Result of Open Innovation Challenge “Astellas Rx+^® Healthcare Innovation Challenge”

Astellas Pharma Inc. (“Astellas”) has completed an open innovation challenge “Astellas Rx+^® Healthcare Innovation Challenge” (‘the Program’), aiming to create new Rx+^® businesses¹ beyond prescription drugs (Rx).

Through the Program, Astellas called for new business ideas from start-up companies and students to accelerate the development of Rx+^® businesses.

The themes of the Program were related to the business areas (“Spheres²”) “Sensory function support/replacement” and “Patient w/o effective medicines”, defined in the strategic direction of Rx+^® business creation (“Rx+ Story™”). As a result, over 200 applicants from 85 countries submitted new ideas. The winner has been selected for each theme through the online final pitch event held on January 21, 2021.

We look forward to creating Rx+ businesses by promoting open Innovation activities like the program.

< Sensory function support/replacement >

Winner: Augmented Bionics (Australia)

Other finalists: AAVAA (Canada)
　　　　　　　Caterna Vision (Germany)
　　　　　　　Stamurai (India)

< Patient w/o effective medicines >

Winner: Articulate Labs (US)

Other finalists: Kaaro Health (Uganda)
　　　　　　　metaMe Health (US)
　　　　　　　NeuroSigma (US)