
Seoul Innovation QuickFire Challenge: Robotics & Digital Surgery
Winners
Seoul-based Medipixel is a start-up that applies artificial intelligence (AI) into robotic surgery, starting with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Their AI-based robotic PCI solution helps surgeons choose the most suitable devices and guides devices precisely without human intervention
Seoul-based BiLab is a start-up that develops and produces non-invasive continuous monitoring medical devices of cardiopulmonary functions using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) for hypoventilation, hemodynamics, and sleep apnea diagnostics, among other functions.
The Challenge

“5 billion people in the world don’t have access to safe surgery,” as reported byThe Lancetin their Global Surgery Report 2030.
While patient outcomes in surgery have improved over the past decade - driven by better materials, implant designs, and surgical techniques - major obstacles remain to be addressed. Surgical patients still experience major discrepancies in success, including a20-40% rate of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) according to the NCBI.And with a rapidly aging world population - expected to grow from just over 900 million to nearly 1.5 billion between 2015 and 2030 according toForbes– the stakes are higher than ever before.
Inconsistencies in surgical training andhigh rates of burnoutamong orthopedic surgeons are some of the factors contributing to variations in patients outcomes. At the same time, the high financial burden of associated with pre-, intra-, and post-surgery are being compounded byrising patient demand. The current model is unsustainable as analyzed in the Projection of Surgical Loads of Hip and Knee report[1].
Fortunately, tremendous opportunity awaits. Advancing technology can lead the industry to drastic improvements, a digital ecosystem where technologies enhance surgical performance, help educate surgeons, and guide patients through to full recovery. This digital ecosystem will amplify the surgeon’s ability through personalization, automation, and improved procedural efficiency throughout the continuum of care so that we reduce variability and help improve outcomes.
The potential of digitally enabled technologies is significant, but we believe that existing solutions are not optimal especially in the area of robotics. Current robotics are large and complicated; they slow procedures down without improving accuracy; they require dedicated support, intensive training and cannot easily be shared between operating rooms or surgeons.
That’s why Johnson & Johnson Medical Korea Ltd. in collaboration with Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) and Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) are launching the Seoul Innovation QuickFire Challenge: Robotics & Digital Surgery. Up to two winning robotics and surgical solutions will receive up to KRW 150,000,000 (~$134,000)*, entrance to the Seoul Bio Hub, one year of mentorship and coaching, and access to the JLABS global entrepreneurial community.
[1]Gaiser S, Kapoun M. Projection of Surgical Loads of Hip and Knee. Heraeus Medical GmbH, Wehrheim, Germany; Hochschule Niederrhein, Krefeld, Germany
Areas of Interest
We encourage applications from innovators working on all aspects of robotics and digital health related to surgery. Here’s what we mean:
- Patient Engaging Apps
- Sensors/Wearables
- Pre-surgery prep/prehab
- Surgical Decision Support
- Visualization
- Robotics
- Self-Enabled Rehab
- Health Care or Patient Data Analytics
Why this challenge matters to us
We believe a good idea can come from anywhere, and it’s our goal to find new and innovative technologies that provide solutions to patients from across the world. Working together, we can spark the next great idea that will change the trajectory of health.
Timeline
Awards
- Entrance to the Seoul Bio Hub
- Mentorship/Coaching for 1 Year
- Access to the JLABS global entrepreneurial community
- *From the KRW 150 million grant, each winner will receive a KRW 70 million cash award and a KRW 5 million free space voucher which must be used toward the rent and utilities at the Seoul Bio Hub for a year
FAQs
Q: What if I’m having trouble accessing the portal/website?
A: Make sure your browser is up to date and accepting cookies. You can contact customer service at[email protected]/ if you are having technical difficulties as well.
Q: For prizes involving residency at Seoul Bio Hub, what does that entail?
A: For this challenge involving residency at Seoul Bio Hub, that entails the entitlement to rent an office suite at Seoul Bio Hub, of which the size of suites starts from 24m2. From the KRW 150 million grant, each winner will receive a KRW 70 million cash award and a KRW 5 million free space voucher which must be used toward the rent and utilities at the Seoul Bio Hub for a year.
Q: For prizes involving residency, are there any expenses not covered by Seoul Bio Hub?
A: Each winner will be responsible for its monthly rent and utilities. Each winner will receive a voucher to be used to cover one year of rent and utilities at Seoul Bio Hub. Please contact Seoul Bio Hub ([email protected]) for more information on rental cost.
Q: Will JLABS or Seoul Bio Hub pay for my living costs, relocation or visas?
A: No, any additional fees and paperwork are up to the winner.
Q: Can I submit supporting documents (for example a video) as part of my application?
A: You will have the opportunity and are encouraged to upload supporting materials such as slide decks, research papers, and videos as part of your application. You may submit a video along with your typed responses. Maximum length is 2 minutes.
Q: Is it ok if some of the information I submit is confidential?
A: Do not submit confidential information. Only non-confidential information should be submitted and anything you submit will be treated as non-confidential.
Q: What happens with IP (Intellectual Property)?
A: As this is a no strings attached arrangement, JLABS does not acquire any IP. Any IP creation and/or protection remains the sole responsibility of the inventors.
Q: Is a patent required to apply?
A: No, a patent is not required to apply. However, you should not submit any information that you wish to keep confidential or that may negatively impact upon the future patentability of your invention.
问:什么样的科学/技术appropriate for the Challenges?
A: We encourage all to apply. Find out more about what areas we desire to explore here:https://www.jnjinnovation.com/partnering
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Each Challenge has its own terms & conditions that can be found prior to filling out the application.
Q: What are the specific criteria for application?
A: Solutions will be evaluated by a panel of reviewers and judges on their ability to meet the following criteria:
- Potential impact
- Uniqueness of solution & level of competition in current market
- Quality & feasibility of technology
- Team credibility & capabilities
- Plans for utilizing Seoul Bio Hub
- Idea submission outlines interest in the innovation ecosystem in Seoul
Q: Who can I contact if I have questions about the Challenges or the application process?
A: Please contact[email protected]with any questions.
Q: Where do I apply? And do I have to complete the application in one sitting?
A: You can setup an account at http:// jnjawards.fluidreview.com. You are able to save your work and log back in to finish at a later time if needed.
About Johnson & Johnson Innovation
ld乐动强生公司创新有限责任公司专注于加速rating all stages of innovation worldwide and forming collaborations between entrepreneurs and Johnson & Johnson’s global healthcare businesses. Johnson & Johnson Innovation provides scientists, entrepreneurs and emerging companies with one-stop access to science and technology experts who can facilitate collaborations across the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer companies of Johnson & Johnson. Under the Johnson & Johnson Innovation umbrella of businesses, we connect with innovators through our regional Innovation Centers, Johnson & Johnson Innovation | JLABS, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLINX, Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc. and our Business Development teams to create customized deals and novel collaborations that speed development of innovations to solve unmet needs in patients. For more information, visit www.jnjinnovation.com or follow
@JNJInnovation.
About Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS
ld乐动强生公司创新有限责任公司专注于加速rating all stages of innovation worldwide and forming collaborations between entrepreneurs and Johnson & Johnson’s global healthcare businesses. Johnson & Johnson Innovation provides scientists, entrepreneurs and emerging companies with one stop access to science and technology experts who can facilitate collaborations across the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer companies of Johnson & Johnson. Under the Johnson & Johnson Innovation umbrella of businesses, we connect with innovators through our regional Innovation Centers, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS (JLABS), Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc. and our Business Development teams to create customized deals and novel collaborations that speed development of innovations to solve unmet needs in patients. For more information, visit www.jnjinnovation.com or follow @JNJInnovation.
强生公司创新,JLABS (JLABS)是一个global network of open innovation ecosystems, enabling and empowering innovators to create and accelerate the delivery of life-saving, life-enhancing health and wellness solutions to patients around the world. JLABS achieves this by providing the optimal environment for emerging companies to catalyze growth and optimize their research and development by opening them to vital industry connections, delivering entrepreneurial programs and providing a capital-efficient, flexible platform where they can transform the scientific discoveries of today into the breakthrough healthcare solutions of tomorrow. At JLABS we value great ideas and are passionate about removing obstacles to success to help innovators unleash the potential of their early scientific discoveries. JLABS is a no-strings-attached model, which means entrepreneurs are free to develop their science while holding on to their intellectual property. JLABS is open to entrepreneurs across a broad healthcare spectrum including pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer and digital health sectors.
JLABS currently has locations in innovation hot spots across the world and produces entrepreneurial programs and campaigns to seek out the best science, like the QuickFire Challenges around the globe. The JLABS flagship opened in 2012 in San Diego at Janssen's West Coast Research Center, and since then, has established two locations in San Francisco - one through a collaboration with the California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3) and a second standalone facility in South San Francisco. JLABS is also located in Boston through a collaboration with LabCentral, in Lowell, Massachusetts through a collaboration with UMass, in Houston through a collaboration with the Texas Medical Center (TMC), in Toronto through a collaboration with the Ontario Government and the University of Toronto. New JLABS in NYC and Shanghai have been announced, and in February 2018, the Belgium-based JLINX incubator began transitioning into a JLABS, making this the first JLABS in Europe. For more information about JLABS, please visit www.www.2574design.com.
About the Seoul Metropolitan Government
Seoul is a global city located at the center of Northeast Asia characterized by easy access to metropolitan cities around the world and convenient living conditions, particularly with nine (9) subway lines, 6,000 bus stops, and 22 international schools.
The Seoul Metropolitan Area is an optimal location to foster technology-oriented venture firms as it houses more than 20,000 research institutes, 139 universities, and 133 general hospitals, concentrating top-caliber workforce and technology in a single location.
The Hongneung Biomedical Cluster, home to Seoul Bio Hub, which is slated to open in September 2017, houses national research institutes (KIST,etc.), research-oriented hospitals, and universities. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to offer facilities and equipment for the fast growth of technologically advanced startups and help businesses, researchers, and businessmen develop and commercialize innovative technologies via support in investment, administration, and information services.
About Seoul Bio Hub
Seoul Bio Hub, located in northern Seoul and began operations in October 2017, is a life science innovation center sponsored by SMG and operated by KHIDI. The key function is to support early stage life science companies’ growth and commercialization by providing full-service wet laboratory and office spaces, shared equipment, networking events, training programs, and investor relation opportunities. As the only biotech startup platform located in Seoul, it leverages its geographical advantages to accelerate the startup ecosystem, by facilitating cooperative networks among research-driven hospitals, universities, national research institutes, and venture capitals within close vicinity. For more information, please visithttp://www.seoulbiohub.kr.
About Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI)
KHIDI是一个下属机构performs professional and systematic support to develop domestic healthcare industry and enhance healthcare services. Since its establishment in 1999, KHIDI has led expansion of healthcare research and development investment and building competitiveness of Korea's healthcare industry, i.e., health services, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food and beauty-cosmetic. KHIDI is designated as an operating body of Seoul Bio Hub, and plans to utilize its infrastructure and network to facilitate cooperation with relevant stakeholders. For more information, please visit http://www.khidi.or.kr/eps.
About the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies
The Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies’ purpose is to reach more patients and restore more lives. Having advanced patient care for more than a century, these companies represent an unparalleled breadth of products, services, programs and research and development capabilities in surgical technology, orthopaedics, cardiovascular and specialty solutions with an offering directed at delivering clinical and economic value to health care systems worldwide.