Doha, Qatar- 26 The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), an initiative of Qatar Foundation, announces the launch of its 2024 Innovation Competition, inviting entrepreneurs and startups to showcase groundbreaking solutions that address the world’s most urgent healthcare challenges.

We encourage entrepreneurs in the health sector and representatives from incubation centers to apply. A judging process will select early to mid-stage health-focused startups and innovators, who will then be invited to exhibit at the prestigious WISH 2024 international healthcare summit on 13-14 November at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha.

The WISH Innovation Competition comprises two categories: “Young Innovators” for health startups led by founders 30 years and younger; and “Innovation Showcases” for health startups that have moved beyond the ideation phase and established their market presence for up to five years. The winner in each category will receive an investment award.

Proposals can showcase innovative solutions across all spectrums of healthcare, with an emphasis on digital health. The judging committee will assess entries based on impact, novelty, and growth potential.

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In addition to the investment award, key companion benefits of the WISH Innovation Award Program, which incorporates the two competition categories, include networking opportunities with like-minded startups, health experts, investors, and local incubation centers; and access to sessions with industry experts to learn about marketing, social media, presenting, and pitching to investors.  Winners will also receive an invitation to showcase their innovations at WISH 2024, which will bring together healthcare providers, ministers, insurers, investors, and industry experts.

Maha El Akoum, Manager of Policy and Content, WISH, said: ” WISH believes that young entrepreneurs are vital to transformative health solutions, and this competition aims to provide them with a platform to showcase their early-stage startups. In addition, the Innovation Showcases category provides a stage for established startups to exhibit their novel solutions and business models.”

WISH 2022 grand prize winner Katarina Hedbeck, CEO and co-founder of a startup called “Tada Group” said: “Winning a grand prize in the WISH 2022 Innovation Competition was life changing for our start-up. We managed to raise 10 million Swedish kronor (about $970,000 USD) from investors in the two months following the win, allowing us to build momentum at a key moment.’’

Furthermore, Innovators are encouraged to apply via https://wish.org.qa/innovation-competition-2024/. The deadline for applications is 15 July 2024. Shortlisted projects will be announced by August 2024.