Innov8 Talks - Driving innovation in healthcare - Arab Health

Innov8 Startup Competition

The healthcare competition "Pioneering the Next Era". Visionary startups from around the world pitch innovative ideas to a panel of esteemed judges. 

27 - 30 Jan 2025

Dubai World Trade Centre

What is Innov8?

At Innov8 we're accelerating healthcare entrepreneurship. Exciting startups from around the globe will pitch innovative concepts to a panel of judges with a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise. We're giving you the stage to showcase your healthcare game-changer.

With a focus on forward-looking technologies, from AI to biotech, the competition highlights the trailblazers who will redefine the industry in the coming decades. The winner will not only gain recognition but also take home a grand prize of USD 10,000.

Enter Innov8
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How does Innov8 work?

Competition format

  • The top 24 startups from all entries will be shortlisted.
  • Startups will be divided into three groups of eight.
  • Groups will compete across three days.
  • Each startup has 4 minutes to pitch and 5 minutes of Q&A with the judges.
  • The top 2 finalists from each group will compete in the finale on Day 4.
  • The winner will be announced on Day 4. 

Innovation criteria

  • Artificial Intelligence 
  • Generative AI
  • Metaverse  
  • AR & VR
  • Screening & Diagnostics
  • Disease management
  • Drug discovery
  • Healthcare data management 
  • Good health and well-being

Terms and conditions

  • The competition is free to enter, however, you are responsible for your own flight and accommodation to attend the event.
  • You will be contacted directly if your application is accepted.
  • Please share as much information as possible about your company/product/idea in order to be considered.

Don't miss the deadline to apply!

27 December, 2024 

The prizes

The winner of Innov8 Talks 2025, will not only get the recognition and the once in a lifetime opportunity to present their innovation to the international healthcare community but will also receive:

1st prize

US $10,000

Complimentary smart-up pod at Arab Health 2026

2nd prize

Recognition award

3rd prize

Recognition award

Meet the 2025 Judging Panel

Barbara Baumgartner

Investment Committee, Mindshift Capital
 Dubai, UAE 

Basem Abu Dagga

Co-Founder, Reimagined Collective
Dubai, UAE 

Dr. David Rhew

Global Chief Medical Officer & VP of Healthcare,
Microsoft
New York, USA 

Dr. Harry C Sax

Professor and Executive Vice Chair of Surgery,
Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA

Dr. Sarper Tanli

Managing Director, MEA, Global Advisory, Mass General Brigham
Dubai, UAE 

Elsa Hyland 

Angel Investor (ex VC),
Start-up Advisor, Mentor,
Board Executive,
Stockholm, Sweden 

Hesham Husni Abuasi

Health Sector Innovation Incubator, Department of Health Abu Dhabi,
Abu Dhabi, UAE 

Dr Louiza Chitour

Co-Founder,
10FT Ventures,
Abu Dhabi, UAE

Maya Ghosn Bichara

Operating Partner,
Bridge Builders Collaborative, Riyadh, KSA  

Petter Edfeldt

Investor - HealthTech,
Life Science, Sustainability, Co-Founder, Red Pill Invest, Stockholm, Sweden

Pilar Fernandez Hermida 

Founder,
iExpand,
Abu Dhabi, UAE 

Prof Shafi Ahmed

Surgeon, Futurist,
Innovator, CEO,
Medical Realities,
London, UK 

Reenita Das

Partner, Senior Vice President Healthcare & Life Sciences, Frost & Sullivan  

Susan Amat 

CEO,
Venture Hive,
Miami, USA 

Dr. Tamara Sunbul

Medical Director of Clinical Informatics, John Hopkins Aramco Healthcare
Riyadh, KSA