The $200K Challenge 2024, held at the iHub in Lowell, has left an lasting impression on the landscape of entrepreneurial innovation. For the first time in its history, the $200K Challenge was SOLD OUT, highlighting the fervor and enthusiasm surrounding groundbreaking ideas in healthcare and life sciences. 15 finalists, numerous experts and investors, and countless industry members joined us to support the continued advancement of medical technology.

Listening to familar speakers, a timely keynote address and…jazz?

This year featured a few familiar faces. Scott Latham acted as event MC, introducing the finalists, and reminding many of us how far the $200K Challenge has come. Dr. Latham mentioned how “15 years ago, the Challenge sponsor was Tony’s Auto Repair” which pales in comparison to the impressive 2024 Challenge sponsors, including BARDA, MLSC, Hologic and many more.

Ibraheem Badejo returned to the challenge as our esteemed keynote speaker, discussing a well-timed topic “Be Prepared to Introduce Your Innovation to J&J Medtech” with moderator Jeff Champagne. He shared valuable insights for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs and long-time innovators alike; highlighting the importance of joining a community that builds, grows and continually expands its impact.

The newest addition to the 2024 $200K Challenge? We featured music by Blue Taxi, which filled the event space with smooth, welcoming jazz.

Meeting the visionaries: winners of the $200K Challenge.

First Place: Relavo Medical took the coveted first place with their revolutionary disinfecting connection device aimed at reducing infection risks associated with dialysis. Their innovation promises a significant impact on patient safety and healthcare efficiency.

Second Place: EndoShunt Medical secured the second spot with their innovative hemorrhage control device, offering a minimally invasive solution for creating size-adjustable channels within critical vessels like the IVC or aorta.

Third Place: Neuraura clinched the third position with their low-frequency electrostimulation device designed to alleviate symptoms associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), offering hope to countless individuals battling this condition.

Special recognition and cash awards from select sponsors.

• M2D2 $25K Cash Award – Nucyrna Therapeutics received accolades for their oligonucleotide platform, paving the way for advanced RNA-targeting therapeutics targeting CNS disorders.
• Massachusetts Life Sciences Center $50K Award – Lilypad Health was recognized for their menstrual pad add-on that screens for high-risk HPV, HIV, and other STDs, exemplifying innovation in preventive healthcare.

Supporting tomorrow’s innovators.

In addition to the top winners, several finalists received substantial support and recognition from esteemed event sponsors. These include AIRS Medical, Armor Medical Inc, Calliope Biophysics, Cellens Inc, EndoShunt Medical, GenAssist, and others, all contributing to fostering the growth and development of these pioneering startups.

Congratulations to the visionaries, and thank you to all who joined us!

The 2024 $200K Challenge truly celebrated the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare and life sciences. Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and participants who showcased their dedication and creativity. Your contributions are instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare, and we eagerly anticipate the transformative impact of your ideas on patient care and well-being.

Let’s continue to support and champion these trailblazers as they embark on their journey to redefine possibilities and make a lasting difference in the world of medical technology.

UP NEXT: The 5th CAPCaT Point of Care Showcase on June 11th!

The UMass Center for Advancing Point of Care Technologies (CAPCaT) in Heart, Lung, Blood, and Sleep Disorders is presenting this high-energy, high-value event for the entire digital health innovation ecosystem. It’s a very unique and valuable networking opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors interested in new digital health technologies. Tickets are free!

Thank you to the 2024 $200K Sponsors!

On November 9^th, leaders from BARDA, J.P. Morgan, Mintz, MLSC and 5 stellar health security innovators joined us in at Mintz HQ for the 8^th annual Barracuda Bowl. After reaching record-breaking registration numbers, attendees headed to Boston to highlight new solutions in health security and connect entrepreneurs with members of the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem.

On November 1^st, we held the Cycle 6 IMPACT Pitch-Off, the final IMPACT pitch event of 2023. This event featured 10 digital health startups, leaders from Point32Health, Boston Scientific, UMass Chan Medical School and DeviceTalks, making for an inspirational and exciting evening.

On Thursday, June 15, we partnered with Boston Scientific to run the Connected Patient Challenge (CPC) VII Challenge and Pitch Event. As our first year helping promote and host this event, we were thrilled by the interest our life sciences community had for this Challenge. We met numerous life sciences experts, passionate entrepreneurs, and medical device innovators while at Mintz for the CPC VII Pitch Event.

This year marks the first in-person Point of Care Showcase & Pitch Event since its debut in 2019. We’re thrilled to have a panel of speakers that includes life sciences thought leaders and experienced point of care entrepreneurs.

On April 4th, we held the 5th IMPACT Showcase Day and Accelerator Pitch-Off for the Cycle 5 Cohort. The startups in Cycle 5 spent the day connecting with leading experts and investors in orthopedic innovation. Following the IMPACT Showcase, they shared their technology and unique stories with a packed room of attendees. Eight fantastic companies joined us as Cycle 5 prize sponsors, awarding prizes to each startup.

The 2023 $200K Challenge season brought with it record breaking application numbers and over 200 people headed to the UMass Lowell iHub to learn about the latest in healthcare innovation. This year’s Pitch-Off was an absolute success, and a joy to experience with all of you. Life sciences industry leaders, entrepreneurs from around the world, and medical device innovators joined us in Lowell to learn more about this year’s 15 Finalists.

This past Wednesday, November 30^th, we held our fourth and final IMPACT Pitch-Off for 2022. We were joined by leaders in medical device development from big corporations, including our Cycle 4 Sponsor, Johnson & Johnson Innovation. Over the last 10 weeks they have been working with the 12 startups in Cohort 4 to prepare them for this exciting, competitive event. 

Today we announced the 12 startups selected to participate in Cycle 4 of the IMPACT Accelerator Program. This will be the final IMPACT Cycle of 2022, sponsored by our partner Johnson & Johnson Innovation. Cycle 4 will end with an exciting in-person pitch event on November 30th.

Last Wednesday, we held our very first in-person IMPACT Showcase Day and Accelerator Pitch-Off for the Cycle 3 Cohort. After the IMPACT Showcase, where the startups had sat with strategists and leading experts in women’s health, medtech, and local hospitals, they pitched their technology to a packed room of attendees. The startups in Cohort 3 met with interested investors and innovators, and received awards from SIX prize sponsors, including a whopping $25K in in-kind resources from the Cycle 3 Sponsor Hologic.