Roche Farma Spain launches its innovation platform in ophthalmology and hepatocellular carcinoma

MADRID, SPAIN April 1, 2024 - Roche Pharma Spain has launched a new edition of its innovation challenge that seeks to attract and generate disruptive innovations to improve patients' health and quality of life. This new edition, which will be developed in collaboration with the global innovation platform Plug and Play, has as its main objective to promote those startups capable of developing innovative solutions in two therapeutic areas: in ophthalmology, which was already present in the first edition, and hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common liver tumor1. Furthermore, in this new edition, the most innovative hospital projects in both therapeutic areas will also be recognized through their itineraries.

Roche Pharma Spain will provide a platform for startups to collaboratively explore solutions, drive investments, share knowledge, and facilitate international expansion. As for hospitals, the objective is to recognize those projects that provide innovation throughout the clinical and care process for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and eye diseases.

Startup Creasphere was founded in 2018 by Roche and Plug and Play, its main goal is to establish new digital business models with the best start-ups in the world that challenge clinical practices, improve data analytics, and enhance the patient journey across the continuum of care. Over its journey, Startup Creasphere has embarked on more than 100 pilot projects, driving innovation and fostering collaborations in the healthcare industry.

"The new edition of our innovation challenge represents the consolidation of a project that aims to capture and help develop innovative solutions for patients wherever they are. We are convinced that the startups that are selected will allow us to make very important progress in when it comes to transferring innovation to clinical practice in ophthalmology and hepatocellular carcinoma and that hospital projects will also make it possible to identify areas of improvement through innovation," highlights Patrick Wallach, General Manager Roche Pharma Spain.

"This initiative marks an evolution of our collaboration with Roche, building on the success of our previous collaborations and reinforcing our dedication to driving the health technology industry forward," said Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play. "By providing a platform for collaboration, investment and global expansion, Roche will shape the future of healthcare and patient experiences."

References: 1) Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/hepatocellular-carcinoma/cdc-20354552