Johnson & Johnson Innovation LLC has announced the launch of the newest QuickFire Challenge: Advancing the Safe Use of Healthcare Products. The challenge seeks to identify entrepreneurs, academics, scientists, engineers or startup companies who are advancing potentially game-changing, early stage, innovative solutions to advance safety in healthcare products that help inform patients and consumers, simulate surgical procedures, and ensure proper storage and use of prescription, over-the-counter and cosmetic products.
 
"Dedicated to scientific excellence, bioethics and values-based decision-making, the Johnson & Johnson office of the chief medical officer (CMO) has a history of collaborating externally to create innovative solutions for patients and consumers," said Joanne Waldstreicher, M.D., CMO, Johnson & Johnson.  "Through our collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Innovation on this challenge, we hope to identify scientifically sound, breakthrough ideas that will advance both the safe use and a greater understanding of the safety of healthcare products to positively impact outcomes."
 
This initiative represents the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies' ongoing commitment to patient and consumer safety and independent safety assessments. It is open globally to applicants with solutions across the pharmaceuticals, medical devices and consumer products sectors.
 
QuickFire Challenge winners will receive research grants totaling up to $200,000, entrance to a Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS facility and/or mentoring from Johnson & Johnson Innovation.
 
With increased dissemination and sharing of health information via social media and online, there is a greater need than ever before for bioethical, transparent and evidence-based information sources that help patients and consumers make more informed healthcare decisions. To help make this possible, the challenge aims to improve safety in healthcare through improving the provision of balanced and factual information – and development of solutions – to ensure safety across the spectrum of medical devices, pharmaceutical and consumer products.

QuickFire Challenge entries that reflect the overall mission of improving the safety of and safe use of healthcare products will be evaluated by a juried panel comprising senior scientific and medical research staff as well as medical safety experts within Johnson & Johnson who have expertise across pharmaceuticals, medical device and consumer sectors. Participants can enter innovative ideas, methods or technologies that will help improve safety and healthcare outcomes for patients and consumers.
 
"Entrants can submit ideas in one of three focus areas that are critical for ensuring that we make the safest possible products on behalf of patients and consumers," said Melinda Richter, Head of Johnson & Johnson Innovation, JLABS. "In addition to funding, Advancing the Safe Use of Healthcare Products QuickFire Challenge winners will be awarded JLABS support that includes infrastructure, services, educational programs and networks in global hotspots."
 
Information about entering the challenge and entry guidelines can be found online at jlabs.tv/safetyquickfirechallenge. Participants must indicate whether they have a team in place that can bring their idea to life. Entries must be submitted by May 24, 2017. Winning entries will be evaluated and winners in each category selected in fall 2017.