The winners of the 2017 Pistoia Alliance President’s Startup Challenge have been announced as Medley Genomics (grand prize winner) and Transformative AI (audience vote winner).
Winners
Both start-ups were chosen from five finalists, which were shortlisted out of 20 challenge entries from the US, Europe and India. As winners, they will both receive an award of $20,000 and six months one-to-one mentorship from a Pistoia Alliance member; in addition to one year’s access to Elsevier's R&D Solutions portfolio, and to Clarivate Analytics’ life-science assets. All five finalists receive a $5,000 award and one year's free membership to The Pistoia Alliance.
“I congratulate Medley Genomics and Transformative AI on their wins — two dynamic start-ups in the field of data analytics, deep learning and AI. Both teams pitched innovative solutions that will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes, through the pioneering application of advanced technology,” commented Dr Steve Arlington, president of the Pistoia Alliance. “All five finalists of this year’s President’s Challenge are examples of the exciting, inventive mind-set that is a vital feature of the life sciences sector. As pharmaceutical and healthcare companies struggle to make use of the deluge of data flooding the industry, startups such as these will be critical in helping to unlock the value of data that leads to breakthrough discoveries and precision therapies for patients.”
Medley Genomics is a US start up that is dedicated to addressing the challenges of genomic heterogeneity in the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases, particularly focusing on cancer.
Transformative AI is a start-up based in the UK that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and analysis techniques (the same as those used at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research — CERN) in the treatment of serious medical conditions.
The President’s Startup Challenge is an annual award that rewards the innovators transforming life sciences and healthcare.