Due to the ever evolving situation this year around COVID-19, there will be some changes to how the HealthTech Innovation Challenge will be run.
At this point in time, we cannot confirm what the pitching component of the challenge will look like, or the total amount of prize money to be distributed.
Please submit your EOI through the portal as we’d still love to support innovative HealthTech Projects in any way we can and we will be in touch with the latest on how things unfold.
2020 applications are now closed.
The Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering (GCI) is inviting submissions for the HealthTech Innovation Challenge.
The objectives of the HealthTech Innovation Challenge are:
- To promote Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM)-based interdisciplinary research.
- To foster the translation of research with applications that will lead to improvements in health outcomes.
- To stimulate collaboration of MACH partner organisations.
Proposals must address the health technology (HealthTech) focus of the Challenge.
HealthTech refers to technology that is used to prevent, diagnose, monitor or treat diseases or medical conditions. HealthTech categories relevant to the Challenge are:
- Medical devices
- Diagnostics
- Assistive technology
- Hospital accessories, systems improvements and surgical instruments/tools
- Digital health including mobile health
- Technology that supports drug discovery and development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Guidelines
HealthTech Innovation Challenge guidelines [PDF]
2020 key dates
- Thursday 5 March
Launch date of the HealthTech Innovation Challenge
- Thursday 30 April
- 11.59pm
Application closing date
- Early May
Announcement of the finalists
- First week of June
Pitch event
- July
Project start date
Judging criteria
The submissions will be assessed against the following judging criteria.
The project demonstrates:
- A clear clinical need
- A concise, achievable project plan with realistic objectives
- Demonstrated efforts to conduct inter-disciplinary research, by team construction, partners or translation pathway
- Well placed research with significant potential for future funding by granting bodies and/or industry
Competition terms
The 2020 competition terms will be published here soon.
HealthTech Innovation Challenge Terms [PDF]
See the section on Application Process to accept the Competition Terms.
Acknowledgement
The Primary Investigator must ensure that the GCI contribution and support of the project be appropriately acknowledged in publications and presentations.
Sponsorship
The four prizes are sponsored by the Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne.
Application process
An online application form can be accessed here after the opening of applications. To be eligible for judging processes, all documents below must be submitted:
- An application form
- A signed Letter of Support from the Chief Investigator (CI)’s host organisation executive or leadership team should be uploaded that states the Lead Investigator will bear full responsibility for the conduct of the project.
Within 24 hours of submission of application, the CI will receive an email from kluders@unimelb.edu.au confirming receipt of the application.
Enquiries
All enquiries should be made to kluders@unimelb.edu.au. The Subject line should state “HTIC 2020”.
Definitions
Technology readiness levels
Technology readiness level (TRL) is an approach to assess the technology maturity and progress of the research activity. The TRL is defined below (U.S. Department of Defense, Technology Readiness Assessment Guidance, April 2011).
| Level | Definition |
|---|---|
| TRL 1 | Basic Research: Initial scientific research has been conducted. Principles are qualitatively postulated and observed. Focus is on new discovery rather than applications. |
| TRL 2 | Applied Research: Initial practical applications are identified. Potential of material or process to solve a problem, satisfy a need, or find application is confirmed. |
| TRL 3 | Critical Function or Proof of Concept Established: Applied research advances and early stage development begins. Studies and laboratory measurements validate analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology. |
| TRL 4 | Lab Testing/Validation of Alpha Prototype Component/Process: Design, development and lab testing of components/processes. Results provide evidence that performance targets may be attainable based on projected or modelled systems. |
| TRL 5 | Laboratory Testing of Integrated/Semi-Integrated System: System Component and/or process validation is achieved in a relevant environment. |
| TRL 6 | Prototype System Verified: System/process prototype demonstration in an operational environment (beta prototype system level). |
| TRL 7 | Integrated Pilot System Demonstrated: System/process prototype demonstration in an operational environment (integrated pilot system level). |
| TRL 8 | System Incorporated in Commercial Design: Actual system/process completed and qualified through test and demonstration (pre-commercial demonstration). |
| TRL 9 | System Proven and Ready for Full Commercial Deployment: Actual system proven through successful operations in operating environment, and ready for full commercial deployment. |