Six Digital Health Startups Named Finalists in LifeBridge Health/CareFirst Innovation Challenge
Baltimore, MD - Six digital health startups have been named finalists in the first LifeBridge Health and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) Innovation Challenge earning the chance to receive up to $50,000 to further the research and development of their ideas. 
Challenge finalists include:
"¢ Docket - partnering with public health agencies to expand consumer access to immunization records with human-centric design and QR codes
"¢ Kermit - supplying real-time data on implantable medical device transactions to significantly reduce costs and improve patient care
"¢ Nest Collaborative - focusing on improving maternal-child health by expanding access to payer-reimbursed "telelactation" support
"¢ Pilleve - offering a smartphone application to prevent opioid misuse by monitoring a person's intake and securely holding the drugs
"¢ Rubitection - developing a system for the early detection and intervention of bedsores while minimizing the spread of infection
"¢ Socially Determined - developing the science of social determinates of health and implementing community-based intervention programs
Finalists will share their inventive approaches of developing solutions to healthcare needs with a digital component such as mobile apps, sensors, wearable devices, data analytics, and tools to support decision-making and transform the way healthcare is delivered.
In addition to funding, the chosen startups may also be eligible to participate in programs at LifeBridge Health, have the chance to connect with the LifeBridge Health clinical network and could be matched for clinical mentorship opportunities. Additionally, challenge winners will receive a one-year free membership in the LifeBridge Startup Affiliate Program, which includes access to the LifeBridge Innovation & Research team and introductions to clinicians.
The challenge winner (or winners) will be selected on June 5 at the LifeBridge Health & CareFirst Payvider Innovation Summit held at CareFirst's headquarters.
WHAT: Shark-Tank*-style competition where entrepreneurs and startups will pitch their innovative digital healthcare solutions to address current industry needs for a chance to earn up to $50,000 to further research and development of their ideas.
WHO: Baltimore Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa, CareFirst CEO Brian D. Pieninck, LifeBridge Health CIO Tressa Springmann, CareFirst executives, LifeBridge Health executives, panelists, judges and challenge finalists.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 5, at 8 a.m.
WHERE: CareFirst, 1501 S. Clinton St., Baltimore, Md. 21224.
CONTACT: Reporters interested in covering this event should contact Cierra Colón at cierra.colon@carefirst.com or Sharon Boston at svboston@lifebridgehealth.org and register at lbhstaging22.lifebridgehealth.org/innovationchallenge.
*Shark Tank is a registered service mark of Sony Pictures Television, Inc.
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