The 2022 HealthTech Supernode Challenge is open for submissions - an invitation for health technology innovators to present their ideas that not only solve real healthcare problems but are also commercially viable.
Up to eight Canterbury start-ups will have the opportunity to get support and work with some of the best in New Zealand’s healthcare sector. They will be taken through a seven-week pre-accelerator programme, where participants will be able to validate their innovation with leaders in the healthcare industry, develop a commercial strategy, grow their capability and build networks.
It is a dream that became a reality for Richard McCulloch, overall winner in 2021, the challenge’s inaugural year. McCulloch’s start-up NextStep developed a neonatal resuscitator to help alleviate neonatal volutrauma and chronic lung disease which impacts more than three million newborn babies annually.
Three innovation themes are the focus of this year’s HealthTech Supernode Challenge.
Data and Digital
Innovations that, using digital technologies and data, improve health-user experiences that could make the health system more efficient and equitable.
Equity and Accessibility
Incorporates both the advancement of Māori and Pacific health as well as improving service accessibility for those with disabilities or who face challenges.
The Future of Healthcare
Those which aim to improve systems and performance for a people-centred healthcare future.
ChristchurchNZ’s General Manager of Innovation and Business Growth, Boyd Warren, says the Supernode Challenge will highlight the strength and capability of our local HealthTech sector.
Boyd Warren - ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Innovation and Business GrowthThe inaugural challenge in 2020 proved that the Canterbury region is home to an abundance of HealthTech innovators and talent. This year's challenge will bring together industry, research, students and clinicians to propel their ideas towards commercialisation. Many of the innovations will literally saves lives and improve wellbeing, as well as contribute to the sustainable prosperity of our region”
“The inaugural challenge in 2020 proved that the Canterbury region is home to an abundance of HealthTech innovators and talent. This year's challenge will bring together industry, research, students and clinicians to propel their ideas towards commercialisation. Many of the innovations will literally saves lives and improve wellbeing, as well as contribute to the sustainable prosperity of our region”
The finalists from the pre-accelerator programme will present to New Zealand's business, innovation, and health leadership at a demo night event in June 2022.
The challenge gives winners automatic entry into a three-month incubation programme that will keep driving the innovation and its founder towards success.
Canterbury-based start-ups that are at the post-idea through to the minimal viable product stage are encouraged to register on the HealthTech Supernode Challenge website by the Sunday, 3 April.
