With the belief that innovation is an essential part of improving lives, Philips has opened a competition aimed at drawing out the best of South Africa’s healthcare-related inventions.

Philips Africa senior VP and CEO JJ Van Dongen said innovation was a catalyst for economic development and had the power to improve the living conditions of South African communities.

“We believe that everyone has the potential to change the way we live for the better. There are many budding entrepreneurs out there armed with what may turn out to be the next big idea that will go on to make a real difference to the current challenges experienced within the local healthcare sector,” he commented.

In line with this, Philips, in partnership with the Innovation Hub, opened the first South African Innovation Fellows competition in August to find local innovators to mitigate challenges in healthcare.

Participants would be required to outline the challenge being addressed, the technology solution applied and the social impact that was expected from the invention to stand a chance of winning a R200 000 research and development grant to develop their idea for improving access to primary healthcare.

“Following our research, we now want to show our support in offering South Africans the opportunity to showcase their own tangible innovations that can fundamentally change and improve the lives of others. We are committed to delivering on our promise of innovation and will support the entrants as they realise their success,” Van Dongen added.

A survey by Philips found that six out of ten South Africans, based on interviews with 1 000 respondents, believed they were innovators.

However, 57% of those questioned said a lack of money was a barrier to innovation, with 42% wanting more corporate involvement to boost innovation.

The competition would close on September 23, with the final winner expected to be announced on November 10.