Diabetes Australia has launched the Grand Innovation Challenge, offering a total of $500,000 in funding to encourage the development of innovative technologies aimed at improving the lives of individuals living with or at risk of diabetes. This initiative invites startups, entrepreneurs, research teams, and healthcare providers to submit proposals for medical devices, digital health tools, and new therapies.
Empowering Innovators to Make a Difference
The challenge aims to accelerate the creation of person-centred innovations that can make a tangible difference in diabetes care. According to Justine Cain, Group CEO of Diabetes Australia, the challenge serves as a platform for Australian researchers and innovators to bring their ideas to fruition. “We know that Australian researchers and innovators have fantastic ideas that could change lives. This is the chance to bring them to life,” Ms. Cain stated.
Successful applicants will be required to demonstrate how they will incorporate the input of individuals who have lived experience with diabetes in developing their solutions. This focus is essential to ensure that new research translates into real-world applications that effectively meet the needs of those affected by the condition.
Ms. Cain emphasized the importance of this initiative in enhancing Australia’s reputation as a leader in diabetes research and advocacy. “The Challenge will strengthen Australia’s position as a leader in diabetes research, technology and advocacy, which is a key part of Diabetes Australia’s mission to improve the lives of people living with diabetes,” she said.
Partnerships and Support for Finalists
The Grand Innovation Challenge is delivered in collaboration with MedTech Compass, a partner of the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA). Finalists will gain access to valuable resources, including mentorship from industry experts and pitch training, as part of a complementary membership with MedTech Compass.
Central to the challenge is a commitment to equitable access to healthcare. Innovations will be assessed based on their potential to enhance user experience, reduce disparities in access, and deliver sustainable benefits, particularly for vulnerable populations across Australia. Warren Bingham, a community advocate with Diabetes Australia, highlighted the importance of collaboration in this initiative. “Innovations will be judged not only on their technical merit but also on their real-world impact,” he noted.
The challenge not only aims to fill critical gaps in the diabetes innovation pipeline but also seeks to support the translation of promising ideas into scalable solutions that are accessible to those in need. The initiative is proudly backed by the Coghlan Family through a bequest from Charles Campbell Coghlan OAM.
For further details about the Diabetes Australia Grand Innovation Challenge, interested parties can visit the official website at Diabetes Australia.
Diabetes Australia continues to prioritize the needs of individuals living with diabetes by collaborating with member organizations, health professionals, and the community to drive meaningful change.
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