NEW ORLEANS – Start-ups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in Louisiana are invited to apply to Get Started Medical presented by Cox Business, a pitch contest in which they get to present their innovative business ideas geared toward the medical industry before a panel of judges for a chance to win a $20,000 cash prize.
Get Started Medical will take place on Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Acadiana Center for the Arts (101 W Vermillion St., Lafayette, LA 70501) as part of Innovate South. The event is in partnership with Lafayette General Health and Opportunity Machine. Details were shared in a press release.
“There are many ideas that are geared toward the medical industry to help further medical technology toward procedures, cures and other means and entrepreneurs who are ready to take their medical business ideas to the next level,” said Leigh King, vice president of Cox Business Louisiana. “Get Started Medical is a great way for our business community to showcase innovation and talent, while accessing valuable advice and tips to launch and grow their businesses.”
Candidates interested in pitching their idea can apply online from Monday, Aug. 19, until 11:59 p.m. CST Sunday, Oct. 6, at GetStartedMedical.com.
Up to eight finalists will be chosen to pitch to a panel of judges in front of a live audience, and the winning business will win a $20,000 cash prize.
Contestants will be given two-and-a-half minutes each to pitch their idea. Ken Kraft, SVP Cox Business Marketing & Sales Operation will be the host of Get Started Medical. He will be joined by a panel of judges who will follow-up with questions and observations. This year’s judges are:
- Aimee Quirk – CEO of InnovationOchsner, Ochsner Health System
- Cian Robinson – Executive Director of Innovation Research, Lafayette General Health
- Molly Hegarty – CEO, Junum
- Sujata Gosalia – Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Cox Communications
- Vindell Washington – Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana
These experts will review each of the plans and select a winner based on innovation, ease of implementation and consumer/community benefit.
Entrants will be notified by October 20th, 2019 if they have been selected to pitch at the event. The 8 finalists will receive coaching sessions each in advance of the event to prepare provided by Innovate South.
