At the American Diabetes Association (ADA), we are dedicated to advancing care that will improve the lives of everyone affected by diabetes—until the day we find a cure. To that end, we’re on the lookout for game-changing ideas from developing companies that will transform care. If you think your startup’s business proposal fits this bill, join us for the Innovation Challenge happening onstage at the ADA’s Scientific Sessions—the world’s largest diabetes conference—to pitch your ideas, vie for funding, and gain exposure in front of the thought-leaders and experts of diabetes care.
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Innovation Challenge
2024 Innovation Challenge
The application period has ended. Stay tuned for the announcement of the three Innovation Challenge winners!
Overview
Every year at the ADA’s Scientific Sessions, the Innovation Challenge invites emerging companies in the field of diabetes research and care to pitch novel ideas tackling the everyday problems faced by people with diabetes, their families, and caregivers. Startups compete for the chance to receive financial backing for their business and showcase their work to a panel of expert judges and an audience of professionals in the field—including primary care doctors, researchers, nurses, pharmacists, diabetes educators, endocrinologists, pharmaceutical industry leaders, and more.
This year, the 84th Scientific Sessions is taking place in Orlando, FL from June 21–24 at the Orange County Convention Center. Learn more about the 84th Scientific Sessions.
What to Know
The top five applicants will be selected to participate in the challenge and the top 10 runners-up will have the opportunity to display their business pitches in the room pre- and post-event. Those participating in the challenge will have five minutes to present their ideas to the panel of judges and audience members and five minutes to answer questions.
Three winners—selected based on the popular vote from both the judges and audience—will have the opportunity to speak privately with funders (the judges) for the chance to make their idea a reality.
This is a great chance to:
- Be a critical part of the 84th Scientific Sessions, the foremost global diabetes conference with an anticipated 11,000+ attendees.
- Forge connections with leading innovation backers, heightening your chances of success in the market.
- Refine your business concept by tapping into feedback from diabetes practitioners, researchers, and industry leaders.
Be Inspired!
Meet the 2023 Innovation Challenge winners as they share insights from their journey and why you should apply.
Ole Nielsen—Go-Pen
Michael Harris—Novel Interventions in Children's Healthcare (NICH)
Kathy Digovich—Minutia