Applications open for innovation prize

In partnership with WIRED Brand Lab and other collaborators such as Shift.ms and Techstars, Novartis has announced its launch of the ‘The Novartis Innovation Prize: Assistive Tech for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)’.

The aim of the Innovation Prize is to identify and embrace technology that helps to improve mobility and activities of daily living for people with MS.

Innovators form a wide variety of disciplines are invited to showcase their pioneering, accessible-tech ideas to help reimagine care for people living with MS, with the first place expected to win a prize worth $250,000USD.

“Every day, patients with MS face difficult and unique mobility challenges that can make regular activities such as walking, speaking, and living out comfortable lives extremely difficult,” said John Tsai, Head of Global Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis.

According to Mr Tsai, Novartis hopes to “reimagine care for people living with MS” through the Innovation Prize.

Richard Tew, General Manager of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia and New Zealand added: “We are excited to see how the Novartis Innovation Prize will spark new ideas and conversations across Australia to help address the challenges faced by the MS community and others living with mobility-limiting conditions.”

Applications for the Novartis Innovation Prize are now open worldwide and will be accepted until January 10, 2020.

The winners will be announced at the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas on March 13, 2020.