Eastern AHSN, Central Working and Studio Zao have launched a new initiative to tackle healthcare’s biggest challenges.
The MedTechBOOST competition brings together the health and tech sector to create artificial intelligence ideas.
Successful applicants will join a five-day ‘ideation’ programme where participants will receive guidance and mentoring from programme partners including sponsors Cambridge Judge Business School Entrepreneurship Centre as well as Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust.
The programme will conclude with the opportunity to pitch refined ideas and discuss potential investment and collaboration with programme partners and sponsors.
James Parton, Director at Central Working, said: “This is one of the most ambitious collaborative health tech programmes the UK has seen, bringing world-leading universities and global businesses together with the very best individuals from the startup, tech, academic and medical fields.
“MedTechBOOST offers individuals and early-stage startups unprecedented access to the NHS and a roster of multinational businesses and investor networks, providing a life-changing experience for anyone pursuing a career in healthcare or AI.”
Eastern AHSN is part of national network established by NHS England to accelerate and scale healthcare innovation, which has leveraged more than £83m investment into East England since 2013.
Louise Jopling, Commercial Director at EAHSN, added: “Eastern AHSN are delighted to kick start this programme working with the NHS and the local community to identify system needs that could one day provide health and social care solutions within, and beyond, the Eastern region.
“We are passionate about bringing networks of the brightest specialists together and excited by the breadth of organisations involved in the mentoring support. We really have a chance to take the best opportunities forward and make an impact.”
Bruno Cotta, Executive Director at Cambridge Judge Business School Entrepreneurship Centre, concluded: “We are delighted to support this collaborative initiative to stimulate more healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship in Cambridge and beyond.”
Applications are now open until the 31 July, with experience in the healthcare sector not a requirement.
MedTechBOOST commences on 2nd September 2019 at The Bradfield Centre, Trinity College’s £20m deep tech hub on Cambridge Science Park.
Jamie Qiu, Managing Partner at Studio Zao, concluded: “This programme offers innovators the opportunity to work side-by-side with senior healthcare representatives, exploring ways to address healthcare’s major challenges with groundbreaking technology.
“By building teams from domain experts and surrounding them with dedicated guidance and advice, MedTechBOOST provides a unique opportunity to rapidly transform an interesting idea into a viable concept which can be adopted by the NHS and change the lives of patients.”