If you are a health entrepreneur, expert or specialist, the HFC Health-tech program may help to start-ups and others to accelerate their use of technology in the health-care industry.
HFC’s Catalyst program has returned for a second year building on the success of the pilot program developed with Slingshot last year. iTWire has a report on its launch here and the results here.
HCF Catalyst is now accepting applications from health entrepreneurs, experts, and other specialists to participate in a 12-week structured program designed to develop compelling business models and secure the traction, viability, and investment needed to succeed.
Sheena Jack, Chief Strategy Officer at HCF, said, “Our vision is to improve health outcomes for all Australians. To do that, we have to adopt new technologies and business models that help us better meet our members' needs, now and in the future.”
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HCF Catalyst Startups in the first year have secured $2.25 million in funding, demonstrating the strength of the HCF Catalyst program as a launchpad for entrepreneurs.
Last year’s graduates Curo Technologies secured $1 million investment from HCF, with a deal signed in September 2016. The Melbourne-based company uses sensor technology to help elderly people to live independently for longer.
"HCF's commitment to Curo has been significant with regards to investment and time with their leadership team. It has helped to shape Curo today and is an example of how corporates should work with Startups. We could not be happier with the outcome," said Tim McDougall, CEO of Curo.
This year’s HCF Catalyst themes have been developed around specific areas the HCF would like to innovate, grow and offer to their members and all Australians. They include:
- Making Health Care More Affordable
- Making Health Care More Understandable
- Delivering High-Quality Health Care
- Making Health Care More Customer Centric
This year, the program has been updated to offer Startups more flexible investment terms.
“We recognise that Startups enter a corporate accelerator program with a variety of needs. Some want seed capital, while others want access to high-quality mentors and some are attracted to content we provide. This time around, Slingshot will negotiate with Startups by their personal needs. It is not just a standard dollar figure for equity anymore. Feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive and validated the need for a flexible structure for founders,” added Lawson.
Key Details
Startups, Scaleups, and entrepreneurs can apply for HCF Catalyst via the website.
Applications for HCF Catalyst are open from 24 October 2016 to 25 November 2016.
Finalists will pitch their ideas to a leading panel of judges during the HCF Catalyst Pitch Days on 6-7 December 2016 at the Atlassian headquarters in Sydney. The cohort will be announced in early 2017.