Overview

TURNING NEW ZEALAND’S BRIGHT IDEAS INTO COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

Focus on Health, a New Zealand innovation challenge began in April 2009 and runs over 12 months with two rounds.

It offers the opportunity to fast track the commercialisation process of New Zealand health solutions into thee United States. Developed by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, The Challenge offers the chance to win a share of over $800,000 of in-kind and cash prizes, and access to mentoring, local and international partnership opportunities, and a world-class network of useful contacts.

The Challenge was open to New Zealand based companies, organisations, academics, researchers, health professionals and entrepreneurs, individuals and not-for-profit organisations . More than 500 people are now connected into the programme.

Participants could enter any type of health innovation product or service that had not already been fully commercialised in the United States. For example, entries could include software, hardware, medical device, bioactive or pharmaceutical products and services.

The Challenge brings together an extensive network of influential business and health experts from the United States and New Zealand, and include our judges and advisors from medical, academic and business backgrounds, as well as potential investors, buyers and partners. As participants move through The Challenge they will continue to receive expert advice and feedback from The Challenge Network.

FOCUS AREAS

Participants were encouraged, but not required, to submit an entry that fell into one of seven focus areas.

• Chronic disease management
• Healthy aging
• Health delivery transformation
• Health and wellness
• Under-served populations
• Patient safety
• Preventative care

Entries relating to any of these areas will be evaluated based on an additional ‘Fit to Focus’ rating.

ROUND ONE

Participants submitted their health innovation ideas in the form of a robust business plan executive summary. They had the option of attending a launch workshop to learn more about The Challenge and international opportunities in the health sector in the United States. They also attended business development plan workshops to assist with the development of their entries.

Our judges selected 20 semi-finalists from over 100 eligible entries. The semi-finalists then attended a ‘pitch’ training workshop to better prepare for pitching their ideas to the judges. The judges will then select the finalists to enter the next round.

There are seven judges, with two from New Zealand and five from the United States:

• Dr John Halamka MD, MS - United States: John is the Chief Information Officer of CareGroup Health System. He is often consulted by individuals in Congress and the White House regarding health IT.
• Jay Srini - United States: Jay is the Chief Innovation Officer for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre Insurance Services Division. She has been named as one of US Computerworld magazine’s Premier 100 Information Technology Leaders for 2009.
• David Clarke - New Zealand: David is Director at Cranleigh Merchant Bankers, providing investment advice and corporate finance services to a range of sectors and industries.
• G. Steven Burrill - United States: Steven is the CEO of Burrill & Company, a life sciences firm focused exclusively on companies involved in human healthcare, agricultural and industrial biotechnology and biofuels.
• Dion Madsen - United States: Dion is the Managing Director of Physic Ventures, which provides capital and support to entrepreneurs focused on building exceptional science-based, consumer-directed health and sustainable living companies.
• Guy Scalzi - United States: Guy is a Principal with Aspen Advisors, a professional services firm that works with healthcare organisations to optimise the value of their information technology.
• Alan Spinks - New Zealand: Alan Spinks is the National Programme Manager for the Quality, Improvement and Innovation Team for the Ministry of Health.

ROUND TWO

The finalists will enter Round Two where they will receive professional services, mentoring, and business development support for six months. Depending on the stage of development of the entered product or service, assistance will be provided to help maximise their chance of commercial success in the United States. For example, some might get an opportunity to help develop their idea into a prototype/product before the United States roadshow.

All finalists will participate in a United States roadshow where they will be introduced to potential buyers, investors and partners. Following the roadshow, the judges will select a winner.