Catalyst @ Health 2.0 Launches Rapid Response Open Call with Grapevine Health
Attention digital health innovators! Do you have innovative text message-based health tech solutions that can disseminate health-focused video content? Apply to the Grapevine Health Rapid Response Open Call!
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the importance of health literacy and communication is more apparent than ever. Catalyst @ Health 2.0 is proud to host a Rapid Response Open Call (RROC) in collaboration with Grapevine Health. Five semi-finalists will receive $1k each and will have the opportunity to demo their technology. A grand prize winner will receive $5k and the opportunity to collaborate with Grapevine Health!
Do you have a solution that can fit this need? Apply HERE today! Applications close 8/27.
About Grapevine Health
Grapevine Health is on the ground bridging health communication and demystifying health care for the community. Grapevine Health uses tech, videos, storytelling and collaborative conversations between community and health experts to improve health literacy and patient engagement.
Johns Hopkins Tech Startup, ROSE, Selected for Brigham and Women’s Hospital Pilot COVID-19 Program & More News...
Rapid Response Open Call Winner to Pilot with Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Rose, a technology startup that provides a HIPAA-compliant mental health monitoring platform, announced a pilot program with Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) Emergency Department to support healthcare professionals and their mental health during COVID-19. The pilot program was facilitated through Rose’s participation in our Rapid Response Open Call, which sought provider-facing, text based platforms to help healthcare professionals self-monitor symptoms of coronavirus, report burnout, and access helpful resources. Following a 7-day application period, where Brigham and Women’s Hospital evaluated more than 80 quality submissions, Rose was selected as a semi-finalist and demoed their technology to the BWH team.
Are you a health care provider looking to enhance your response to COVID-19? Catalyst @ Health 2.0 is continuing to hold open calls that connect providers with urgent needs to digital health solutions. APPLY here for consideration.
AI LA, in collaboration with Catalyst @ Health 2.0 (“Catalyst”) is hosting “Digital Health During a Pandemic,” a virtual event that highlights innovative health tech responding to COVID-19 using augmented intelligence. The event aims to highlight how the pandemic has affected health tech companies and their roadmaps for the future, ultimately providing the audience with clarity into COVID response in the field. The event will take place on August 20th from 12-2PM PT and will consist of a panel discussion, exciting Q&A and project demos with CA-based startups like Anchor Health, Syllable.ai, and Quantgene, and will be moderated by Catalyst’s co-founder, Indu Subaiya. Get your tickets today!
Innovaccer, Inc., a CA-based healthcare technology company, has launched a perioperative optimization solution for health systems. The solution will help optimize surgeries and ramp up volumes by identifying high-risk patients for pre-surgical intervention while also reducing the length of stay, readmissions, and cost, ultimately allowing hospitals to track their return on investment in real-time on a customizable dashboard.
At-Home Care Startup Plans Expansion with Humana & More News...
At-Home Care Startup Heal Plans Expansion with $100M Investment from Humana
Home healthcare provider Heal is expanding with $100 million in new funding from Humana. Humana will work with Heal to expand its footprint to new markets, including Chicago, Charlotte and Houston. Heal will also use the funds to expand the services that it offers, including potentially offering physical therapy and dermatology. Heal makes medical appointments more convenient, especially for patients with chronic conditions or other potential health risks.
Announcing the RWJF Emergency Response Challenge Semi-Finalists
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and Catalyst @ Health 2.0 are excited to announce the semi-finalists for their Innovation Challenges on Emergency Response for the General Public and Emergency Response for the Health Care System.
Emergency Response for the General Public Semi-Finalists:
Fresh EBT by Propel- A technology tool for SNAP families to address food insecurity & economic vulnerability in times of crisis.
CovidSMS- CovidSMS is a text message-based platform providing city-specific information and resources to help low-income communities endure COVID-19.
Front-Line Force- A platform that connects volunteers 1:1 with front-line healthcare workers to complete tasks for them in crises.
Binformed Covidata- Binformed is a clinically-driven comprehensive desktop + mobile infectious disease, epidemic + pandemic management tool targeting suppression and containment of diseases such as COVID-19.
Evva Health- Hub-and-Spoke model and A.I. Community Coordinator for individual and community-level personalization of support and resource coordination.
Emergency Response for the Health Care System Semi-Finalists:
Qventus- Qventus is a patient flow automation solution that applies AI / ML and behavioral science to help health systems optimize resources for Covid, create effective capacity, and reduce frontline burnout.
Path Check- Path Check provides privacy first, free, open source solutions for public health to supplement manual contact tracing, visualize hot spots, and interfaces with citizen-facing privacy first apps.
Tiatros Inc- The first mental health and social support platform that combines clinical expertise, peer communities and scalable technology to advance mental wellbeing and to sustain meaningful behavioral change.
Hikma Health- Hikma is the first affordable, lightweight, mobile, cloud-based EHR that provides dynamic data insights to physicians in refugee and under-resourced settings.
University Hospitals Ventures- UH Innovates is a crowdsourcing platform for University Hospitals' 30k employees to generate, iterate, and implement ideas in real-time, within crisis response and beyond.
The five teams will receive $1,000 and advance to the next round of the competition. Three finalists will be chosen with the help of a panel of judges to compete in a virtual pitch (TBD). They will demo their technology virtually in front of a captivated audience of investors, provider organizations, health plans, tech companies, foundations, government officials and members of the media and compete for first, second, and third place. The winners will be awarded $25,000 for first place, $15,000 for second place, and $5,000 for third place.
Learn more about the semi-finalists for the Emergency Response for the General Public Challenge here.
Learn more about the semi-finalists for the Emergency Response for the Health Care System Challenge here.
RROCs: Tracking Innovative Health Tech Solutions in Response COVID-19
In collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Catalyst @ Health 2.0 is continuing to hold open calls connecting health care providers in need with health tech solutions. Rapid Response Open Calls (RROCs) are a fast way to source innovative solutions from Catalyst’s widespread network.
If you are a healthcare provider in need of #healthtech solutions or a healthcare stakeholder looking to participate in a subsidized RROC, you can learn more and apply HERE.
Disinfection Robot Targets COVID-19 & More News...
Sharecare Launches Digital COVID-19 Return-to-Work Solution for Employers
Sharecare, a health and wellness engagement platform, has launched Well-Being @ Work, a comprehensive COVID-19 readiness solution designed to assist employers and their workforces as they continue to work remotely or transition back to work. The new offering is integrated with ShareCare’s app-based digital health platform and offers COVID-19 screening, telehealth support/integration, geolocation of testing sites, daily symptom trackers and employee readiness surveying capabilities. Well-Being @ Work is now available for ShareCare’s enterprise partners.
Omron Launches UVC Disinfection Robot Targeting COVID-19 Virus
Omron, a provider of industrial automation solutions, announced the launch of a UVC-LD robot that autonomously navigates to disinfect high-touch surfaces. UVC light can break down the DNA and RNA of pathogens, effectively hindering their replication. Given the significance of sanitation and disinfection in the post COVID-19 era, the robot is predicted to yield a great value to organizations struggling to find effective, less labor-intensive and long-term solutions to ensuring the safety of their premises.
RROCs: Connecting Providers with Limited Resources to Health Tech Solutions
Are you a health care provider looking to enhance your response to COVID-19? Catalyst @ Health 2.0 is continuing to hold open calls that connect providers with urgent needs to digital health solutions. Rapid Response Open Calls can be launched within days and crowdsource scalable and intelligent health tech solutions from Catalyst’s global network to optimize care delivery. Interested in applying? Learn more HERE.
Pfizer, BioNTech Test COVID-19 Vaccine & More News...
Pfizer and BioNTech Release Preliminary Data on Covid-19 Vaccine Candidate
Drugmaker Pfizer and its German partner, BioNTech, have released clinical data on a potential vaccine against COVID-19. Preliminary data from a clinical trial tested the RNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b1. The results showed that participants who received the vaccine developed neutralizing antibodies against the virus. While the preliminary data is promising, the findings are currently under peer review. BNT162b1 is one of four vaccine candidates that Pfizer and BioNTech are testing.
Lenovo Unveils its Take on Remote Chronic Disease Monitoring
Lenovo, a computer hardware and technology company, has announced the launch of Lenovo Virtual Care, a remote health monitoring multi-product offering. Released in partnership with Vianova Health, a Florida-based health software company, the platform allows patients to follow their personalized care plans through Lenovo’s devices, connected biometric-monitoring tools, and an AI-based virtual assistant. The offering will hit the US market later this year.
RROCs: Tracking Digital Health Innovation in Response to COVID-19
As we continue to fight through the COVID-19 pandemic, Catalyst @ Health 2.0 is continuing to hold open calls that connect providers with urgent needs to digital health solutions. Rapid Response Open Calls can be launched within days to crowdsource scalable and intelligent health tech solutions from Catalyst’s global network.
Are you a health care provider interested in participating in a subsidized RROC or a health care stakeholder interested in being connected with health tech solutions? Learn more and apply HERE.
$25k Grand Prize: RWJF Emergency Tech Challenges
Applications for the RWJF Emergency Response for the Health Care System and General Public Challenges close in just 4 days! The Emergency Response for the Health Care System Challenge is seeking digital tools that can support the health care system during a large-scale health crisis (pandemic, natural disaster, or other public health emergency). Examples include but are not limited to tools that can support providers, government, and public health and community organizations. The Emergency Response for the General Public Challenge is looking for health technology tools to support the needs of individuals whose lives have been affected by a large-scale health crisis.
How It Works:
● In Phase I, innovators submit their tech-enabled solutions addressing the challenge topic. Judges will evaluate the entries based on Impact, UX/UI, Innovation/Creativity, and Scalability. The top five teams will move onto Phase II.
● In Phase II, five semi-finalists will be awarded $1,000 each to further develop their application or tool. Three finalists will be chosen at the end of Phase II to participate in a virtual pitch and present their solutions to an audience of investors, provider organizations, and more. The grand prize winner will be awarded $25,000 for first place.
Submit your solution today to help the health care system and general public address the challenges they face during an emergency situation. Applications for both challenges are due by June 12th, 2020 11:59PM ET.
To apply to the Emergency Response for the Health Care System Challenge, click here.
To apply to the Emergency Response for the General Public Challenge, click here.
RWJF Challenge: Health Care Emergency Tech
Catalyst @ Health 2.0, in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is seeking health technology solutions that can support the needs of the health care system (e.g. providers, government, public health and community organizations, and more) by addressing several obstacles during an emergency such as:
● Resource Management: Shortages of equipment, staff, and cash flow
● Health Data Exchange: Limited information and access available on patients’ health histories
● Training and Communication: Limited training and cumbersome communication between responders and clinicians
● Capacity: Limited beds, equipment, and resources and a need to maximize patient flow/throughput
Innovators must submit their tech-enabled solution by June 12th, 2020 at 11:59 PM ET.
Can you create a digital tool that supports the health care system during a large-scale health crisis? Apply today!
COVID-19 Fingerprint Test in Development & More News...
Rapid COVID-19 Fingerprint Test in Development
Intelligent Fingerprinting, a diagnostics firm in the UK, has partnered with Imperial College London to develop a COVID-19 fingerprint test. Built upon Intelligent Fingerprinting’s existing technology, the test collects fingerprint sweat onto a small cartridge for analysis. It is read by a portable DSR-Plus analysis unit, which provides a positive or negative result on-screen in 10 minutes. If the approach is validated, the fingerprint-based test could be used by non-medical staff in settings such as care homes and workplaces.
Cloud-based Platform Analyzes SDoH to Support Contact Tracing Efforts
Verato, an identity services provider, has launched Verato Enrich. The platform uses their cloud-based enterprise master person index (EMPI) to make demographic and SDoH information more complete in order to facilitate COVID-19 contact tracing efforts. It can append a wide array of data ranging from basic contact information like missing phone numbers and addresses to lifestyle data like income, ethnicity, transportation options and access to resources. Access to this type of data allows public health officials to gain access to key insights to support contact tracing, a vital next step in flattening the curve of the pandemic.
Announcing the 2020 RWJF Emergency Response Challenges
Catalyst @ Health 2.0 is proud to power the RWJF Emergency Response Innovation Challenges. The Emergency Response for the Health Care System Challenge seeks digital tools that can support the health care system during a large-scale health crisis (pandemic, natural disaster, or other public health emergency). Examples include but are not limited to tools that can support providers, government, and public health and community organizations. The Emergency Response for the General Public Challenge is looking for health technology tools to support the needs of individuals whose lives have been affected by a large-scale health crisis.
During a large-scale health crisis, the health care system is at risk of reaching patient capacity and workflow bottlenecks. The public faces a lack of credible, easy to understand information and access to critical resources like food, shelter, and emotional support.
If you have a digital health solution that is in a unique position to help consumers navigate information, find needed resources, and more during these difficult times, apply today!
To apply to the Emergency Response for the Health Care System Challenge, click here.
To apply to the Emergency Response for the General Public Challenge, click here.
Announcing: 2020 RWJF Innovation Challenges
We are excited to announce the launch of two innovation challenges, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and powered by Catalyst @ Health 2.0!
The Emergency Response for the General Public Challenge is looking for health technology tools to support the needs of individuals whose lives have been affected by a large-scale health crisis (pandemic, natural disaster, or other public health emergency). The Emergency Response for the Health Care System Challenge is seeking digital tools that can support the health care system during a large-scale health crisis. Examples include but are not limited to tools that can support providers, government, and public health and community organizations.
How It Works:
● In Phase I, innovators submit their tech-enabled solutions addressing the challenge topic. Judges will evaluate the entries based on Impact, UX/UI, Innovation/Creativity, and Scalability. The top five teams who will move onto Phase II.
● In Phase II, five semi-finalists will be awarded $1,000 each to further develop their application or tool. Three finalists will be chosen at the end of Phase II to participate in a virtual pitch and present their solutions to an audience of investors, provider organizations, and more. The grand prize winner will be awarded $25,000 for first place.
Applications for both challenges are due by June 12th, 2020 11:59 PM ET
To learn more about the Emergency Response for the Health Care System Challenge, click here.
To learn more about the Emergency Response for the General Public Challenge, click here.
IBM Tackles COVID-19 Supply Chain & More News...
IBM Launches Blockchain Network to Mitigate Supply Shortages amidst COVID-19
IBM has launched the IBM Rapid Supplier Connect. The blockchain-based network aims to help government agencies and health care organizations identify new, non-traditional suppliers who have pivoted to address the shortage of equipment, devices, and supplies needed for COVID-19. It is free to buyers and suppliers in the U.S. and Canada until August 31st, 2020.The tech company’s response comes amidst the dire shortage of critical goods needed to protect front line workers as againstCOVID-19. Hospitals and organizations such as Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare provider, and The Worldwide Supply Chain Federation, are joining the network.
Fruit Street Health Launches Telehealth Platform for COVID-19
The diabetes prevention digital health company Fruit Street Health has launched CovidMD, a risk assessment, triage, and telemedicine platform. CovidMD’s fully automated virtual care platform connects patients to healthcare providers and supports live video chat. It allows providers to share education materials, keep detailed patient data, and record session notes. CovidMD plans to integrate Conversa Health’s automated virtual care and communications platform, which will engage patients throughout the site. CovidMD also plans to expand its services to patients across the U.S.
Act Fast—Apply to GW’s COVID-19 Health Innovation Collaborative
In 10 days, applications are closing for GuideWell’s COVID-19 Health Innovation Collaborative. As a health solutions company, GuideWell is committed to helping discover and source innovative technology solutions that have the potential to alleviate some of the health care challenges people in communities face during public health emergencies. The collaborative is seeking to connect diverse innovative health technology companies across the U.S. in response to the coronavirus.
Do you have an innovative solution in response to COVID-19? GuideWell wants to hear from you! Apply here. Applications close May 8th, 2020.
Sanofi, HHS to Collaborate on Coronavirus Vaccine & More News...
Global biopharmaceutical company, Sanofi, will leverage previous vaccine development for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) to inform the development of a novel COVID-19 vaccine. Pasteur, Sanofi’s vaccines global business unit, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), will spearhead the development of the vaccine. Sanofi aims to utilize its recombinant DNA platform to further investigate an advanced pre-clinical SARS vaccine candidate that could protect against COVID-19, a coronavirus which can cause respiratory disease.
Digital Health Platform to Target Tobacco Addiction
Sharecare, a health and wellness engagement platform that provides users with personalized health information, is integrating Mindsciences’ Craving to Quit by Dr. Jud program into its digital health platform. The tobacco cessation program utilizes the neuroscience of mindfulness to help people overcome smoking and other forms of tobacco addiction. Tobacco use is the largest preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. The platform supports users in their recovery journey through interactive daily modules, mindfulness exercises, in-app coaching, and behavior tracking. Craving to Quit by Dr. Jud marks the first collaboration between Sharecare and Mindsciences, and is the latest addition to Sharecare’s suite of digital health and behavioral tracking applications.
Drug Price and Scarcity Influence Black Market Boom
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals the selling of insulin and albuterol on Craigslist. The researchers combed through the classified ad website and found 432 advertisements for insulin and 105 advertisements for albuterol. Both drugs have the potential to rapidly stabilize patients who may be in life-threatening physical states, but are notoriously expensive and often inaccessible. Unregulated prescription drug sales are not only illegal, but can also be potentially harmful. For example, improper storage or handling of the medication can lead to contamination and loss of potency. The findings point to a dire systemic public health problem that requires substantive policy reform.
Announcing the Finalists of GuideWell's Caring for Caregivers Challenge
GuideWell, in collaboration with Catalyst @ Health 2.0, is excited to announce the finalists of the Caring for Caregivers Challenge! GuideWell sought organizations with programs, platforms, technology systems or services that enable family caregivers to provide in-home care of adult family members and improve the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients.
$50,000 was awarded to the Caring for Caregivers Challenge finalists:
Carallel, LLC (Lake Forest, Ill.): Through the use of a digital platform, Carallel provides tools and personal guidance to help caregivers manage their caregiving responsibilities in one place. “MyCareDesk” is a fully-integrated support system that assists caregivers with planning and coordinating tasks and accessing resources across a range of topics including senior living, in-home care, health, wealth and lifestyle.
Embodied Labs (Los Angeles): Using a virtual reality (VR) training platform designed for family caregivers, care partners or anyone providing support to care recipients, Embodied Labs simulates what it is like to live with certain health conditions. The immersive technology provides a unique learning experience that allows caregivers to experience life from the perspective of someone in need of caregiving.
LifePod Solutions, Inc (Boston): LifePod is a proactive voice caregiving service that monitors and supports older adults in their homes and provides real-time alerts, daily reports and peace of mind to caregivers. Through the use of a smart speaker, LifePod can be set up and controlled by a remote caregiver using an intuitive, online portal to configure and schedule check-ins, reminders and virtual companionship.
TCARE, Inc (St. Louis): The evidence-based IT software system is designed to delay nursing home placement, reduce caregiver burnout and help family caregivers keep their loved ones at home longer. Through a cloud-based management system, TCare provides care planning tools, assessments, community resource links and decision-making software to support informal caregivers and help reduce caregiving stress.
These amazing teams successfully completed the competition’s “testing phase” and will now proceed to the three month “validation phase” where they will work with GuideWell to conduct external market testing or validation of their approaches. Participants that successfully demonstrate the capability to scale their solution with a large population of caregivers will be awarded an additional $50,000 and up to two finalists may have the opportunity to pilot their solution with GuideWell.
Congratulations to the GuideWell Caring for Caregivers Challenge finalists and best of luck as you continue with the competition!
Applications for GuideWell’s Scale Up Accelerator Closing Soon!
There are only a few days remaining to apply for GuideWell’s 2020 Accelerator: Aging in Place! The program is seeking innovative, easy-to-use solutions that enable seniors to improve overall physical and emotional wellness, connect seniors to their communities, and increase the affordability and accessibility of health care for seniors that are economically challenged or cared for by a working family member.
10 health technology companies or innovators will have the incredible opportunity to participate in an eight week accelerator program that consists of a two-day kickoff boot camp, followed by weekly mentoring sessions and a series of virtual workshops that focus on challenges in the health care industry (e.g. customer acquisition, regulatory compliance, etc.).The program begins January 23rd, 2020 and will culminate in a curated Investor Matchmaking Showcase at GuideWell’s Innovation Center in Orlando, FL., on March 9th, 2020.
Cohort Company Criteria:
Eligible companies must meet GuideWell’s minimum “Scale Up” requirements. A Scale Up is a growing technology startup that has clear traction in its chosen marketplace. Traction can be demonstrated by one or more of the following:
• A minimum of $500,000 in revenues
• $500,000 in seed capital raised
• Verifiable (reference required) customer pilots
• Accelerating product adoption (especially for consumer-focused solutions)
If you are an innovator with a next-generation solution, apply today! https://guidewellinnovation.com/guidewell-scale-up-accelerator/
Announcing GuideWell’s 2020 Scale Up Accelerator: Aging in Place
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of American seniors will grow to over 71 million by 2030. To address critical problems that the growing elder population faces, GuideWell is hosting a health and wellness accelerator program for companies and innovators focused on senior care. GuideWell’s Scale Up Accelerator: Aging in Place is seeking solutions that provide affordable, accessible health care or holistic solutions for diverse aging populations.
10 companies will be selected to participate in an exciting eight week program that consists of a two-day kickoff boot camp, followed by weekly mentoring sessions and a series of virtual workshops that focus on challenges in the health care industry (e.g. customer acquisition, regulatory compliance, etc.).
Cohort Company Criteria:
Eligible companies must meet GuideWell’s minimum “Scale Up” requirements. A Scale Up is a growing technology startup that has clear traction in its chosen marketplace. Traction can be demonstrated by one or more of the following:
• A minimum of $500,000 in revenues
• $500,000 in seed capital raised
• Verifiable (reference required) customer pilots
• Accelerating product adoption (especially for consumer-focused solutions)
The program will run from January 23rd, 2019-March 9th, 2020, culminating in a curated Investor Matchmaking Showcase in Orlando, FL., where companies have the opportunity to showcase their innovative technologies to potential investors.
If you have a health technology that can enable seniors to “Age in Place,” apply today! The deadline to apply for this amazing opportunity is December 8th, 2019.
https://guidewellinnovation.com/guidewell-scale-up-accelerator
Prehab Tool and AI Win Big at the 2019 RWJF Live Pitch
Six finalists competed in an exciting live pitch for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s 2019 Innovation Challenges at the 2019 Health 2.0 Annual Conference. They demoed their technologies in front of an audience of health care professionals, investors, provider organizations, and members of the media. The Home and Community Based Care Challenge sought technologies that support the advancement of at-home or community based care. The Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenge called for solutions that increase access to services related to social determinants of health.
During the 3-day Conference, Jessica DaMassa, Executive Producer & Host of @WTF_Health, spoke with the finalists about their experience competing in the RWJF Innovation Challenges, their personal highlights, and what’s next!
Home and Community Based Care Innovation Challenge Finalists
First Place:
Ooney’s home-based web-app for older adults, Prehab Pal, delivers individualized prehabilitation to accelerate postoperative functional recovery and return to independence after surgery.
Second Place:
Wizeview uses artificial intelligence to automate and organize information collected during home visits, supporting the management of medically complex populations at the lowest cost per encounter.
Third Place:
Heal doctor house calls, paired with Heal Hub remote patient monitoring and telemedicine, offer a complete connected care solution for patients with chronic conditions.
Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenge Finalists
First Place:
Social Impact AI Lab is a consortium of nonprofit social services agencies and technology providers with artificial intelligence solutions to address social disconnection in child welfare.
Second Place:
Community Resource Network’s Social Determinants of Health Client Profile creates a whole-person picture across physical, behavioral, and social domains to expedite help for those most at risk, fill in the gaps in care, and optimize well-being.
Third Place:
Open City Labs matches patients with community services and government benefits that address SDoH seamlessly. The platform will integrate with HIEs to automate referral, eligibility screening & benefits enrollment.
Congratulations to the six winners and thank you to all of the participants involved in both Innovation Challenges. To learn more about these efforts, you can visit the Home and Community Based Care and Social Determinants of Health Challenge websites.
Announcing the Winners of the RWJF Innovation Challenges & More News
Announcing the Winners for the RWJF Innovation Challenges
The three finalists for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Home and Community Based Care and Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenges competed live at Health 2.0 on Monday, September 16th! They demoed their technology in front of a captivated audience of health care professionals, investors, provider organizations, and members of the media. Catalyst is proud to announce the first, second and third place winners.
Home and Community Based Care Innovation Challenge Winners
First Place: Ooney
Second Place: WizeView
Third Place: Heal
Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenge Winners
First Place: Social Impact AI Lab New York
Second Place: Community Resource Network
Third Place: Open City Labs
To learn more about the Home and Community Based Care Innovation Challenge, click here.
To learn more about the Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenge, click here.
CalMHSA's Help@Hand Project
Applications are open for an exciting pilot program hosted by The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA). The Help@Hand Project is pursuing technological solutions that address a county-shared need to increase access to mental health services for a variety of target populations. CalMHSA is seeking prospective vendors to be part of a multi-year innovation project that will assess and pilot virtual mental health care services. A RFSQ (Request for Statement of Qualifications) will need to be completed by interested companies that have the capacity to meet one of more of the following criteria:
Implement technology-based mental health solutions accessed through multiple platforms (for example, computer, smartphone, etc.) to identify and engage individuals
Provide automated screening and assessments
Improve access to mental health and supportive services focused on prevention, early intervention, family support, social connectedness peer support
Decreased use of psychiatric hospitals and emergency services
This exciting multi-year innovation project will consist of an open application period (September 12th – October 7th, 2019) and a subsequent pilot period that allows the opportunity for vendors to be added to the Help@Hand Product Portfolio. After a vendor is included in the portfolio, all counties participating in the project can view company and product profiles and may choose to implement technologies at a larger scale.
If you have a digital technology that has the potential to save lives and empower the mental well-being of Californians, apply today!
Applications will close on October 7th, 2019.
Announcing the GuideWell Caring for Caregivers Challenge
Applications are now open for GuideWell’s Caring for Caregivers Challenge! The competition will award up to $100,000 to companies or non-profits with innovative digital solutions that have the potential to provide a comprehensive resource network for family caregivers. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to develop and sustainably deploy innovative, scalable approaches that support the mental, social and economic health of family caregivers and improve their ability to care for loved ones.
If you are an organization or non-profit that focuses on improving the quality of life for family caregivers, apply today! For more details on eligibility criteria and the application process, please click here.
RECAP: The 13th Annual Health 2.0 Conference in Santa Clara, CA
This year's Health 2.0 Conference saw industry experts, thought leaders, and change drivers discuss complex and fascinating topics including challenges and areas of growth in health tech. The first day kicked-off with opening remarks by Catalyst's co-founders Matthew Holt and Indu Subaiya. It was followed by a keynote from Poppy Crum, Chief Scientist at Dolby Laboratories, who took the audience on a journey through people's natural processing and the surprising convergences it has with artificial intelligence. For example, Dr. Crum likened "technology-targeted neuroplasticity" to the regenerative capabilities of nuerons. Cris Ross, Chief Information Officer of Mayo Clinic, explored the need for data liberation in technological advancements. He shared his personal battle with cancer and the role of Mayo Clinic's advanced EHR system in combating the disease. The Conference concluded with Launch!, where attendees saw innovative companies debut their market-ready innovations and voted for their favorite company. The winner, OMNY, was awarded $5,000 and HIMSS mentorship to support their efforts to activate supply chain and billing data.
Digital Health’s Next Target: The Projected $225B Senior Care Market & More News
The RWJF Live Pitch Competition at the Health 2.0 Conference
The finalists of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Home & Community Based Care and Social Determinants of Health Challenges will be announced on Monday, August 26th! Three finalists from each challenge will compete in an exciting Live Pitch on September 16th, from 2:30-4:30pm, at this year’s Health 2.0 Conference in Santa Clara, CA.They will demo their technology in front of a captivated audience of health care professionals, investors, provider organizations, and members of the media. The first place winners will be featured on the Conference Main Stage, September 17th at 3:15pm. Winners will be awarded $40,000 for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $10,000 for third place.
Digital Health’s Next Target: The Projected $225B Senior Care Market
As seniors become an increasing portion of the United States’ population, their need for new care solutions grows. The Population Reference Bureau expects the senior population to double from 46 million in 2016 to a staggering 98 million by 2060. This threatens the sustainability of federally funded programs like Medicaid and Medicare, that support a majority of the health services for older adults in the United States. One of the biggest challenges that the senior population faces is an increasing shortage of home health aides and assisted living facilities. Digital health innovators have already begun developing solutions that increase the efficiency and personalization of senior care, such as voice-activated software, personalized health monitoring through a wearable or cellular device, and apps that allow seniors to easily access health care providers and physicians near them. With the AARP reporting that 21% of seniors will require additional care for chronic illness by 2050, there is a lucrative market for elder care that digital health innovators are urged to tap into.
The Cloud’s Impact on Health Care Providers
Physicians’ use of of cloud technology has seen an increase due to its capacity to maximize efficiency for activities such as medical research and data entry. Cloud technology provides physicians with the necessary support to streamline work through guided-decision making and supports interoperability between other systems, as well as physician networks. However, cloud technology and the consumer-facing apps it supports may be the cause of dissonance for some health care professionals. With care moving towards a 24/7 model, physicians are finding it difficult to discern when to “clock-out,” as well as where and when to set limits to the care they offer. Additionally, the influx of sophisticated tools may pressure new medical professionals to incorporate unneeded technology into their practice. To mitigate the frustrations that cloud technology may bring for physicians, Deloitte’s Chief Digital Officer for Health Care proposes a balanced model where physicians utilize cloud technology in areas of work that need to be streamlined, and bypass it in areas that are already optimized.
Biological Virus Detection with Your Smartphone & More News
Biological Virus Detection with Your Smartphone
Global estimates for deaths from seasonal influenza-related respiratory illnesses have increased, making flu prevention an important priority. In an effort to combat viruses like the flu, Yoshihiro Minagawa, a researcher from Tokyo, has created a tool that detects viruses with a smartphone. The device is about the size of a brick and smaller than conventional options. It detects viruses more quickly than a fluorescence microscope and is estimated to be 100 times as sensitive as a rapid flu test kit. To use the device, a smartphone is placed in a space at the top of the scanner so that it’s camera faces a small lens. Users download an app that allows them to visualize the viruses present in a sample.
Minagawa’s goal was to create a tool that can be used in inaccessible and impoverished communities to combat diseases like the flu globally. This virus scanner is one of many smartphone diagnostic tools that utilizes advanced cameras, motion sensors, facial recognition, natural language algorithms and/or artificial intelligence. The development of diagnostic tools for smartphones has the potential to improve access to care and health worldwide.
Smart Wearables are Key Disruptors in Health Care
Once regarded as simple calorie and step trackers for the fitness-conscious, wearables have transcended the sports category and are being used by clinical researchers. Smart wearables’ potential for advancing health outcomes has been explored by giants like Apple. In 2017’s Apple Heart Study, Apple Watches were utilized to collect and track heart health data, highlighting the role wearables are beginning to play in personalized health monitoring. Other players offering wearables for health tracking include Fossil, whose next smartwatch will use neural network technology to detect various heart conditions and Google Fit, who is diversifying its wearable technology by updating its software to integrate sleep tracking.
According to data provided by Circle Square's June 2019 Digital Trends Report, smart wearables have significant implications for the future of remote patient monitoring in the field of digital health. As health care moves towards a value-based system, with an emphasis on patient-centered care, smart wearables are becoming an efficient monitoring tool to deliver more precise care.
Making Health History More Accessible
An unfortunate product of the siloed health systems in the U.S. is that it is difficult for patients to attain their health information. To tackle this issue, representatives from Apple, Google, Amazon and Microsoft, health insurers, and hospitals met in Washington D.C. to announce plans to provide consumers with easier access to their medical information. They will begin testing a set of technical specifications for sharing claims data, which are medical bills sent to a patient’s health insurance company. A broad overview of patients' health is often difficult to access because information is held within a specific hospital or clinic where they received care. Claims data offers this overview, irrespective of where they were treated.
In recent years, the government has pushed for claims information to be made available to Medicare beneficiaries. However, it is not routinely shared with individuals who receive their health insurance through their employer or a commercial payer. Apple, Google and Microsoft have developed tools that make it easier for consumers to access their health information, but they have had mixed success. For example, Apple requires each individual hospital or clinic to register with its service, which limits the information available. The new specifications for sharing claims data will benefit health data service providers and ultimately, may disrupt health care silos. Increased accessibility to health information can help patients track their medical bills, choose health plans, and tackle fraud.
Role of Innovation in Addressing Social Determinants of Health
Nearly a decade has passed since Healthy People 2020 positioned social determinants of health (SDoH) at the forefront of healthcare reform. As defined by the report, SDoH are the “conditions in the environment in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age, that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality of life outcomes.” Examples of social determinants include:
Resources to meet daily needs (e.g., safe housing and local food markets)
Educational, economic, and job opportunities
Community-based resources in support of community living and opportunities for recreational and leisure-time activities
Transportation
The ability to influence social determinants largely falls outside of the health care system’s reach. Therefore, a key to address opportunities for health involves collaboration between health care and different industries such as education, housing, and transportation. Both the public and private sectors have made significant efforts to bridge the gap between physical, mental, and social care by experimenting with non-traditional partnerships.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has spearheaded multiple programs with government agencies and community partners to achieve the goals outlined in Healthy People 2020. One of the most notable successes is the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, an initiative by the CDC with the Department of Housing & Urban Development and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Through housing rehabilitation, enforcement of housing and health codes, and partnerships with healthcare experts, the program helped Healthy People 2020 exceed their target of reducing blood lead level in children.
Other programs such as the “National Program to Eliminate Diabetes Related Disparities in Vulnerable Populations,” leveraged community partners and resources to increase food security, health literacy, and physical spaces for active living. In one of their projects, the program partnered with community health workers (promotoras) who spoke Spanish to engage with Hispanic/Latino communities where participation to Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) was low. The community health workers provided linguistically and culturally-sensitive materials that effectively increased participation in DSME among the targeted population. The outcomes from such initiatives have inspired more health and community organizations to work together to reduce health disparities.
Private health insurers have also joined the movement to influence SDoH as the shift towards value-based care incentivizes them to keep their beneficiaries healthy beyond clinical settings. Kaiser Permanente, which prides itself on helping their beneficiaries achieve total health, will launch their social care network Thrive Local to connect healthcare and social services providers. Thrive Local will be powered by Unite Us, a startup that helps providers refer social services, track outcomes, and collaborate care with community partners. Meanwhile, Blue Cross Blue Shield has invested nearly $40M into Solera Health to integrate social determinants data and resources into healthcare. Solera Health will use the funding to build out a network of digital health and social services providers and reimagine how health plans will pay social service providers. Both insurers are hopeful that the partnerships will promote better health outcomes and create a new care delivery model that effectively address social needs.
Developers and innovators are encouraged to create technology that can support the integration of SDoH collaborations into healthcare. Those who are interested in this space and have a digital solution should apply to the “Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenge,” which seeks novel technology that helps providers and/or patients connect to health services related to SDoH.
Examples include but are not limited to:
Digital tools that pull data from non-profit services to assist health systems in serving diverse patient populations on an ongoing basis
Apps for consumers that provide health information based on their community/location
Technology that harnesses governmental or open source data to create insights for healthcare providers to evaluate SDoH data and improve population health
In this multi-phase challenge, innovators are asked to submit tech-enabled solutions that account for SDoH. Subject matter experts will evaluate the entries and select the top five teams who will move onto Phase II. The five semi-finalists will be awarded $5,000 each to further develop their application or tool. Then, three finalists will be chosen at the end of Phase II to compete at a live pitch event! They will demo their technology in front of a captivated audience of investors, provider organizations, and members of the media at a prominent health conference. Judges will select the first, second, and third place winners live. Winners will be awarded $40,000 for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $10,000 for third place.
The challenge is open to innovators and companies at any stage of development. If you are interested in applying, the competition is now accepting Phase I applications and the deadline to submit is June 7th, 2019 11:59 PM EDT.
To learn more about the challenge, please visit the website. To sign up for updates on the challenge, please click here.