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HCF and Slingshot announce most diverse HCF Catalyst cohort yet

Health and medical professionals join technology entrepreneurs to design the future of health care.

Sydney, 10 February 2017 –  Improving women’s health education, changing the way we treat concussions, and enhancing operating theatre set up are just a few of the issues to be addressed by the Startups and Scaleups accepted into the second cohort of HCF Catalyst, the country’s first corporate-supported health-tech accelerator.

HCF, Australia's leading not-for-profit health fund and corporate Startup accelerator Slingshot have selected seven Startups and five Scaleups from more than 200 applicants and 45 Pitch Day finalists.

Accepted Startups and Scaleups include:

Startups

  • BioConnected - Bio-sensing wireless earphones and health and fitness mobile software
  • eText – A collaborative platform for doctors to manage patient data and workflow
  • Headsafe – A diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring system for concussion injuries
  • Mova – Smartphone sensor technology to improve the physiotherapy experience for patients
  • The Pelvic Expert – Revolutionizing women’s health for pelvic pain, preconception, and pregnancy
  • Perx Health – A rewards platform which motivates people to engage with their health daily
  • Scrub IT – A software application for hospital operating suites that assists with and manages the theatre setup process

Scaleups

  • ABC Dental – Provides a range of dental services with a focus on technology and innovation in Tier 1 shopping centre locations.
  • Episoft – A chronic disease management system and online portal to process demographic and health history data in advance of admission to hospital
  • Medipass - Automates health services quotation, health fund claiming and gap payment processing by connecting individuals to medical practitioners and practitioners to health funds
  • TechFit Group – White-labelled technology to offer meal and exercise planning and support across various demographics
  • The Birthing Institute - Scientifically verified antenatal education program, She Births

The 12-week structured program is designed to help the founders develop compelling business models and secure the traction, viability and investment needed to succeed.

Sheena Jack, Chief Strategy Officer at HCF said, “We are thrilled to be building upon the solid foundation laid by last year’s inaugural cohort.”

“HCF Catalyst is all about finding and nurturing the most innovative ideas in health-tech, with the aim of making health care more affordable, understandable and effective for all Australians. The diversity of this year’s cohort will enable participants to learn from each other and use their industry and entrepreneurial expertise to drive the next wave of health innovation.”

Slingshot CEO Karen Lawson says the strength and diversity of this year’s cohort will be instrumental in developing a more successful program overall.

“Diverse perspectives and experiences are imperative if we want to transform healthcare. In an environment when many Startups fail, tapping into diversity, not just gender but background thinking will deliver more well-rounded businesses and make the Australian Startup ecosystem stronger. The cohort will have access to HCF and Slingshot mentors and partners to take the collaboration even further.” added Lawson.

The Startups involved in the first HCF Catalyst program secured $2.25 million in funding, including Curo Technologies which received $1 million investment from HCF.

The program has been updated to offer Startups more flexible investment terms. Startups can receive up to $50,000 from the Slingshot Investment Fund for equity in the business as well as training and resources, support team of mentors and access to co-working space.

View a video summary of last year’s HCF Catalyst program here:
http://hcfcatalyst.slingshotters.com/success-stories/

-ENDS-

Issued on behalf of HCF by WE Buchan. Media enquiries to:

Media inquiries to:

About HCF

HCF, leading not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers over 1.5 million members with health and life insurance, community care, travel and pet insurance. On average over the last five years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. With over 35,000 specialists participating in its Medical Gap Cover Scheme and approximately 10,000 providers participating in its 100% back More for You programs, HCF gives members access to quality health care with no gaps or minimal costs compared to non-participating providers. To empower members to put their health first, HCF also offers a range of health and lifestyle services including its My Health Guardian health management program, mobile Victor Chang Health Checks and My Global Specialist second opinion service. HCF’s national network of retail outlets and Australian-based call centres have earned multi-award winning status. HCF members also have access to low cost, high quality services at HCF Dental Centres and HCF Eyecare Centres. Having contributed $50 million to support the health services research funded by the HCF Research Foundation, HCF is devoted to investing in the future of Australia’s health. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us

About Slingshot

Slingshot supplies large corporates with world-class innovation programs. Slingshot brings corporates together with disruptive Startups and entrepreneurs who are building innovative and potentially market changing technologies. Slingshot runs internal accelerator programs and corporate readiness solutions. Its corporate innovation programs provide entrepreneurs with finance, mentorship and a dynamic work environment that stimulates creativity and productivity. The program curriculum is robust and proven to achieve commercial results. This is not theatre. The results are real. Ideas to Impact. Slingshot matches corporates with top-end entrepreneurs who create game-changing technology for the market. Slingshot is delivering these programs to some of Australia and the world’s leading brands including HCF, ING Direct, NRMA and Simplot Australia. Slingshot was founded by Trent Bagnall and Craig Lambert in October 2012 and officially launched by the Federal Minister for Innovation The Hon. Greg Combet in March 2013.

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HCF acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and water upon which we work and live. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rich history as traditional healers and scientists, who have taken care of the health of the land and its people for thousands of years. We give thanks to elders past and present, who we have much to learn from on our reconciliation journey. View our Reconciliation Action Plan