FORT WAYNE, IND. – MAY 2, 2023 – In their fourth annual competition, Parkview Health and MATTER are asking innovators to tackle another important health concern: the management and treatment of chronic conditions for pediatric patients.
The newly named “Healthy Kids Healthy Future” competition is accepting entries now through June 25. The competition is open to innovators both locally and around the world, including students, entrepreneurs, startup companies or anyone with an innovative idea for a product or service that fits within the competition scope.
Solutions may include those that support children 0-15 years old with the management and treatment of chronic conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, obesity, diabetes, mental and behavioral health conditions, developmental disabilities and more.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40 percent of U.S. children have at least one chronic condition, and management can be taxing on both children and their parents or guardians. In order to support kids and teens in Indiana and beyond, Parkview Health and MATTER are asking innovators and industry disruptors to answer the call for solutions.
“With nearly half of school-aged children and teens having at least one chronic health condition, we, in the healthcare community, have many opportunities to improve and innovate how we manage childhood diseases,” said Jolynn Suko, chief innovation officer, Parkview Health. “Through this global competition, we’re able to source, refine and even implement new ideas that can make a difference locally – and throughout the healthcare industry. We look forward to collaborating with MATTER and this year’s participants to continue driving innovation.”
Following the June 25 deadline for entries, Parkview Health will announce five to seven semifinalists, who will move to the incubator phase of the competition and pitch their solutions to a panel of experts.
Up to five teams will then advance to the accelerator phase, where they will build and test their solution with mentors and stakeholders from across the healthcare community.
In November, the finalists will pitch their solutions to a community of healthcare professionals, including Parkview Health leaders and outside investors for potential pilot opportunities and funding. All teams participating in the final pitch day will receive a six-month membership to MATTER.
The Parkview Mirro Center for Research & Innovation and MATTER, ahealthcare incubator and innovation hub based in Chicago, have collaborated on innovation competitions for each of the past three years. Formerly known as the “Healthy Mom and Baby Innovation Competition,” the program has attracted more than 150 entries from innovators around the globe.
So far, Parkview has launched pilot programs with five of the competition finalists, helping to refine and build their solutions. Additionally, one finalist company moved directly into contracting with the health system to begin using their product.
“Prior years’ programs have created tremendous value for both the participating entrepreneurs and Parkview Health,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “This year’s program will help entrepreneurs develop their companies to advance innovations that address the critical issue of chronic conditions in children.”
For more information on Healthy Kids Healthy Future, visit parkview.com/innovationcompetition.