Mark Cuban & Nation’s Top Four Children’s Hospitals to Host Startup Pitch Competition at SXSW Interactive

The nation’s top four pediatric institutions are coming together to host the first ever “Impact Pediatric Health Pitch Competition” on March 16, 2015 at SXSW Interactive in Austin, Texas. The event will attract digital health and medtech startups from across the country that are focused on improving children’s health.  Apply atwww.impactpediatrichealth.com by January 31, 2015.

“Digital health companies are just now waking up to the unique and loyal nature of the pediatric patient population,” says Brian Lang, producer, Energizing Health. “Our message to digital health companies is to design with us in mind, and you’ll capture a loyal market for your product.”

Internet pioneer, billionaire, angel investor, NBA team owner, Shark Tank member, and father of three Mark Cuban will emcee the Impact Pediatric Health Pitch Competition. Companies selected to present will pitch a panel of nationally-recognized venture capitalists and hospital executives.

The participating institutions—Boston Children’s, Cincinnati Children’s, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Texas Children’s—are looking for the most innovative digital health and medtech startups that are solving problems to make and keep kids healthy.

Accounting for roughly 25 percent of the U.S. population, the pediatric market offers significant potential for new companies and products. “The pediatric market is hungry for innovations,” said Lang “We’re focused on treating sick kids and helping them get well, and keeping kids healthy and safe day-to-day and throughout their life,” he added.

This pitch competition gives companies the opportunity to pitch venture capitalists, and visibility and exposure to pediatric institutions that represent potential customers and access to patient populations.

Within the broad categories of digital health and medical technologies, Impact Pediatric Health is particularly interested in remote monitoring, mental health, prematurity, patient safety, gamification and population management.

“Kids are more than our future, they are our ‘now’,” Lang stated. “Kids are some of our highest users and early adopters of technology. With the increase in big data, wearables and global connectivity, it’s imperative that we capitalize on these trends with the goal of improving children’s health.”

The total pediatric healthcare market in the U.S. is estimated at $186 billion and spending on children’s health has grown nearly 12 percent since 2007.