2021 COVID-19

Innovation Prize

Hofstra University’s Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, along with sponsors Northwell Health, Digital Remedy, and Harris Beach PLLC, are seeking proposals for the 2021 COVID-19 Innovation Prize with $12,500 in total prize funding.

Eligible applicants include:

  • All full and part-time students, accepted students, and alumni from December 2019, May 2020, and December 2020
  • Presently teaching full and part-time Hofstra University faculty
  • Full and part-time Hofstra University employees
  • Full and part-time Northwell Health employees

Timeline:

  • February 8 – April 1, 2021: Proposal period 
  • April 1, 2021 – April 16, 2021: Selection period 
  • April 19, 2021: Finalists notified 
  • May 12, 2021: Finalists presentations and awards 
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Northwell Health
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Digital Remedy
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Harris Beach PLLC Attorneys at Law - Discover True Engagement

Proposal Scope 

 We seek scalable innovations and business ideas that will support our community’s recovery from the pandemic. Some examples include, but are not limited to: 

  • A solution that addresses health equity and the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 had on communities that already experience health disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed Long Island’s racial and socioeconomic disparities and communities that have less resources experienced more devastating health outcomes.
  • An innovation for healthcare facilities to support their ability to handle an influx of patients. 
  • Ensuring workplace protection or reimaging workspaces. 
  • A solution that supports people or businesses impacted by the economic challenges presented by the pandemic. 
  • A solution that could be implemented on Hofstra’s campus and in our community. 

Mentorship is available during and after the proposal period. If you are interested in mentorship with developing your proposal, please email christel@nyhealthchallenge.com.

The Proposal asks the following questions (all responses are 300 words or less):

  • Describe your innovation. 
  • How does your innovation support our community’s recovery from COVID-19?
  • What is the timeline for implementation?
  • How will the prize funding be used?
  • Optional: Attach a pitch presentation that outlines your innovation. Please see this document for a recommended slide format.

Scoring Criteria

  • Is the innovation scalable/does it have the potential to grow?
  • What is the timeline for implementation? 
  • Will the innovation have a positive impact on our community’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in the short-term?
  • How will the prize funding be used to implement the innovation?

Prize Structure

  • First place: $10,000 
  • Second place: $2,500 
  • Winner to be selected by judges at virtual live pitch presentation on May 12, 2021.

For more information on eligibility and prizes, please visit the COVID-19 Innovation section of the Hofstra-Digital Remedy Venture Challenge rules.