global policymakers and healthcare leaders. The competition presents an opportunity for these innovators to network, learn from industry experts, and continue developing their transformative health solutions. Through partnerships with organizations like QRDI, WISH aims to drive innovation and collaboration in addressing global health challenges and improving health outcomes for people worldwide.
The WISH Global Healthcare Innovation Competition is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving innovation and transforming healthcare. By bringing together bright entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world, WISH aims to foster a community of innovators who are committed to making a positive impact on global health. The competition showcases the strength of collaboration and the potential of innovative solutions to address pressing health challenges. Through events like WISH 2024, these innovators have the opportunity to make their mark on the global healthcare landscape and contribute to improving health outcomes for all.