The Department of Health has named 10 high-tech digital solutions, selected from almost 100 global submissions, to help improve the delivery of healthcare in the State’s Pilbara region.
It follows an international challenge to researchers, calling for world-leading medical research and innovation solutions to improve health service delivery in the region.
The Department said the 10 finalists were chosen following two stages of judging from experts and stakeholders on the ground in the North West.
“The group presented a wide range of ideas which leverage technology to help different groups within the Pilbara community,” it said.
“The high-quality innovations include a first-of-its-kind micro-needle patch to help screen for skin cancers; cameras with integrated AI which aid in screening for eye disease, and digital imaging which ‘understands’ people’s health needs in a virtual world using 3D goggles.”
Each finalist has been awarded $200,000 to imbed their concept in the Pilbara for 12 months to prove it works.
The group will partner with key health stakeholders in the region to help them understand the unique landscape, population, and local health needs, and develop culturally-appropriate applications.
Minister for Medical Research, Stephen Dawson said all 10 finalists were from Australia, with eight originating from WA.
“I wish them all the best of luck as they embark on the next chapter of the competition — proving their concept works over 12 months,” Mr Dawson said.
The full list of finalists can be accessed at this PS News link.
