The Digital Health Award has been presented by the pharmaceutical company Novartis since 2018. Since then, over 400 companies and projects have submitted their ideas for improved healthcare. This year, the focus is on three topics:
At the Secondary prevention The goal is to detect disease relapses early and, if possible, prevent them in order to spare patients suffering and reduce healthcare costs. Telemedicine applications and digital tools complement regular screening programs, individual patient monitoring, and targeted interventions. For example, gender-specific risk factors can be identified and the progression of the disease slowed or halted.
Digital therapy pathways: With innovative technologies and mobile applications, therapies can be offered flexibly, personalized, and location-independently. As self-help tools, telemedicine, and virtual treatment options, digital therapy pathways contribute to making treatments more efficient, simplifying doctor-patient interaction, and making treatment success easier to monitor. They thus offer a broader range of treatment options and are an important building block for optimized patient care.
Under the title Progress Through Data The Digital Health Award encompasses the collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data, whether in research, optimized routine care, or to reduce costs. Because its targeted use can save lives. However, this also entails a high level of responsibility with regard to data security. Once this is ensured, big data is the engine for efficiency, accuracy, and ultimately an improved patient experience in digital healthcare.
In addition, Novartis is once again offering a special prize this year. Under the patronage of Barmer, the special award honors digital applications and telemedicine solutions under the motto "Access for All, Everywhere."
Digital Health Award with 60,000 euros in prize money
A ten-member expert panel will initially select five projects for the shortlist from all submitted applications. The winners will be announced on the day of the awards ceremony on June 6, 2024, in Berlin. The Digital Health Prize is endowed with a total of 60,000 euros. Of this, the first-place winner will receive 25,000 euros and the second-place winner 15,000 euros. A further 10,000 euros will go to the third-place project (Audience Award) and the winners of the Special Prize. The application deadline is February 29.
Munich-based healthtech startups are no strangers to the Digital Health Award. For example, Neolexon 2020 the competition and 2023 Curevision 2nd place.
Further information about the competition and the opportunity to register can be found here.
