Israel Innovation Authority Launches $1 Million Healthcare Innovation Contest

The Israel Innovation Authority announced the launch of a competition on Sunday that will see four Israeli companies awarded a total $1 million toward research and development for healthcare-related technology solutions with global impact and R&D support, in partnership with Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) in Philadelphia.

The project will allow Israeli companies to test their concepts in a living laboratory with access to TJU’s clinical, service line, administrative and leadership staffs across a variety of care settings, including inpatient, outpatient, ambulatory, urgent care, rehabilitation, and community, the Israel Innovation Authority said in a statement.

“The goal is to co-develop, test and pilot impactful technologies, products, services and devices within the rich environment that exists at Jefferson, which then would be translated to other sites and settings”, said Dr. Zvi Grunwald, the James D. Wentzler Professor and emeritus chair of anesthesiology at TJU’ Sidney Kimmel Medical College.

“The project and partnership are a result of the newly formed Jefferson Israel Center”, said Dr. Grunwald, who serves as its executive director, “and the University’s and Israel Innovation Authority’s mutual interest to source, develop, deploy and commercialize innovative technologies, products, services and devices within the healthcare sector.”

“We are delighted to collaborate with a leading academic and medical center such as Jefferson,” said Dr. Ami Appelbaum, chairman of the Israel Innovation Authority. “The combination of Israeli innovation and Jefferson’s clinical experience, expertise and facilities will enable the creation of cutting-edge solutions that will prove instrumental in laying the groundwork for the future of healthcare and providing superior personalized medical care.”