- Ten finalists selected
in Cook Government's $5 million competition 'The Challenge'
- Exciting new
innovations to be trialled for 12 months in the Pilbara
- Digital solutions for
healthcare to benefit the community into the future
Ten high-tech
digital solutions have been selected from almost 100 global submissions in a
worldwide search to help improve the delivery of healthcare in Western Australia's
vast Pilbara region.
In
October last year, the State Government issued a $5 million global challenge to
researchers, calling for world-leading medical research and innovation
solutions to improve health service delivery in the Pilbara.
The
ten finalists were chosen following two stages of judging from experts and
stakeholders on the ground in the North West. The group presented a wide range
of ideas which leverage technology to help different groups within the Pilbara community.
The high-quality
innovations include a first-of-its-kind microneedle patch to help screen for
skin cancers, cameras with integrated AI which aid in screening for eye disease,
and digital imaging which "understands" people's health needs in a virtual
world using 3D goggles.
Another finalist has
designed a solution to help close communication gaps between Aboriginal community
members and healthcare workers. New technology is being combined with ancient
wisdom, adapting artificial intelligence to speak to patients in their
traditional language, as well as 'digital yarning', using computer integration
developed by the CSIRO for sharing medical records.
For the full list of finalists click here: The Challenge – Finalists
For vision of the finalists' submissions click
here: https://youtu.be/HBUsypCHAZ4
BHP
Group Limited, Rio Tinto and the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund
have partnered to deliver the $5 million prize, which will be announced in
October 2024.
Each of the ten finalists have
been awarded $200,000 to imbed their concept in the Pilbara for 12 months to
prove it works. The group will partner with key health stakeholders in the region, to help them
understand the unique landscape, population, and local health needs, and
develop culturally appropriate applications.
For
more information, visit: thechallenge.health.wa.gov.au.
Comments attributed to
Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The global attention the
Challenge has attracted has put Western Australia in the spotlight as a leader
in medical research.
"All
ten finalists are from Australia, and eight originate from WA, proving we breed
innovative thinkers and support entry level ideas.
"It's
also great to see some of the major scientific agencies step up to The Challenge,
with CSIRO, Telstra Health, Curtin University and the University of Western
Australia among the finalists.
"I
wish all ten finalists the best of luck as they embark on the next chapter of
the competition – proving their concept works over 12 months."
Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"The
Pilbara is a vast and varied region, which presents unique challenges for the
provision of healthcare.
"I'm
so impressed by the level of talent on display in these finalists. Each idea
has the potential to change lives, not only in the Pilbara, but in the wider
community.
"Making
sure these projects are culturally appropriate and work on the ground in the
Pilbara is key, which is why I'm excited to see how these ideas evolve during
the proof-of-concept phase."
Comments attributed to BHP Asset President Western
Australia Iron Ore, Brandon Craig:
"Congratulations
to all the incredible finalists. It is fantastic to see the breadth of talent
when it comes to innovative thinking in Australia.
"BHP
has proudly supported health and wellbeing initiatives in the Pilbara for more
than five decades, and we are excited to see these concepts come to life over
the next 12 months and beyond.
"Improved
access to high-quality healthcare for people living in remote and regional WA
communities will be a great outcome and something that we are very pleased to
support."
Comments
attributed to Rio Tinto Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment and
Communities, Cecile Thaxter:
"Technology and innovation have been central to our
journey in the Pilbara over the past 50 years, helping us find better ways of
providing the materials the world needs.
"It's exciting to see the technology and innovations
developed by these finalists that have the potential to make a real difference
for healthcare in the Pilbara, including on-country health solutions.
"We are proud to partner with the State Government to
support these finalists and look forward to seeing how these great ideas grow
over the coming 12 months."
