Pfizer launches second competition for digital health solutions
Pharmaceutical company Pfizer has opened applications to the second cohort of its digital health collaboration hub.
Launched in 2017, the Pfizer Healthcare Hub: London helps late-stage digital health start-ups navigate the UK’s healthcare system, connecting them with people who can help get their product adopted.
The Hub is looking for start-ups who have developed a product or service that is ready for use by healthcare professionals or public and has evidence of benefits to patients or clinicians.
Speaking about the 2018 Hub launch, Erik Nordkamp, managing director of Pfizer UK said: “Following the success of the 2017 UK Hub, I’m delighted to continue the programme again this year. We’re seeing remarkable innovation in healthcare here in the UK, with technology rapidly maturing to meet the needs of patients and clinicians. Analytics, telemedicine and consumer facing apps which accommodate multiple conditions are just some of the technological trends impacting health. Pfizer is committed to continuing to support health tech start-ups in the quest to improve health”.
Dr Hamish Graham, Pfizer Healthcare Hub: London manager, said: “Digital maturity is coming to the NHS and other UK health services in 2018. Technology is being used to explore innovation at every level of the NHS, to help address some of the serious health challenges patient providers face”.
“Taking incredible innovations and turning them into practical applications will be vital to help improve the delivery of healthcare for patients while generating efficiencies so health systems can meet the demands for the people they support.”
Start-ups can compete for a share of £50,000 as well as a year-long programme of support from Pfizer. The winners will also be given access to Pfizer’s network of partners, including the NHS, who are seeking to improve the experience and outcomes of patients.
Last year, winners Cera, Echo and GiveVision, were selected from over 100 applications and offered a range of different services such as technology enabled home care, a free NHS prescriptions app and a wearable headset to give the visually impaired improved vision.
Dr Hamish Graham, Pfizer Healthcare Hub: London manager, said: “When we launched Pfizer Healthcare Hub: London, we set out to find the UK’s most innovative healthtech start-ups ready to transform healthcare. We weren’t disappointed. In fact, we were blown away by the UK’s healthtech start-up scene’s potential impact for patients, and the enthusiasm to tap into Pfizer’s growing global network of innovation hubs. We’re looking forward to seeing what this year’s cohort brings and how Pfizer can help them reach more patients and providers faster.”