US-based biotech company Genentech is offering a $50,000 competition prize to find the best digital product by a startup that can help beat cervical cancer.
The Quest Award opened in January during Cervical Cancer Awareness month, with Genentech inviting more than 3,000 entrepreneurs to submit entries in five categories – awareness, education, screening technologies, reducing stigma and other.
A total of 15 judges from across the fields of venture capital, technology, healthcare and oncology will select five finalists to present their submissions live before a panel.
The winner will be announced at the finalist event in San Francisco on April 4, 2016. The closing date for submissions is February 11.
As well as the cash prize, the winner will receive continued mentorship by Genentech for one year with quarterly check-ins. The finalists will also feature in a post on the competition website describing their idea or company.
Cervical cancer affects more than 500,000 women and claims around 275,000 lives every year. The American Cancer Society estimates 95% of cervical cancers could be prevented or cured if caught early through regular screening.
– Photo courtesy of Genentech