Bring cutting-edge health solutions to developing countries with Siemens Healthineers
Improving healthcare access in low and middle-income countries
At least 50% of the world’s population lacks access to safe, affordable, and timely healthcare services. This limited access can lead to a dangerous and costly cycle of late diagnosis and therapy, resulting in suboptimal health outcomes. The growing world population exacerbates these problems and puts pressure on already overburdened healthcare systems.
The disparities in access to healthcare are particularly pronounced in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The problem is further compounded by a shortage of healthcare professionals and a lack of infrastructure and resources. Improving access to healthcare in these countries is crucial for reducing the burden of disease and improving the health and well-being of millions of people.
To address this challenge, Siemens Healthineers has identified access to care as one of its five corporate Growth Vectors in the „New Ambition“ phase of its Corporate Strategy 2025. We plan to resolve the lack of access to care by collaborating with stakeholders, offering financing solutions, developing new business models, promoting innovation across the health continuum, and utilizing digital solutions.
Siemens Healthineers is committed to engaging with start-ups that share our vision of enabling access to care for underserved communities in low and middle-income countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
We are seeking solutions that can enhance:
- Affordability: by offering services at a lower cost,
- Accessibility: by bringing them closer to patients, and
- Availability: by educating and upskilling the health professionals in these communities.
What we are looking for:
The ideal solution should:
- Focus on areas of screening, diagnostics, and therapy, which include, but are not limited to, imaging, lab testing, or remote monitoring. We are also open to solutions in the area of non-pharmacological cancer therapy, e.g. radiation therapy.
- Be able to target rural health centers, primary care facilities, hospitals and secondary centers in low and middle-income countries.
We have a particular interest in (but are not limited to) solutions for:
- Diagnosis and treatment of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- Screening and multi-dimensional diagnostics across the spectrum of communicable and chronic diseases, such as tuberculosis, kidney disease, or diabetes.
- Improving the general provision of secondary care in low-income countries.
FAQ
Who can apply?
European incorporated companies with a product or technology that addresses the challenges released. At least, a prototype of the solution should exist. There are no further specific requirements in terms of Technology Readiness Level (TLR), sales, minimum investment attracted, or country of registration.
How can I apply to this challenge?
Click on „Apply now“ and follow the instructions to submit an application. You will answer different questions about your company and the product you present as a possible solution to the challenge.
How are applications evaluated?
The main selection criteria is product-challenge fit. Applications are sent to the relevant teams in each challenge-owner, who decide which companies are selected. To increase the chances of a successful application, make sure you carefully read the information we have published about each challenge and show in your application how your product could be a perfect match. The questions in the application will guide you!
Can I apply to more than one challenge?
Yes, of course! However, you will need to submit one individual application per challenge and customize it according to the challenge.
I have a solution for a challenge, but it still requires some changes or development. Can I still apply?
Yes, the main requirement is that your solution addresses the challenge. In case you are selected, during the meetings with the challenge owners, you can clarify the needs of both parties and decide on possible changes/modifications/extra features, etc.
We encourage you to apply even if your solution only fulfills some of the requirements of the „ideal solution“ described above. Both off-the-shelf and customizable options are relevant!
Where does Meet&Match.Dx take place?
Mostly online, with the possibility to organize meetings in person in the third module. If that happens, the travel and accommodation costs for the participants will be covered by a grant.
What is the cost for my company?
None, it is free of charge. No fee, no equity taken. You only need to bring professionalism and commitment to make the best out of this opportunity. The costs for services are covered by the EU-funded Interreg NWE Codex4SMEs project.
Is a collaboration 100% secured for the SMEs selected?
Neither party is obliged to enter into a partnership. We will create the optimal environment for a collaboration to start, but whether this happens, and the conditions of the collaboration, will be exclusively decided by the parties involved.
However, we guarantee 100% of the selected companies will be connected to the relevant teams within the challenge-owner, will have 1-on-1 partnership exploration meetings, and will receive support to prepare for that occasion in the best possible way.
My product or solution is not a fit for any of the challenges… what can I do?
We constantly release different challenges in collaboration with industry leaders and healthcare providers. Join our start-ups database and you will be immediately notified when new challenges are out!