Seedhopper launches award for early-stage health science and technology ideas

The Seedhopper Award  recognises innovative business ideas from early start-ups in the field of health science and technology. This initiative was started by Diana Barkley, a medical doctor turned successful entrepreneur. Having started and grown a healthcare company to become an international enterprise, followed by a successful exit, Diana is passionate about supporting early start-ups in health and personal care.

The selection process of startups will be conducted in three phases based on the following criteria; Innovative business idea addressing a clear unmet need, clear differential advantage vs. competition now and in next 3 years,  accessible and large customer base who would try the product/service and viable business model. Successful second round applicants will be invited to make a pitch presentation in front of the SEEDHOPPER judges in Basel.

Three winning teams will be determined and each awarded a cash prize of CHF 20’000. In addition to the cash prize, each of the winner start-ups will be given the opportunity of a fast track into Seedhopper’s unique support program worth CHF 200,000. This three-pillar program combines pre-seed financial investment of CHF 100,000, one-to-one strategic mentoring and hands-on assistance from a doctor-turned-successful-entrepreneur worth CHF 100,000, and leverage of existing networks for gaining next round funding.

“Turning a great idea into a business success is a major challenge, particularly for founders who may not have a commercial background. Many young start-ups are overwhelmed with the amount that needs to be done to reach the market and would like to be able to tap into business expertise in their sector. Seedhopper will provide just that, with successful applicants receiving strategic guidance, mentoring and hands-on assistance”, says Diana Barkley.

Eligible to apply are Swiss startups with Innovative business ideas addressing a clear unmet need related to health or personal care, startups with Scalable business model with limited early capital expenditure requirements, companies with total global market size for type of product/service of at least CHF 250 million, and individuals or a small team of dedicated, hardworking and ambitious founders. The start-up should be early (working on the idea for less than 18 months old) and can also be very early (just at good idea stage).

Individuals or teams with an innovative startup idea can now apply for the prize. Registration and a detailed information of the idea should be sent to summerprize@seedhopper.ch. Closing date for entries is 10 September 2017.

Picture:WerbeFabrik/Pixabay

(ran)