‘This is an important way to bridge the gap between health tech startups developing technology products and services for the healthcare industry, and their end users.’
Konica Minolta Australia has partnered with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute – MCRI – to support its Bytes4Health Program that offers health tech startups the unique opportunity to showcase their latest innovations to leading healthcare and medical research experts.
By working directly with these experts, selected companies will develop their innovations with clinical end-user input and scientific validation, thereby distinguishing themselves from many competitors and increasing the value of their companies.
As a Bytes4Health Foundation Partner, Konica Minolta will sit on the selection panel that reviews the program applicants and decides the finalists. Konica Minolta has also contributed $25,000 towards the program and will also provide business mentoring to finalists, nurturing the development of new healthcare technology in Australia.
Vickie Edwards, Business Development Manager, Healthcare and Innovation, Konica Minolta, said, ‘Bytes4Health is an exciting program that speaks to Konica Minolta’s core values regarding creating new value for society.
‘Konica Minolta is delighted to be involved and sees this as an important way to bridge the gap between health tech startups developing technology products and services for the healthcare industry, and their end users. Konica Minolta is committed to driving healthcare innovation and this partnership is an important way to demonstrate that.’
The program selection panel includes commercial, clinical, technical, and industry professionals, including a representative from Konica Minolta.
The panel will choose up to 10 finalists, two of whom will have the chance to co-locate to MCRI for four months. During this time, chosen finalists will develop their technologies alongside leading Australian healthcare experts. Successful companies will each receive $25,000 in funding plus research and clinical expertise to inform further development of their technology.
Vickie Edwards said, ‘this program provides an outstanding opportunity for organisations to take their products or services to the next level, and to strengthen their professional networks in the healthcare industry. It’s an honour for Konica Minolta to help facilitate this initiative, and we look forward to seeing the results.’
