The all-Island startup programme offers early-stage digital health startups access to business and technical support via the dConnect Digital Health Innovation Hub and the Connected Health & Wellbeing Cluster.
The ten week programme will include hands-on guidance and support to help startups drive innovation in the healthcare industry. dConnect and the CHW Cluster will provide mentoring and specialist Masterclasses ranging from customer discovery and validation, through to assessing market opportunity, and mapping funding and growth steps. Participants will have access to clinical, regulatory, funding, and business expertise to support the development of innovative product roadmaps and pathways to market.
As part of the programme, Amazon Web Services (AWS) will provide participants with technical training and support to help them leverage the latest cloud technologies such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and more. This will include one-to-one sessions, and tailored workshops on topics ranging from procurement to Amazon’s culture of innovation, including their ‘Working Backwards’ approach.
At the final showcase on May 25th 2023, participants will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. A winner will be selected and awarded up to $100,000 in AWS credits, and access to free hotdesking at Dundalk IT. All eHealth Embark participants will receive $2,000 in AWS credits.
Startups interested in applying for the programme should submit applications via www.ehealth-embark.ie.
Alumni from eHealth Embark 2022, overwhelming endorsed the programme saying that it accelerated their business development, introduced them to new customers and markets, and provided the technical support to develop products that meet healthcare procurement requirements.
Stephen Geoghegan, founder of Cymantic Medical who won the competition in 2022, said: “Winning this award means a lot to our whole team. Developing a new medical device and bringing it to market can take a long time and be a very tentative process, so receiving this kind of validation is a source of great motivation and encouragement for us, especially considering the expertise on the judging panel which included the HSE Digital Transformation unit, Atlantic Bridge Ventures, Health Innovation Hub Ireland, and AWS’ International Healthcare lead. The AWS credits we’ve been awarded give us access to powerful cloud computing resources that can now accelerate the development of our technology, which, we believe, can have a major impact for cancer patients and healthcare providers. The tangible supports we’ve received, and will continue to receive, from AWS and the team at Dundalk IT will also undoubtedly go a long way in helping us to reach that goal.”
The deadline for applications is February 26th 2023. The programme will be delivered online and in person between March 20th and May 19th 2023 with in-person events hosted at AWS’ offices in Dublin.
Breanndán Casey is the manager of the Connected Health and Wellbeing Cluster at DkIT which encourages and facilitates increased collaboration between industry, academia, healthcare providers, and enterprise support agencies. He stated “ This programme will specifically look at healthcare challenges, and is a great example of cluster members, including dConnect, working with industry to advance the sector. AWS’ support will ensure hands-on input to developing robust and scalable technical solutions that clearly address identified healthcare needs. We invite applications from across the island of Ireland.”
For further information, please contact Breanndán Casey, CHW Cluster Manager on +353 85 8817468.
Photo; (Left to Right): Back Row: 2022 Judges including Michael Twomey, (Health Innovation Hub Ireland), Martin Curley (CEO, HSE Digital Transformation Unit), Joanna Wardzinski (Head Tech Lead & Operations, International Healthcare AWS at Amazon Web Services ), Conor O’Sullivan (Atlantic Bridge). Front Row: eHealth Embark 2022 Winners Stephen Geoghegan (Founder, Cymantic Medical), Dearbhail Ormond (Founder, Frendo)
