The second edition of ZS Prize Healthcare Challenge that aims to incentivize and promote the accessibility of the best healthcare technology in India, has now reached its final stage. From the 22,000 idea submissions, 20 healthcare innovation teams were initially selected, and from them, 8 finalists have now been chosen. These 8 teams represent a diverse group of innovators showcasing healthcare services, including technologically advanced medical devices, digital solutions, and welfare-driven ideas.

The winners of the ZS Healthcare Challenge will be announced in April 2023. The final round features eight teams, including Autoyos, led by Bharatkumar Hegde, which has developed an Intelligent Dry Eye Analyzer; Ayati Devices, led by Nishant Kathpal, which has created a non-invasive imaging device for diabetes foot detection; Briota, led by Gajanan Sakhare, which has developed a holistic digital respiratory therapeutics solution for asthma; and Cognizable, led by Manju Saini, which has introduced technology for remote assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The other four teams include Cureous Labs Private Limited, led by Ashish Mohandas, which has developed devices to prevent pressure injuries in caretakers of bedridden patients caused by repetitive repositioning; NeoDocs, led by Sakshi Shah, which has created a device that enables instant lab tests on a smartphone; Primary Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., which has developed Mobilab, a device that uses cutting-edge technological innovations for the early diagnosis of diseases in the poorest and remotest populations; and Urvogelbio Pvt. Limited, led by Sasidhar Manda, which has created a device that diagnoses brain pathologies from the peripheral space using neuronal exosomes.

The selected teams will proceed to the final round, where they will participate in extensive and detailed discussions about their ideas with the esteemed jury members. The jury includes renowned individuals from diverse fields, such as Ravi Venkatesan, a business leader and social entrepreneur who will chair the jury, and GV Prasad, Co-Chairman and Managing Director of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. Other members include Aarti Shah, Board Member of NVIDIA and Northwestern Mutual, Prof. K. Srinath Reddy, President of Public Health Foundation of India, Vinita Bali, former MD & CEO of Britannia, Vijay Chandru, Co-Founder of Strand Life Sciences, Dr. Ferzaan, Chairman of Cytecare Hospitals, and Dr. Sandeep Singhal, an entrepreneur and pioneer in the Indian venture capital industry.

The ZS Prize Healthcare Challenge has a two-fold aim: to bring cutting-edge healthcare services at the national level and to provide a platform for young entrepreneurs, startups, and nonprofits to reach out to the global healthcare arena. The 6-month program selects the top 20 revolutionary technological ideas that have the potential to transform healthcare and benefit the masses. These top 20 teams are then mentored by experts and given an opportunity to present their innovations to the jury to win funding and support.