Pharma giant Novartis is looking for creative, digital solutions that sustainably improve German healthcare.

The company has annouced the fifth installment of the Digital Health Award, with prize money of €60,000 in total available for winners.

The awards presentation takes place in Berlin on 24 March 2022, while the call is open for applications until 30 November 2021.

WHAT’S THE IMPACT

With the Digital Health Award, the global healthcare company, originally based in Switzerland, honours innovative, digital health solutions and projects on specific trend topics.

Innovators, founders, startups, university hospitals, researchers and research institutions of the German healthcare sector are invited to participate.

Furthermore, a special prize for participation is awarded for innovative technological solutions for the disabled.

THE LARGER TREND

Among the sought-after trending topics this year are 'digital care applications', so-called DiPA. After the successful launch of digital health applications (DiGA) - German doctors have been enabled to prescribe apps and online interventions to patients as of October 2020 - the country wants to take this to the next level, and relieve the burden on home care as well as outpatient and inpatient care settings.

The other two focus topics are 'networking' - with the aim of optimising patient care through more efficient clinical processes, communication and cooperation - and 'digital medical technology' such as new screening solutions, mobile medical technology, AI-based therapies, robotic movement therapy or psychiatric interventions.

According to the latest findings of German agency gematik, the digital health infrastructure of the country is making progress, moving from the electronic patient record to e-prescriptions.

ON THE RECORD

Dr Thomas Lang, Managing Director at Novartis Pharma Deutschland, declared: "We are very pleased that with the DGP (Digital Health Award), year after year, we support projects that can create real added value for patients."

"In its fifth year, the DGP is more than 'an award ceremony.' It is also a sustainable platform for exchange between different stakeholders in the healthcare sector. We support our strong alumni network with webinars and workshops where experts give concrete practical tips for the development of digital products."

Further information on how to apply can be found in Novartis’ Virtual Story Room and here.