DCB Open Innovation Challenge 2024
The Challenge
Can your idea change diabetes management forever?
In the last years, diabetes technology has made enormous progress in improving the lives of people with diabetes. However, there is still a great unmet need for innovative technology solutions that help ease the burden of diabetes and improve the lives of people who have it.
Therefore we invite start-ups and innovators to share their ideas and projects on diabetes management. We will provide our expertise, network of experts and access to funding to help develop and accelerate selected projects.
In 2024, two US-based innovators and four innovators from the rest of the world will be selected to pitch their final ideas at the grand DCB Start-Up Night in Berne, Switzerland, on 3 October 2024. Additionally, all finalists have the opportunity to present their ideas at the Diabetes Technology Meeting in the US on 15–17 October 2024.
Applications to the 2024 challenge are closed now. Sign up to our Innovation Platform to view all submitted ideas and contribute to community discussions.
The DCB Start-Up Night
Be part of the long-awaited finale of the 2024 DCB Open Innovation Challenge!
Join us at this year’s DCB Start-Up Night on 3 October, 2024, for an evening of innovation and celebration as we announce the winners of the largest Innovation Challenge in diabetes.
Hosted by Greta Ehlers and Ema Grabenweger, the event features a keynote by Fariba Buchheim, who just recently released her short film “Dear Pancreas” about her own experience of living with type 1 diabetes. In her keynote “Making the Invisible Visible: Raising Awareness About Living with Type 1 Diabetes through Film”, she will share insights in the making of. As the highlight of the night, you will witness the final six pitches, the commencing selection of this year’s winner and award ceremony. To end the night on a high note, you can network with like-minded entrepeneurs, experts and people living with diabetes over food, drinks and live DJ music.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge diabetes innovations and celebrate the visionaries driving change. Secure your spot for the Swiss Diabetes Tech Symposium and the DCB Start-Up Night now:
More than 200 projects & start-ups…
…have applied to our Innovation Challenge the past three years. We launched the Challenge in 2021, with the aim of finding innovative solutions in diabetes technology on a global level. Since then, more than 600 members from more than 40 countries have joined our Innovation Platform – and they all share one common goal: to make life with diabetes easier.
Find out more below!
What’s in it for you?
Do you have an innovative idea to facilitate change diabetes management forever? Want to see how your idea becomes reality? Do you have valuable insights to help co-create the diabetes technology of tomorrow? Do you have feedback to share with others in the community?
- A chance to win 100,000 USD in funding and in kind support towards developing your innovation
- A safe harbour where you can share with confidence, knowing that your idea remains entirely YOURS
- Kick-start your business with first class mentoring and access to our customised services
- Plug into a network of industry experts, mentors and connect with other diabetes innovators
- Get access to exclusive events, like our famous DCB Dinner attended by experts, investors and corporate partners
Where do you fit in?
Whether you are a start-up, a healthcare professional, a researcher or an individual with an idea or insight into how to improve life with diabetes, we want to hear from you! Join a team of innovators and be part of an innovative community at the forefront of diabetes technology. You can be an active part of the diabetes technology innovation movement and make a big impact with us!
FAQ
Who can participate in the Open Innovation Challenge?
Whether you are a start-up, a health care professional, a researcher, or an individual with an idea or insight into how to improve life with diabetes, we want to hear from you!
How do I submit my solution?
The Innovation Challenge 2023 is over and we are currently not accepting any applications. Stay tuned for the next edition in 2024!
Who will own the idea?
You will, of course, retain all rights to your solution. DCB doesn’t take over intellectual property rights.
Can other participants see my idea?
All participants on the platform can see each other’s submissions. Therefore, please ensure that you do not submit any confidential materials or information
Can I participate even if I don’t have an idea?
Yes, the Challenge is open to anyone who wants to work on innovation in diabetes technology. Even if you don’t have an idea, you can participate by joining a team or just sharing your feedback and expertise.
Can I submit more than one idea?
Yes, you can! Please submit as many great ideas as you have! Simply fill out individual idea forms for each solution you submit.
What are the review and selection criteria?
Need: Does the idea address an important problem or need among people living with diabetes?
Problem-solution fit: Does the idea propose a good solution for addressing the need?
Innovation: Does the idea propose promising new ways to address the need identified?
Feasibility: What is the likelihood that the idea can be brought to fruition?
Impact: Does the idea have the potential to change the lives of people living with diabetes in a meaningful way?
How can I contact the project team?
We’d love to hear from you! Please contact us at innovation@dcberne.com
Our finalists
Ask us anything
Do you have questions? Are you unsure if your idea fits in? Don’t hesitate! Reach out to the DCB Innovation team via innovation@dcberne.com or take the chance and book a 15’ virtual coffee slot. We are always happy to help.
DCB Start-Up Night 2023
DCB Research AG
Freiburgstrasse 3
3010 Bern
Switzerland