Entrepreneurs and startups in the health sector have the opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking solutions at the 2024 Innovation Competition hosted by the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) in Doha, Qatar. The competition, set to take place on November 13-14, aims to address urgent healthcare challenges by inviting early to mid-stage startups and innovators to exhibit at the prestigious summit. Participants can apply in two categories: Young Innovators for founders aged 30 and younger and Innovation Showcases for startups established for up to five years. The winners in each category will receive an investment award.
The competition invites proposals showcasing innovative solutions across all healthcare spectrums, with a focus on digital health. A judging committee will evaluate entries based on impact, novelty, and growth potential. Apart from the investment award, winners will benefit from networking opportunities with like-minded startups, health experts, investors, and local incubation centers. Additionally, they will have access to sessions with industry experts to learn about marketing, social media, presenting, and pitching to investors. Winners will also have the chance to showcase their innovations at the WISH 2024 summit, where they can connect with healthcare providers, ministers, insurers, investors, and industry experts.
Maha El Akoum, Manager of Policy and Content at WISH, emphasized the importance of supporting young healthcare innovators through the Innovation Competition. She stated that young entrepreneurs play a vital role in developing transformative health solutions, and the competition provides a platform for early-stage startups to showcase their ideas. The Innovation Showcases category, on the other hand, allows established startups to exhibit their novel solutions and business models. Previous winners, such as Katarina Hedbeck, CEO and co-founder of the startup “Tada Group,” have experienced significant success and growth after participating in the competition.
The WISH Innovation Award Program, launched in 2013, has supported 148 innovators from 36 different countries to date. The program has backed practical devices, design-based solutions, and integrated software applications aimed at improving global healthcare accessibility, sustainability, and affordability. Innovators interested in participating in the competition can apply by the deadline of July 15, 2024. Shortlisted projects will be announced by August 2024, with selected applicants gaining access to investment opportunities and the chance to network and pitch to global health leaders at WISH 2024.
In conclusion, the WISH 2024 Innovation Competition presents a unique opportunity for health-focused entrepreneurs and startups to showcase their innovative solutions in addressing global healthcare challenges. The competition encourages participation from early to mid-stage startups through two categories and offers investment awards to the winners. Additionally, participants will benefit from networking opportunities, mentorship from industry experts, and the chance to present their innovations at the WISH 2024 summit. The program aims to support and propel forward the next generation of healthcare innovators, contributing to the advancement of transformative health solutions on a global scale.
