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Launch of the 2017 Neode prize
Neode, a reputed industry incubator in Western Switzerland, will award 50’000 CHF in prize money to the best technological innovation in medical technology, by giving the winner subsidies allowing for the industrialization of the winner’s product.
For the past ten years, Neode has been supporting start-ups with growth potential, most notably in the domain of life sciences, particularly focused on the advent of new technologies. These types of projects sometimes take time to develop, especially due to conformity guidelines, but then quickly benefit from a globally spanning network.
The aim of this prize is to reward the best patented idea in medical technology. The winner will receive a donation of 50,000 CHF, to pay for the elaboration of a business plan, the construction of a prototype as well as for the search for investors and funds leading to its commercialization and industrialization. This contest is open to any creator with a creative idea for a product and who wishes to start their company in the canton of Neuchatel.
An internationally renowned Jury
The contest’s jury is essentially made of up internationally renowned doctors and professors, but also by representatives from the worlds of economics, finance and industry. This diverse jury represents the plurality of fields in the Medtech domain, which works using industry and medical procedures, allowing for the creation of a functioning prototype and the validation of its success. This committee, being highly specialized in the domain of medical equipment, is crucial in determining the potential and usefulness of the products competing for the prize. The president of the jury, Prof. Afksendiyos Kalangos (President of the World Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons) brings experiences and credibility to the contest, especially since many of his ideas exist as currently commercially available products.
As an example: The success stories of the two previous winners of the contest
Coat-X, the winning start-up of the Neode 2015 contest, proposed a biocompatible and efficient sealing method for the encapsulation of medical equipment that is based on thin layers. This technology provides the most hermetic seal in the world, and allows for the miniaturization of existing implants, increasing their resistance to bodily fluids. This new patented production procedure was made possible thanks to the winnings from the Neode prize. The start-up is now based inside the industrial park and is continuing its expansion notably by having gained multiple large investors. The influx of investments will allow for the startup to flourish, expanding its production as well as research and development.
The recipient of the Neode prize in 2009, Swiss Advanced Vision (SAV-IOL SA) commercializes and develops a new generation of intraocular lenses for patients with cataracts, allowing for full visual recovery. This company is also expanding rapidly, with currently over 15 collaborators. Initially housed inside the industrial park, it left the incubation phase in 2011 to prepare for the commercialization of its product. The company’s product is now sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, and is also focusing on the research and development of new lenses, soliciting unique new developments in the domain of intraocular surgery.
A shining example for the canton of Neuchatel
A true spring of knowledge, Neode connects various partners and collaborators from a multitude of domains, such as doctors and engineers, who by default work together very little, thus allowing for the existence and elaboration of prosperous and perennial projects.
You are welcome to attend the 2017 edition of Neode, on the 7th of December in Microcity, Neuchatel where all the presentations shall be made and the winner of the 2017 prize shall be revealed.
