HCF’s Catalyst program boosts disruption in health care

Sydney, 15 May, 2017:  The health care sector may be set for positive disruption, with eleven diverse Australian health tech entrepreneurs gearing up for a Demo Day this month. Helping start-ups and scale-ups nurture innovative health and wellness ideas, the Demo Day is the final step of an intense accelerator program, HCF Catalyst.

HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, is set to unveil some of Australia’s leading health tech entrepreneurs to potential investors, peers and the wider industry, at the HCF Catalyst Demo Day.

The Demo Day, to be held on the 17 May, will see the HCF Catalyst graduates showcase the latest innovative health and wellness ideas with the hope of sparking interest from potential investors.

HCF, in partnership with corporate start-up accelerator, Slingshot, selected eleven participants for the Catalyst program earlier in the year to receive mentoring, marketing and infrastructure support. The 12-week journey leading up to Demo Day has seen HCF Catalyst Graduates learn how to transform their products and service offerings into a viable business model, and how to communicate their offering to investors.

Ultimately, they are taught to prove and demonstrate the true value of their ideas in addressing e-health solutions and issues facing the sector.

According to Sheena Jack, Chief Strategy Officer at HCF and executive sponsor of the program, the successful Catalyst participants’ business ideas aligned with HCF’s vision of making health care more affordable and understandable, delivering high quality care and making health care more customer centric.

“We’re proud to once again be providing health focused start-up and scale-up businesses the opportunity to develop and accelerate their business, and create lasting impact in the health care industry.

“Investing in innovative technologies and business models is critical for HCF to achieve its vision of improving health outcomes for all Australians. The Catalyst program is an important pillar in that vision – it attracts the brightest minds and helps support ideas that can ultimately improve the quality, accessibility and effectiveness of health and medical solutions,” Ms Jack said.

Demo Day is the final event of the program and helps graduates to nurture commercial and investment relationships and provides an invaluable networking opportunity.
Talking specifically to this year’s graduate line-up, Ms Jack said: “The health care landscape is rapidly changing and evolving, and to effectively address the many issues we face we need diversity – diversity of ideas, of business founders, of approaches. We are pleased to see such diversity being fostered through the HCF Catalyst program.”

Start-up and scale-up businesses in the program include:

  • myBeepr – A secure, cloud-based platform where medical professionals can privately share patient information and results in real-time
  • ScrubIT - ScrubIT has revolutionised operating theatre processes by simplifying the collection of surgical instruments via easy-to-use checklist software
  • The Pelvic Expert - Holistic and research-based women’s health programs for pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Expert online physiotherapy in the comfort of your own home
  • Episoft - Cloud-based technology platform designed to address the biggest problems in health worldwide
  • The Birthing Institute - The Birthing Institute provides childbirth empowerment through education
  • BioConnected – Wearable technology to help people achieve fitness and health goals, using consumer
    friendly software & wearable technology
  • HeadSafe - A diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring system for concussion injuries
  • Mova Motion – The ultimate personal trainer in your smartphone using 3D movement tracking and machine learning to understand and improve your workout
  • Perx Health – Perx is changing the way people and health businesses approach medication by forming positive habits through fun games and memorable rewards 
  • TechFit Group – A customisable weight loss and nutrition platform that helps people achieve their target weight 
  • Medipass – An app that simplifies the medical quotation, claiming and payment experience for patients, providers and payers

HCF Catalyst’s Demo Day will be held on Wednesday 17 May 2017 from 5.30pm at Event Cinemas, George Street, Sydney.

The event is free, however spaces are limited. To register your attendance, please click here for more information.

-ENDS-

Issued on behalf of HCF by WE Buchan. For interviews with Sheena Jack, HCF Chief Strategy Officer, this year’s graduates or to get an update on where 2016 Catalyst graduates are now, please contact:


About HCF

HCF, leading not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers over 1.5 million members with health and life insurance, community care, travel and pet insurance. On average over the last five years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. With over 35,000 specialists participating in its Medical Gap Cover Scheme and approximately 10,000 providers participating in its 100% back More for You programs, HCF gives members access to quality health care with no gaps or minimal costs compared to non-participating providers. To empower members to put their health first, HCF also offers a range of health and lifestyle services including its My Health Guardian health management program, mobile Victor Chang Health Checks and My Global Specialist second opinion service. HCF’s national network of retail outlets and Australian-based call centres have earned multi-award winning status. HCF members also have access to low cost, high quality services at HCF Dental Centres and HCF Eyecare Centres. Having contributed $50 million to support the health services research funded by the HCF Research Foundation, HCF is devoted to investing in the future of Australia’s health. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us