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Focus on Health

Entries for The New Zealand Focus on Health Challenge have closed and judging is in progress to select semi-finalists.

Entries cover the full range of health-related products and services including health IT, medical devices, natural products, services such as training and support, skincare, food supplements, and pharmaceuticals.

The Challenge gives New Zealanders the opportunity to commercialise health solutions in the United States.

The world's biggest health care market, the United States spends US$2 trillion every year on healthcare and is planning to spend an additional US$135 billion over the next few years.

The Challenge has provided entrants with the opportunity to:

LEARN how to fast track their idea, product or service to the United States: Up-skill their business knowledge and get quality training, support and advice from prestigious sources.
CONNECT with international health and business professionals and mentors to enhance their chance of success – faster.
WIN a share of a prize pool valued in excess of $750,000 (includes cash and in-kind prizes).

“This is one of the best put together initiatives like this I have ever seen.”
Ian McCrae, Chief Executive of Orion Health.

Get access to world renowned experts

The Challenge brings together a vast network of United States and New Zealand based judges, advisors, mentors and sponsors from medical, academic and business backgrounds, as well as potential investors, buyers and partners. Our panel of experts includes:

Judges who are amongst the most influential leaders in healthcare in the United States, including Dr John Halamka and Dion Madsen - regular health advisors to the White House.
A corporate network that includes some of the biggest names in the United States healthcare sector with the likes of Edward Lifesciences, Microsoft, Kaiser, and Proctor and Gamble.
An investor network with the likes of Fonterra USA, BMO Capital Markets, Morgenthaler Ventures, Polaris Venture Partners, Powerhouse Ventures, Vivo Ventures, Business Technology Center of Los Angeles County, and New Zealand based venture capitalists and angel investors.

Partners and sponsors

The Challenge is a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise initiative in collaboration with IDC and Health Industry Insights. The Ministry of Health is a key strategic partner. Sponsors include the New Zealand Health Research Council, Edwards Life Sciences and Microsoft, with in-kind sponsorship including research, legal, consulting, recruitment, software, regulatory, and insurance.

Find out more at the Focus on Health website.