Statistics show that Australians are actually living longer, but not necessarily healthier.
We have one of the highest life expectancies at 84.3 years and 79.9 years for women and men respectively but an increasingly sedentary lifestyle and increasing incidence of chronic disease are greatly affecting the quality of this longevity.
Just over seven million Australians have at least one chronic condition, according the last analysis by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The National Health Priority Action Council (NHPAC) estimates that chronic diseases account for nearly 80 per cent of all disease and injury in Australia and more than two thirds of all health expenditure. We spend $6 billion each year on diabetes and heart disease alone.
And these numbers are on the rise. Clearly, something needs to be done right away.
Looking to innovative start-ups for a solution
Australian pharmaceutical company Janssen Australia’s recently launched start-up challenge – HaTCH (Health and Technology Challenge) is therefore offering Australian innovators the opportunity to receive $100,000 vital funding to bring their healthcare innovation to market.
The challenge is looking for innovative solutions – especially in the areas of asthma, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular health, dementia, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health, oncology, virology and immunology – that will improve:
- Early disease detection and monitoring;
- Access to and sharing of health information; and
- Connectivity between Australians and healthcare providers and services.
Applicants will submit a short abstract of no more than 2,000 words outlining their idea.
Four finalists will each receive $10,000 and will work with industry experts to workshop their ideas and business plans. After presenting their projects, a winner will be selected to walk away with $100,000 to kick-start their idea on its journey to market.
The panel of judges includes healthcare experts such as Professor Mukesh Haikerwal AO and Amit Vohra as well as start-up and business experts such Mick Liubinskas, Cyrus Allen and Janssen’s Managing Director Chris Hourigan.
Applications close on October 3rd. To apply, head over to www.janssenhatch.com.au
