Call for disruptive ideas in healthcare: RWJF
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has set up a contest for disruptive solutions in healthcare. It’s great that the foundations are starting to put some money behind solutions. Its a tad disappointing that the HealthShoppr prototype won’t be ready by the deadline. However, for some reason, the foundations tend to deemphasize funding for for-profits (Omidyar Network changed to supporting for- and non- profits with a social mission…but that’s another conversation.)
I’ve also provided a link to the RWJF pioneer portfolio blog in my blogroll.
Note: There is an update on the state of the contest (Deadline July 18).
From the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation:
$5 Million Available to Support Ideas That Transform Markets and Empower Consumers
“Disruptive Innovations in Health and Health Care” is an open source competition to identify ways in which the health and health care marketplace can offer services, tools and choices that consumers want-but are currently out of reach because of cost, complexity or because the right idea hasn’t come along.
We are looking for entrepreneurs both within and outside of the health care field with ideas for new products, services, technologies, business models-or some combination thereof-that enable consumers to manage health and receive care in ways that are more affordable, accessible, simple and convenient.
Examples: Glucose monitors that provide diabetics with the convenience of blood glucose readings in seconds from the comfort of their own home. Walk-in health clinics in retail stores that enable patients to quickly see skilled nurse practitioners who can treat common conditions at lower costs than typical doctor visits.
Enter By: Jul 18, 2007 | Voting Begins: Aug 15, 2007
Winners Announced: Aug 30, 2007How It Works: Twelve competition finalists will be selected by a panel of judges. You then vote on three winners, who will each receive a $5,000 cash prize from Changemakers. In addition, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) Pioneer Portfolio will review competition entries and may award up to $5 million to support projects that show potential for significant impact!
GET INVOLVED! Submit your idea for “Disruptive Innovations in Health and Health Care” today.
