14/09/2023
Congratulations Restorabite - the crowned winner of the BBFH Challenge 2023!
Restorabite was crowned the winner of the BBFH Challenge 2023, securing the coveted first prize of $30,000. Designed to restore the vital jaw functionality after complex head and neck cancer treatments and surgery, Restorabite is poised to enhance the patient rehabilitation journey. As a 3D-printed medical device, it combines affordability, portability, and telehealth compatibility. Accepting the award, Dr Emma Charters, a speech pathologist with Integrated Prosthetics & Reconstruction in Sydney expressed her appreciation, stating βThe BBFH application process has already provided us invaluable support, including the opportunity to pitch our idea, receive invaluable guidance from an exceptional team and connect with individuals who share our passion for improving the future of healthcare. On behalf of our team at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, we extend our gratitude for your support in developing our commercialisation pathway so we can reach more people quickly.β
Plio Surgical a spin-out of Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, emerged as the recipient of the People's Choice Award, entailing $10,000 in IDE Group services. The company is developing an innovative solution in colon cancer surgery to mitigate anastomotic leakage, a severe complication of cancer resection.
This year's BBFH Challenge winners will further benefit from an exclusive IDE Group Building Blocks Workshop, where a tailored commercial strategy will be developed to propel their ventures forward, ensuring they reach their full potential in the healthcare industry.
George Sidis, Managing Director of IDE Group, reflected on the resounding success of BBFH Challenge 2023. He said "This year witnessed the largest competition we have ever hosted to date. We are grateful to have received applications from over 30 medtech ventures eager to collaborate with us to Build Better Futures for Health. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Restorabite and Plio Surgical, and eagerly anticipate commencing our work together on your commercialisation journey. The addition of our first winner from Europe marks a significant milestone for BBFH as IDE Group continues to expand its footprint in overseas markets.β