WISH launches 2024 Global Healthcare Innovation Competition

The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), an initiative of Qatar Foundation, announced the launch of its 2024 Innovation Competition — inviting entrepreneurs and startups to showcase groundbreaking solutions that address the world's most urgent healthcare challenges.

Entrepreneurs in the health sector and representatives from incubation centers are encouraged to apply. Early to mid-stage health-focused startups and innovators selected through a judging process will be invited to exhibit at the prestigious WISH 2024 international healthcare summit, set to take place on November 13-14 at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha.

How does it work?

The WISH Innovation Competition comprises two categories: "Young Innovators" for health startups led by founders 30 years and younger; and "Innovation Showcases" for health startups that have moved beyond the ideation phase and established their market presence for up to five years. The winner in each category will receive an investment award.

Proposals can showcase innovative solutions across all spectrums of healthcare, with an emphasis on digital health. The judging committee will assess entries based on impact, novelty, and growth potential.

In addition to the investment award, key companion benefits of the WISH Innovation Award Program, which incorporates the two competition categories — including networking opportunities with like-minded startups, health experts, investors, and local incubation centers; and access to sessions with industry experts to learn about marketing, social media, presenting, and pitching to investors.

Winners will also receive an invitation to showcase their innovations at WISH 2024, which will bring together healthcare providers, ministers, insurers, investors, and industry experts.

On the record

"WISH is proud to announce the launch of this year's Innovation Competition. The Young Innovators award seeks to discover, support and propel forward the next generation of healthcare innovators," said Maha El Akoum, Manager of Policy and Content, WISH. "WISH believes that young entrepreneurs are vital to transformative health solutions, and this competition aims to provide them with a platform to showcase their early-stage startups. In addition, the Innovation Showcases category provides a stage for established startups to exhibit their novel solutions and business models."

The context

The WISH Innovation Award Program was launched in 2013 and has supported a total of 148 innovators from 36 different countries to date. Among those innovations supported are practical devices, design-based solutions, and integrated software applications, all aimed at making global healthcare more affordable, sustainable, and accessible.

Innovators are encouraged to apply from here. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2024. Shortlisted projects will be announced by August 2024.