While women make up a huge proportion of the healthcare industry, there is a distinct lack of female participation when it comes to finding the next big idea in the industry.
That’s why Australia’s leading not-for-profit health fund HCF has launched its start-up accelerator program, HCF Catalyst. Run in partnership with corporate start-up accelerator Slingshot, the search is on for business savvy women who are looking to turn their health ideas into a reality.
Over 12 weeks, new start-ups and entrepreneurs can benefit from top mentors and guidance as well as the unique insight from leaders at HCF. HCF Catalyst Startups in the first year have secured $2.25 million in funding, becoming a strong launchpad for entrepreneurs.
Last year’s program saw Curo receive $1M in investment from HCF. Other success stories include CancerAid, which recently closed a $1.25M funding round, and the growth of Cardihab, from within the CSIRO.
Both Slingshot and HCF have women leading the charge for innovation; both strong believers that there needs to be more women involved in health tech.
This year’s HCF Catalyst themes are about making health care more affordable and more understandable, delivering high quality health care and making health care more customer-centric.
Sheena Jack, HCF Chief Strategy Officer, told Women Love Tech their vision is to improve health outcomes for all Australians.
“To achieve this, we believe the strongest, most impactful solutions will come from having the most diverse range of innovative minds and backgrounds come together. Women were under-represented in our program last year but make up a significant proportion of the health care industry. So, we particularly encourage more female entrepreneurs to apply this year to be part of making a lasting impact on the industry,” Jack said.
“Startups offer a lot of flexibility and work-life balance to support working mothers and HCF Catalyst can help women, who are passionate about healthtech, turn their bright ideas into a viable career.”
Slingshot CEO Karen Lawson said it’s important to acknowledge the future of work is changing.
“The startup ecosystem has been instrumental in offering flexible, work-life balance when it comes to managing family and children. We’re now seeing more and more female founders applying for accelerator programs like HCF Catalyst, with viable businesses,” Lawson said.
“Technology disruption has been a male dominated space but the attractiveness of working for yourself and being able to juggle family commitments is a huge drawcard for women. HCF are at the forefront of this nurturing this talent with Sheena Jack, Chief Strategy Officer, embracing this change.”
Applications close soon so be quick!
