About the Impact Pediatric Startup Pitch Competition
They communicate differently, if at all. They respond differently to medications. They have different health issues, whether it’s a common disease or a rare one or an acute condition or a chronic one. Additionally, kids face different challenges in our healthcare system. We need targeted and innovative solutions that address the unique challenges of pediatrics.
If you’re tackling pediatric problems through a digital health or medtech solution, you’ll have the opportunity to pitch to leading hospitals that might be in need of your technology, investors with a unique interest in pediatrics, and healthcare stakeholders at the forefront of pediatric and health innovation.
To learn more about the specific types of challenges that are facing pediatrics today, click on the “Innovation Pain Points” tab.
About the Pediatric Pitch Competition at SXSW
We are looking for the most innovative digital health and medtech device startups that are solving big problems to make and keep kids healthy. Selected finalists should have a touch point in the pediatric market.
The Impact Pediatric Health Startup Pitch Competition is an opportunity for up-and-coming digital health and medical device startups to pitch their innovation to a panel of medical executives and investors during SXSW to be held in Austin, TX in March. Supported by the eight top-ranked children’s hospitals in the United States, this one-of-a kind competition is a chance for startup CEOs to present how their company is solving the unique healthcare needs of babies, kids, and teens. Each selected finalist will be given approximately three minutes to pitch their startup to audience, followed by several minutes of questions from the emcee and judges panel. At the end of the event, the top companies will be announced and a cash prize will be awarded.
All companies selected to pitch will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the presenting pediatric hospitals.
October 2018 Applications are open
December 23 2018 Application process closes at 9 PM Central. No late applications will be accepted.
Mid January 2019: Finalists announced
March 7 2019: A dress rehearsal and supporting activities may be scheduled in Austin, TX.
March 8 2019: Impact Pediatric Pitch Competition at SXSW in Austin, TX. Check-in time for selected finalists TBD. Finalists expected to be present throughout the competition.
Event Venue
The Impact Pediatric Pitch Competition will be taking place in Austin, TX as part of SXSW Interactive.
The pitch competition is scheduled to be at:
Hilton Austin
500 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Failure to meet finalist responsibilities and deadlines may result in a finalist from being removed from the competition. Additional details will be shared with invited participants for review prior to confirming competition acceptance.
Finalist Benefits
Finalists will receive:
- Pre-event coaching
- SXSW Gold Badge and day pass for two representatives from your company
- Opportunity to present your pitch in front of hospitals, investors and other industry leaders
Winner Benefits NEW for 2019
In partnership with the Southwest National Pediatric Device Consortium (SWPDC.org), annual pediatric medical device awards have been added to the Impact Pediatric Health Pitch competition. Up to $100,000 in awards are available to support the advancement and commercialization of novel pediatric medical devices. Eligible devices must be FDA-regulated medical devices with a pediatric indication (0 – 21 years of age).
Questions can be directed to Chester Koh, MD or Kara Toman, MPH, at SouthwestPDC@BCM.edu
Two Representatives in Attendance at the Event.
We will provide day passes for 2 of your company representatives to attend. For the actual pitch, one person will be on stage addressing the audience. We strongly recommend that you bring a second representative for the event and related activities. Both individuals must have an official SXSW badge that bears her / his name. Impact Pediatric Health can offer presenting companies a steeply discounted rate for purchase of a full SXSW Interactive festival badge. Should presenting companies select the discounted additional badge, the one day pass will not be offered to the presenting company.
Tip: If you are unable to afford covering the costs of sending two individuals to represent your company at the event, check your network to see if a friend is also attending and willing to be your “slide jockey.”
SXSW Tickets.
In order to enter the event, all finalists and audience members will be required to show an official Interactive, Gold, or Platinum SXSW badge with her / his name on it. It will not be possible to sneak someone into the competition.
Travel Related Expenses.
Airfare, hotel, and all other costs associated with participating in the event are at the presenters and their representatives own expense.
Dress Rehearsal.
A dress rehearsal is tentatively planned prior to the event. Additional details to be provided closer to the event.
Pre-event Coaching.
All finalists are to have at least one coaching session with an assigned coach by late February. These coaches are seasoned professionals who have worked with companies presenting at SXSW Interactive or at the AARP Health Innovation LivePitch events. Exact dates for coaching sessions to be provided to finalists.
Presentation Format.
Presenters will be provided with a recommended format for their pitch. All slide decks are to be done in 16:9 format using Google Slides, with a link submitted to their assigned coach and an Impact Pediatric Health representative by late February. No other presentation software — including Powerpoint — will be allowed at the competition. Exact dates for slide deck submission to be provided to finalists.
Submission of Marketing Materials.
Finalists will be asked to provide information about their company and key contacts for use on the Impact Pediatric Health website and supporting marketing materials.
Participation in Multiple SXSW Events.
If a finalist is selected to be part of the official SXSW Accelerator or other SXSW events, the company will need to contact the appropriate organizers to ensure no conflicts. Select events place restrictions on participation in multiple events.
Who is making this event possible?
Boston Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Texas Children’s Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and Stanford Children’s Health – are the forces behind Impact Pediatric Health Startup Pitch Competition. Not only are they the largest children’s hospitals in the US, they are also the best according to US News and World Report.
Who is this event for?
The pitch competition is for entrepreneurs executing disruptive health innovations for kids. Applying companies need to have a touch point in the pediatric market.
What kinds of startups are eligible?
Startups — both digital health and medical device — focused on the pediatric market are encouraged to apply. Young medical device companies, which may not be considered “startup” are also eligible.
My startup is located outside of the US. Can I still apply?
Yes.
We have not yet launched our health innovation. Are we still eligible?
Yes. There are questions on the application to indicate when you company was founded and when you did — or plan to — launch your product / service. There is also a question related to the state of your product’s development.
Is there an application fee?
No – There is no fee to apply.
Can I apply more than once?
No – Only one application per company per year is allowed.
Will my travel to / from SXSW be covered?
At this time, we are not able to cover travel or other expenses related to participating in the event.
Are two representatives really required to be in attendance at the pitch competition?
Yes – One person will be presenting your company while the other will be advancing the slide deck. No wireless clicker will be provided.
Will I have to buy tickets for SXSW?
Two individuals are to represent each company at the pitch competition. Impact Pediatric Health will provide a complimentary SXSW Interactive badge good for the entire festival and one day pass for use the day of the pitch event.
What if our presenter and / or company representatives already have badges?
Upon acceptance, contact Impact Pediatric Health.
If selected as a finalist for the SXSW Accelerator and Impact Pediatric Health, can we participate in both?
Some events ask that their participating companies do not participate in additional pitch events. If selected to participate in multiple events, be sure to contact each event’s organizers and seek clarification on what you are allowed to do.
We applied to the SXSW Accelerator. Can we also apply to Impact Pediatric Health?
Yes.
What if I have questions?
Simply use the Contact Us form on this website to contact us.