HealthCare Lab is a CEE-based acceleration program supporting digital healthcare ventures. The program’s mission is to connect, grow and nurture the community of innovators, researchers, healthcare providers, and regulators to bring ground-breaking innovations in healthcare to the market faster. Currently, in its first batch, HealthCareLab is supported by industry leaders from Roche and run by innovation experts from Civitta.
General questions
What is unique about the acceleration program?
HealthCare Lab is a first-of-its-kind program launched in Slovakia. It is driven by the long-term commitment of Roche to support innovative solutions in healthcare. In partnership with innovation experts from Civitta and a growing pool of international industry experts, HealthCare Lab is a unique opportunity for digital healthcare startups from the CEE region to access valuable mentoring and resources to accelerate their growth. Apply by 9th of June 2020 to join the first batch!
What types of technologies are we looking for?
Applications are open to digital health ventures from the CEE region (Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and Czechia). In terms of the development stage, the program targets early-stage startups with a functional prototype and team committed to the project. The solution should be related to the following technology areas: Big data & Analytics, Mobile Health & Apps, Web platforms, Telemedicine, Remote monitoring & wearables, Personalized diagnostics, Patient education, Patient management or similar.
How long does the program last?
The acceleration program for the selected companies will run between July and November 2020. The program will combine four 2-3 days long intensive sprints (first one in July) and continuous business coaching and mentoring. With a hiatus in the summer period, the program will continue from September on with the three remaining sprints in autumn and conclude with a final demo day in November 2020.
How and where is the program run?
Under the current circumstances, the program is expected to run entirely online until September 2020. If the conditions allow it, the program will transition to the physical world from September onwards. The program will combine one-off workshops for the participants, one-on-one business coaching & mentoring sessions, as well as more extended 2-3 days longs sprints with international experts and mentors. Once transferred back into the physical world, the program will run in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Application process
What is the closest deadline for applications?
All applications for the 1st batch must be submitted via the F6S platform before the 9th of June 2020 (before midnight CEST time). Follow this link to submit your application. The application process for the 2nd batch of the program is expected to open in Spring 2021.
What is the application and selection process for the program?
All companies must first submit applications via the F6S platform before the 9th of June 2020 deadline. The answers provided in the application form should provide a convincing case on why the company should be selected for the program. On the 12th of June 2020, the twelve best startups will be shortlisted for an all-day virtual selection bootcamp which will take place on the 16th of June. Following the pitching and Q&As, the selection committee will select the 1st batch (6-8 companies) which will participate in the program. A virtual public announcement about the 1st batch will take place on 17th of June 2020 – all selected participants are expected to pitch to the public.
What are the key evaluation criteria for applications?
HealthCare Lab is designed for early-stage digital technology companies offering innovative solutions to the healthcare industry. Companies with a functional prototype of their product & service and strong and stable team, with expertise both in technology and business, will be prioritized. Selected companies will also have existing market traction with customers or validation from investors. In sum, there are three main evaluation criteria: innovativeness of the product, quality of the team and existing traction that proves potential for scalability.
Where can companies submit their applications?
Applications will only be accepted via the F6S platform which can be accessed via the Apply Now button. Companies should not send any additional materials or documents via email or other platforms. Applications must be submitted in full, with all required fields filled in.
Program structure
What does the program offer to its participants?
HealthCare Lab is an equity-free advanced program with 4 months of dedicated services for the selected companies. The program offers an opportunity to gain validation from international industry experts, investors and entrepreneurs, as well as a tailored one-on-one mentoring and business coaching approach. The strong credentials of the program are reinforced by the expertise and network of the industry leaders from Roche who support the program. Program business coaches and mentors will work with each selected company to identify a business growth plan with specific KPIs to reach by the end of the batch. Participants will be supported in generating new leads and piloting with program partners. HealthCare Lab will also offer a chance to meet major investors from the region. A small a cash prize and service package will be awarded to the Demo day winner.
How is the program structured?
At the beginning of July 2020, each company will be assigned a business coach that will co-develop a business growth plan with them. Based on the plan, each company will receive a fixed number of one-on-one mentoring sessions. Additionally, 4 sprints/bootcamps that will last 2-3 days will feature workshops with industry experts and stakeholders from the healthcare industry. The program concludes with the final Demo Day in November 2020.
Which topics will be covered by expert mentors in the program?
Majority of the program will be structured based on the individual needs of the participating companies. Program mentors will cover more general topics like Marketing, Business strategy, Sales strategy or Intellectual property rights. On top of that, program bootcamps/sprints will feature industry experts with a background in more specialized expertise areas. The full structure and topics covered by the program will be released in the last week of May 2020.
What are the expectations from the companies participating in the program?
Each company must commit to the full participation in the selection bootcamp on 16th of June, program kick-off event on 17th of June and all following events held as part of the acceleration program. This includes full participation in the 4 program sprints/bootcamps, proactive participation in business coaching and mentoring sessions based on the defined business growth plan and participation in the final demo day. Insufficient participation in the program missed meetings with mentors and coaches can lead to the removal of the company from the program.
How does the program end?
The program concludes with a public demo day that will be held in November 2020. Demo day is a public event where all companies from the batch present the results and accomplishments, they achieved during the program. The event will welcome healthcare industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, investors, corporates and everyone else with passion for health. The company that makes the greatest progress during the program will be awarded a final prize by the jury.