Johnson & Johnson Innovation (J&J Innovation) and Janssen Research and Development have announced the launch of the World Without Disease QuickFire challenge for disease solutions from across the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer sectors
The competition is the largest QuickFire challenge to date, representing an ongoing commitment to support life science innovators and the development of integrated, cross-sector solutions to prevent, intercept and cure diseases, according to J&J Innovation.
The competition seeks to find entrepreneurs, researchers or start-up companies who are advancing potentially game-changing, early stage innovations that have the potential to cross traditional boundaries of the pharmaceutical, device or consumer health sectors J&J Innovation said.
The recipient will receive a research grant totalling up to £343,000 ($500k) and entrance to a J&J Innovation, JLABS community.
"We are passionate about finding and deploying comprehensive, integrated healthcare solutions that take into account the world in which we live today, which is why this challenge is focused on innovations that address disease along the entire spectrum of health—including prevention and interception," said Paul Stoffels, chief scientific officer and worldwide chairman, pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson.
One or more grants totalling up to £343,000 will be awarded to the person(s) or team(s) submitting the best solution that addresses a critical global health need. Solutions will be evaluated based on their ability to meet the following criteria:
- Address a particular cohort with a critical unmet medical need in J&J’s strategic areas of interest, such as lung cancer and metabolic diseases.
- Integrates a novel approach that combines therapeutic, devices and/or consumer health solutions.
- Address part or all of the spectrum of prevention, interception and cure.
- Outline how the award would help them reach a critical milestone within the timeframe of a single year and provide a full "time-to-market" plan for their solution.
If more than one technology is selected, the award will be shared among recipients but all finalists are eligible for residency at JLABS.
William Hait, global head of Janssen Research & Development, said: "Our aim is to stop disease in its tracks by identifying ways to not only treat, but prevent or intercept disease.
“We are inspired by the opportunity to work with innovators around the globe on this mission and to fully leverage our expertise to bring transformational treatments to patients."
To apply to the challenge and review the applicable terms and conditions, click here. The deadline for applications is August 31, 2016.