Submissions will be accepted from Jan. 4th 2016 (12:00 PST ) to Feb 28th 2016 (11:59 PST)
Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women worldwide, affecting over 500,000 women and resulting in approximately 275,000 deaths every year.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 95 percent of cervical cancers could be prevented or effectively cured if caught early through regular, standard Pap tests and human papillomavirus (HPV) screening.
In the United States most women have access to cervical cancer screening, yet ~4,000 women die every year from cervical cancer in the US and it is estimated that 5-10% of US women do not receive regular pap screenings.
Genentech has started The Quest Award to solicite bold new solutions from startup and healthcare communities in an effort to identify viable and impactful digital solutions options in the fight against cervical cancer.
WOMEN DIE EVERY YEAR FROM CERVICAL CANCER IN THE US
1st Place
$50,000
AND continued mentorship by Genentech for one year post-award with quarterly check-ins
AN INVITE TO SAN FRANCISCO TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET AND PRESENT THEIR SUBMISSIONS LIVE TO A PANEL OF INDUSTRY THOUGHT LEADERS AND GENENTECH TEAMS
A FEATURED POST ON THIS WEBSITE DESCRIBING THEIR SUBMISSION, PROGRAM OR COMPANY AS WELL AS A LINK TO THEIR WEBSITE IF APPLICABLE
Cervical Cancer Statistics for Non-screeners:
Based on a patient survey with women of the age 21-65 who were not screened in the past 5 years, 56% of non-screeners had health insurance and a primary care physician. The “Under-engaged population” are unscreened largely due to lack of awareness reasons. See more information in the 2015 Cervical Cancer Patient Survey.
Other useful links:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society
Cervical Cancer Background Information
of cervical cancers could be prevented
How can we make women aware of the need to screen?
How can we educate women about this disease and available resources?
How can we make the screening process easier and more comfortable?
How can we reduce stigma and cultural barriers?
What other aspects of cervical cancer does your solution address? Tell us here!
The Startup Challenge opens. You can now submit your solutions.
Deadline for entries. This is the start of the judging review period.
Five finalists will be selected and notified. If you are not one of the finalists you will be notified as well.
Our judging panel will award the $50k prize at a dinner event in San Francisco.
Anne DeGheest
Founder, HealthTech Capital and MedStars
Pascal Finette
Managing Director, Singularity University