Grants4Apps looks for startups in digital health

The open innovation program named "Grants4Apps (G4A) Accelerator" is kicking off its second round: Startups from around the world whose software services, technologies, and apps have the potential of creating value for physicians and patients are invited to submit their project ideas until the end of this month.

In 2014, five startups from digital health were invited for the first time to spend 100 days in the "G4A Accelerator" on the Bayer HeathCare Campus in Berlin.

The program's success last year led the organizers to extend its scope: Instead of Europe only, startups from all over the world -- except the US -- can apply. And in addition to external innovators, all Bayer employees have the opportunity to join and participate with their own company.

"This is an exciting new approach to encourage innovation within Bayer, and to discover opportunities for external innovative collaborations. If you are interested in setting-up a Start-Up and would like to access funding from Bayer for your ideas and start-up, this could be your chance.Please find out more on www.grants4apps.com," said Celina Chew, President of Bayer Greater China Group.

"We look for health technology and IT solutions that can connect and empower patients and physicians -- mobile apps, services, wearables, medical devices, software, hardware ," said project leader Dr Jesus del Valle.

Any integrated next-generation technology that supports adherence, diagnosis, therapy control or prevention is welcome: "There are no boundaries to creativity."

The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2015. In June, an expert jury will select the five winners who will be invited to spend three and a half month in the Accelerator on the Bayer HealthCare Campus in Berlin from August to December 2015.