Start-up named as semi-finalist in global health tech competition

Launchpad start-up Neap has been named as a semi-finalist in a new global innovation challenge focused on transformational diabetes solutions.

The challenge, in conjunction with premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub MATTER, and global health services company Cigna, will see the semi-finalists take part in an incubation phase where they will engage with Cigna experts and MATTER mentors.

I'm delighted to have made it onto such a prestigious global accelerator, backed by America's fourth-largest health insurer

Founded by George Fry, Neap is a mindful diabetes management platform that uses psychologist-approved techniques to help with diabetes-related stress. George founded Neap while ideating ideas with the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust while on the Launchpad programme in 2020, and from his own personal challenges, managing the daily stresses of living with type one diabetes.

George said: "I'm delighted to have made it onto such a prestigious global accelerator, backed by America's fourth-largest health insurer boasting 180 million customer and patient relationships. This offers a fantastic opportunity to help us spread the message that more accessible mental health solutions are needed for people living with diabetes to reduce healthcare costs and avoid future health complications.

"The cohort of twelve other companies is highly competitive, being a new company amongst these big players shows that we're heading in the right direction. We'll be giving it our all to fly the UK – and Cornish! – flag and ensure that we're in the final, which will present the huge opportunity of piloting our solution with Cigna along with a $10K cash prize."

The incubation phase will culminate in a virtual pitch day in October, where the start-ups will present their solutions to a panel of experts and the MATTER community. Following the event, up to five finalists will be selected to progress onto the accelerator phase where they will have the opportunity to develop and pitch their pilot proposal to be in with a chance to win a $10,000 award from Cigna.

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