Open Innovation Challenge: $100 million to Fight Breast Cancer
GE is searching for new ideas that will improve breast cancer diagnostics. The challenge has been launched in collaboration with venture capital firms Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Venrock, Mohr Davidow and MPM Capital. The purpose is to generate new solutions faster through collaboration, and make screening and breast cancer information more accessible worldwide. By 2020 the goal is to improve the lives of 10 million patients across the globe.
GE has set up www.healthymagination.me for the community as an invitation to crowsourced innovation. The challenge is open to Saudi researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Winning entries will have the opportunity to work with healthcare leaders, and receive ongoing support from GE through job placements and training in relevant fields within Saudi Arabia.
Women are putting themselves at risk because they are not going for screenings on a regular basis. We need to break the stigma and provide the resources to make cancer prevention a common practice.
Majid Kaddoumi, General Manager of GE Healthcare in Saudi Arabia
The World Health Organization lists breast cancer as the most common form of cancer in women worldwide representing 16% of all female cancers. In Saudi Arabia it is the most common cancer in women. In order to access more rural areas GE is in the process of developing mobile screening units in Riyadh City. They hope to reach 10,000 women within the first twelve months.