Roche Canada establishes COVID-19 Open Innovation Challenge

All Canadians invited to develop solutions for challenges posed by COVID-19

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 31, 2020 /CNW/ - Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) is pleased to announce the launch of the COVID-19 Open Innovation Challenge to encourage Canadians to help develop solutions to the challenges we face from the COVID-19 pandemic. The winning submissions will receive funds to help develop and implement the solutions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a variety of issues and problems impacting the daily lives of all Canadians. Healthcare systems among many other industries have been deeply impacted by the outbreak. Some challenges include health system capacity, managing remote and rural populations, along with maintaining productivity while distancing. Roche Canada is calling on Canadians to come together to develop solutions that can help make a difference. Individuals or teams are asked to submit a solution to a challenge or issue they have identified by April 10, 2020. Entries will be evaluated by a Roche Canada steering committee based on clarity, design, feasibility and applicability, impact and outcome and innovativeness. Winning submissions from individuals are eligible for funding up to $50,000 per program, and team submissions are eligible for funding up to $100,000 per program.

"Whether you're a biologist, data scientist, student, patient or business leader, innovative ideas can come from anywhere," said Michael Duong, Head of Personalized Healthcare at Roche Canada. "We are establishing this initiative in the hope that it can foster much needed solutions and create opportunities for people to get involved. Every Canadian is touched by this situation and it's going to take the whole community coming together to get through it."  

The application form and additional information (including full terms and conditions) can be found on the COVID-19 Open Innovation Challenge page of RocheCanada.com.  Applications must be completed and submitted by April 10^th, winning submissions will be chosen on April 15^th and applicants will be notified via email. The winning submissions will also be posted on the Roche Canada website.

About Roche
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalized healthcare - a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.

Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. 

Founded in 1931, Roche Canada is committed to searching for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases while making a sustainable contribution to society. The company employs more than 1,200 people across the country through its Pharmaceuticals division in Mississauga, Ontario and Diagnostics, as well as Diabetes Care divisions in Laval, Quebec.

Roche aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. Roche Canada is actively involved in local communities through its charitable giving and partnerships with organizations and healthcare institutions that work together to improve the quality of life of Canadians. For more information, please visit www.RocheCanada.com.

All trade-marks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

© Copyright 2020; Hoffmann-La Roche Limited

SOURCE Roche Canada

For further information: Bridget Wells, Roche Canada, T: 905-542-5072, E: [email protected]