Geared at finding new approaches to prevent cervical cancer, Genentech has just launched a new program in which startups compete to win $50,000. The competition is called the Quest Award.
Genentech points out that cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women worldwide, effecting some 500,000 women and causing 275,000 deaths – including 4,000 in the U.S. The American Cancer Society says about 95 percent of cervical cancers could be prevented or cured if caught early via regular Pap smears and HPV screening.
Finalists will be flown to San Francisco to present in front of a panel of judges. First place in the competition will win $50,000 – and, notably, a year of mentorship from Genentech. The competition’s deadline is February 11.
The categories aren’t simply based on therapeutics: Startups can pitch ideas centered around cervical cancer awareness, education, stigma reduction, screening technology – or any other creative solution a company may present.
Notably, Genentech cancer drug Avastin received approval two years ago for its use in treating advanced cervical cancer. TechCrunch writes:
This isn’t the only way that Genentech is engaging with the startup community. While details are under wraps the company does have over 10 pilots with digital health startups working on sensing technologies, patient engagement, mobile technologies, and the omnipresent buzzword of the 20-teens, data intelligence.
Photo: Flickr user Ed Uthman
