Roche Challenge Rules for startups 2019
Making precision medicine a reality
Preamble
This regulation establishes the rules and conditions for participation in the Cultural Contest (of a scientific nature, with a focus on innovation) “Making real precision medicine” (hereinafter also called “challenge”), national and international, promoted by ROCHE PRODUCTS QUÍMICOS E FARMACÊUTICOS SA, a corporation, headquartered at Av. Engenheiro Billings, nº 1729, Jaguaré, São Paulo, SP, enrolled with CNPJ under no. 33.009.945 / 0001-23 (“Roche”).
The inclusion in the challenge implies the full acceptance by the participating startup of the terms of this regulation.
Participation in the challenge is voluntary and free of charge and is not subject to any type of luck, ease or payment by competitors, nor linked to the acquisition or use of any good, right or service of Roche, pursuant to article 3 of Law no. No. 5,768, dated December 20, 1971, regulated by Decree No. 70.951, of August 9, 1972.
- About the challenge “Making accuracy medicine real”
The challenge “Making precision medicine reality” national and international has the main and final objective of bringing Roche closer to the startups ecosystem, with a view to forming a network and discussing ideas, projects and possibilities for future partnerships , based on the resolution of issues related to Roche’s interests.
The challenge “Realizing Precision Medicine” proposes that entrepreneurs submit projects / solutions of promising technologies / products / services that provide greater centralization of information linked to diagnostics; support the clinical staff in making the medical decision; guarantee the adequate use of resources involved in health, and the possibility of quality medical education, with constant updating of the professionals involved. This topic is of great relevance for the search for a better outcome to the patient, with solutions that provide the correct diagnosis within the shortest time possible, as well as the targeting to the treatment most appropriate for his case, thus contributing to the sustainability of the health system Brazilian.
- About what the challenge offers to all participating startups:
Roche will offer to all those regularly enrolled in the challenge and meet its criteria, regardless of the winner, an online feedback and online evaluation of submitted projects / solutions, to be carried out by Roche executives and potentially by other partners (to be designated by Roche), thus contributing to the development of ideas and proposals for new business by startups within the theme of the challenge “Making Precision Medicine Reality.”
3.1. The startup winner of the challenge may choose 01 (one) of the 02 (two) prizes specified below:
3.1.1 OPTION / PRIZE 1: Participation in 01 (one) week immersion program for 02 (two) entrepreneurs from the winning startup in Digital Health Accelerator (Werk1, Grafinger Straße 6, München, Germany) at Roche Diagnostica. The program will include networking with digital health startups, Roche specialists / local investors; week of ExpoDay with Roche / other companies and possibility to use the co-working space.
3.1.1.1 Roche will pay the following expenses to the two (2) entrepreneurs of the winning startup who opt for the Prize 1: flight (economic category) to Munich / Germany, leaving São Paulo (or from another location, equivalent); accommodation in Munich, exclusively during the period related to the immersion program (A Roche will directly book the accommodation for the entrepreneurs). Transfers are not included. In addition, Roche will provide cost-help, at a pre-established amount, to assist in the feeding expenses of the 02 (two) entrepreneurs, exclusively during the period related to the immersion program.
3.1.1.2 The 02 (two) entrepreneurs indicated to participate in the immersion program must be partners of the startup or employees / collaborators of the same, with a verifiable link, and have a proficient level of English.
3.1.1.3 The winning startup should take advantage of the immersion program after the challenge closes, in the period to be agreed with Roche according to the availability of the accelerator reception Digital Health Accelerator. The startup must be organized so that its 02 (two) indicated entrepreneurs appear at the place and period indicated by Roche and provide, at their expense, necessary passports and visas, if applicable. If it is impossible for the startup to participate in the immersion program or if it is canceled by Roche Diagnostica for any reason, the startup will automatically be awarded with PREMIUM 2, without this entailing the right to indemnity or claim of any nature.
3.1.2 OPTION / PREMIUM 2: Subsidy for corporate services: consulting services to be provided by consulting firm contracted / defined by Roche, in the amount equivalent to R $ 38,000.00 (thirty eight thousand reais), which represents, just for reference, something around 10 (ten) days of support, to vary depending on the negotiation conditions to be signed with such third party by Roche at the opportunity. According to the level of maturity of the startup, the consultancy may provide services to assist in the definition of business model, growth strategy or internal structuring of the same.
3.2 The winning startup will have a period of 15 (fifteen) days from the announcement of the winner (according to section 7 of this regulation), to inform Roche (by e-mail to be indicated by Roche to the winning startup at the closing event), the prize of your choice.
3.3 In the event that the winning startup is unable to enjoy any of the prizes offered by Roche, they will be offered to the second place (and so on in the impossibility thereof), not being entitled to the startup winning any other type of prize, compensation or indemnity of any nature. The prizes chosen by the winning startup must be enjoyed within six (6) months of the date of the announcement of the winner in the closing event.
- About the conditions of participation
4.1. Prerequisites
4.1.1. Startup registrations from all Brazilian states and from any country in the world are considered eligible, provided that: i) they are duly constituted / regularized in the fiscal organs of Brazil; country of origin until completion of stage II of the challenge assessment; and ii) have projects / solutions in the development phase, according to item 4.1.2 below) and that are related to the themes of the challenge “Making reality of precision medicine”, as listed in Annex 1.
4.1.2. They can participate in the challenge “Making precision medicine a reality” startups project holders / solutions in phase:
- Beta: startup has a structured technology / product / service and has validation tests performed which may include (but are not limited to) prototype construction, pilot testing, Minimum Viable Product (MVP);
- Launched: startup has already completed the testing and validation phase and has entered the technology / product / service in the market, can have users / relevant volume of patient data and / or have regulatory approval completed.
4.1.3. Startups wishing to be eligible for prizes need to be formally incorporated in the tax authorities of their country of origin until the completion of stage II of the challenge assessment (even if this is not the case at the time of their initial registration via the platform).
4.1.4. Participants must accept all rules and conditions of this regulation and the terms of use of the site. As discussed in the preamble to this regulation, the act of entering the challenge implies the full acceptance by the participating startup of the terms of the present.
4.1.5. The entrepreneurs of the participating startups must be of legal age (as well as the employees indicated for the perception of the prize, as indicated in item 3 of this regulation), following all the parameters of the Brazilian legislation and its country of origin.
4.1.6. The solutions submitted by startups in the context of the challenge “Making Precision Medicine a reality” should have a global character, i.e. being replicable in other markets outside Brazil.
5.1 To enroll in the challenge “Making Precision Medicine a reality” participants must access the challenge page www.desafioroche.com.br, create a login and password and fill in the fields of the submission form.
5.2 Other channels are not available for sending the requested information or any additional material. If the receipt of any material happens through another channel other than the registration form, in no case will it be considered during the selection process. The date of opening and closing of entries is communicated on the challenge page.
5.3. The application form consists of questions that seek to collect information about the technology / product / service (or “project” or “solution”) to substantiate the evaluation process. For this reason, most of the information is mandatory. All must be answered in Portuguese or English, but it is recommended that startups fill out the form in English to facilitate the evaluation of their technologies / products / services by an international panel of Roche employees.
5.3.1 If the startup wishes to submit more than one project / solution to the challenge, it must record each of the projects / challenges in separate submissions.
5.3.2 The projects / solutions submitted by the startups should be aligned with the theme of the challenge and clearly address at least one of the points listed in the “solutions we seek” of the challenge, as defined in Annex I to this regulation. Projects / solutions that do not meet any of the listed points will be excluded from the challenge and will not be evaluated.
5.4. Registration is free.
5.5. Startups are responsible for certifying that they meet the requirements for participation in the “Making Precision Medicine” challenge.
5.6. Except with due and express authorization, if the startup is in any way: i) legally prevented or prevented by a third party from participating in the challenge; ii) breaching any obligation of confidentiality; or (iii) infringing third party intellectual property; the startup will be banned from enrolling in the challenge. Should Roche become aware of such impediments after the registration, it may, at any time, disqualify the startup, nothing being due to the startup, without prejudice to the responsibility of the startup for any damages faced by Roche.
5.7. Should any anti-competitive, unlawful, unlawful act or violation of Roche’s Compliance policy be detected at any point in the startup, the startup shall immediately be disqualified from the challenge and may be liable for such acts.
5.8. The launch date of the challenge “Making precision medicine a reality” will be on May 8, 2019 with closing of the enrollment at 23:59 on June 23, 2019.
- On the stages of the challenge, selective process and evaluation criteria
6.1. Roche is responsible for evaluating the projects / solutions submitted to the challenge through the platform www.desafioroche.com.br
6.2. The selection process will be carried out by a commission of evaluators made up of Roche’s technical and business specialists and potentially other partners (to be appointed by Roche) that guarantee total impartiality to the participating startups.
6.3. The main cycle of the challenge is structured in 02 (two) stages, the first, the registration stage (according to the procedure indicated in section 5 of this regulation) and the second, the stage of evaluation of the projects / solutions of the regularly registered startups.
Step 1 – ONLINE REGISTRATION – delimited in section 5 of this regulation.
Step 2 – EVALUATION – In this stage, the projects / solutions submitted by the startups are evaluated by the Roche body of evaluators and potentially other partners (to be designated by Roche), with the objective of identifying the projects / solutions with greater adherence to the objectives of according to the criteria in the sub-items below.
The evaluation stage will be conducted in 03 (three) phases:
Evaluation Phase I– Evaluation of the projects / solutions based on the information submitted in the online forms. During this phase, Roche may request that the startups send new information or details regarding the projects / solutions already submitted in the platform, which must be presented by the startups within 5 (five) days of the request, under pain of disqualification of the startup, at Roche’s discretion.
Phase I evaluation will be based on 02 (two) criteria:
Criterion |
Definition |
Punctuation (1-5) |
Weight |
Aligning the solution with the main theme of the challenge |
Evaluates whether the startup is aligned with the challenge theme |
1 to 2 – the solution was developed for other markets (which does not include health) and presents considerable barriers to be applicable to health
3 to 4 – the solution was developed for the target market of the challenge (health area), but has low potential to be applied / scalable to various indications (diseases / treatments)
5 – the solution was developed for the target market (health area) and has high potential to be applied / scalable to various indications (diseases / treatments) |
1/2 |
Strategic alignment of the solution for Roche |
Evaluates whether the startup is aligned with Roche’s strategy |
1 to 2 – the solution has a low degree of innovation
3 to 4 – the solution has medium degree of innovation
5 – the solution has high degree of innovation or disruptive |
½ |
The score of each project / solution of the startups in Phase I will be calculated through the weighted average of the 02 (two) criteria and respective weights.
At the end of Phase I, only startups and their respective projects / solutions that meet the following selection criteria in Phase I will be selected for Evaluation Phase II:
- Minimum score of 3.8 in Phase I
- Ranking among the 40 (forty) best projects / solutions in Phase I
Only startups / projects / solutions that meet the 02 (two) criteria mentioned above will be selected. If there is a tie (s) in the list of best projects / solutions classified in Phase I, Roche may pass more than 40 (forty) projects / startups to Phase II evaluation.
Evaluation phase II– Startups whose projects / solutions are selected in Phase I (according to the 02 mandatory selection criteria indicated above) will be evaluated in a second phase, Phase II. For this phase, the startups will be asked to submit videos presenting the solution. The videos will be evaluated based on 03 (three) criteria.
Criterion |
Definition |
Punctuation (1-5) |
Weight |
Degree of maturity |
Evaluates the degree of maturity of the solution and the feasibility of implementing it |
1 – The proposed solution only has a prototype designed / MVP / pilot tests and has not yet been released on the market
2 to 3 – The proposed solution is already launched in the market and has active operation
4 to 5 – The proposed solution is already launched in the market, has an active operation and has all the regulatory aspects verified to be able to use the health data with which it works |
1/3 |
Innovative solution character (technical / business) |
Evaluates the degree of innovation in terms of technology and business model or structural / operational change in the market, which translates into the impact and relevance it has / may have for the market / company / society |
1 to 2 – the solution has a low degree of innovation
3 to 4 – the solution has medium degree of innovation
5 – the solution has high degree of innovation or disruptive |
1/3 |
Applicability and scalability potential |
Evaluates whether the proposed solution already has applicability and results in the target market of the challenge (health area) or the potential to be applicable / scalable in this market |
1 to 2 – the solution was developed for other markets (which does not include health) and presents considerable barriers to be applicable to health
3 to 4 – the solution was developed for the target market of the challenge (health area), but has low potential to be applied / scalable to various indications (diseases / treatments)
5 – the solution was developed for the target market (health area) and has high potential to be applied / scalable to various indications (diseases / treatments) |
1/3 |
After the evaluation and assignment of the scores for each startup (according to criteria in the table above), the startups will be ranked and the 10 (ten) first ones will be selected for Phase III. If there is a tie (s) in the list of best projects / solutions classified in this Phase II, Roche may pass more than 10 (ten) projects / startups to Phase III evaluation.
Evaluation phase III– Startups whose projects / solutions are selected in Phase II (according to the 03 mandatory selection criteria indicated above) will be evaluated in a third phase, Phase III. For this phase, they will be evaluated based on face-to-face or online interviews to be conducted by Roche’s evaluators and potentially other partners (to be designated by Roche).
After this phase, Roche may, in its sole and exclusive discretion, invite the 05 (five) best qualified for a “Pitch-Day”, a challenge closing event in which startups may present the technology / product / service, opportunity that can foster negotiations and partnerships. The startups, when participating in the challenge, acknowledge that the “Pitch-Day” is not promise of investment or partnership formulation by Roche or potential partners of Roche invited to this event, nothing can be demanded by the startups in this regard.
Failure to attend Phase III or Pitch-Day (face-to-face or online interviews) will be grounds for declassification of the startup of the challenge. Participants will be informed of the dates, place and participation requirements through the online platform or by the e-mail registered therein.
The startup with the highest score in Phase III will be the winner of the challenge “Making accuracy of medicine” and eligible for the prize offered if it meets all requirements for receiving the prize, as indicated in section 3 of this regulation.
If there is a tie in the final score, the tie-breaker will be chosen from the finalist startup that obtained the highest score in Phase I. If, however, the draw persists, the choice of the winning startup will fall to Roche, who its exclusive criterion and discretion, will define as winner the startup that understands that best corresponds to the objectives and themes of the challenge.
- Announcement of the winning startup of the challenge
The startup announcement and its winning project / solution “Making Precision Medicine a reality” is scheduled to take place in October / November 2019, at the challenge closing event, and will be published the same day on the Roche Challenge website for startups www.desafioroche.com.br
Roche exempts itself from any startup costs related to its participation or permanence in the program, with each of its members being responsible for the participation in the challenge. In particular, Roche will not reimburse expenses related to transport / food / lodging costs for representatives of startups to participate in face-to-face challenge events (face-to-face interviews in Phase III evaluation or Pitch-Day).
- About media collaboration and image right
9.1. Startups participating in the “Making Precision Medicine” challenge agree to be available, through their designated entrepreneurs / representatives, for their relationship with the media and communication channels. Participants agree to participate in interviews and reports that may be required, and it is not possible to abstain from these forms of relationships with the communication channels involved in the challenge.
9.2. No startup will be required (and is not advised to do so) to provide any information that you believe is confidential, confidential or not relevant to your project.
9.3. Participating startups will ensure that their designated entrepreneurs / representatives participate in challenge events and / or the immersion program, authorize Roche to use its image (and other personality rights, such as name and voice) within the scope of the challenge. Licensed images (and other personality rights) may be linked and disseminated in the following types of media: print, television, video, virtual, social networks and telephone. In addition to the images (and other personality rights) of the entrepreneurs / representatives indicated by the startups, Roche may use in its materials the name of the startup, logotype, name of the entrepreneurs, description of the startup, videos and photos sent by startups, as well as videos and photos that contain images of the startup team, the presentation of this, website address, social media (facebook, twitter, Linkedin), testimonials and any media material produced during Pitch-Day or face-to- provided by participants.
10.1. General Guidelines
10.1.1 The documents submitted to Roche under the challenge “Making Precision Medicine a Reality” should be of an original, innovative and enterprising character or, at the same time, configure market innovation, and it is expressly prohibited for plagiarism and / or other infringements of property intellectual property of third parties. According to the Brazilian Federal Constitution and other Brazilian legislation, plagiarism, besides being unconstitutional / illegal, can eliminate the challenge, without prejudice to other commissions and legal implications. By enrolling in the challenge, participants attest that the material is original and does not infringe third party intellectual property.
10.2. Failure to meet the deadlines stipulated by the organization of the challenge “Making precision medicine reality” for the delivery of the documents required at each stage is liable to summary elimination of the competition. In addition, the non-adequacy of the proposed formatting and restrictions for each type of document requested during the challenge is also subject to summary elimination of the referred.
- About intellectual property and confidentiality
11.1. Materials submitted by participants will be stored in the Roche database for the challenge “Making accuracy medicine true” but will remain the property of their authors. The registered content will be disclosed only to Roche and potentially to other evaluators and mentors indicated by it. However, as is customary in this type of challenge, despite the fact that those involved are experienced professionals (lawyers, businessmen, executives, investors, etc.) who understand the confidential nature of such material, no confidentiality terms will be required. In this way, the participant must agree and assume that any information sent is not protected. The registrant must adapt their material to present the necessary information without compromising information that jeopardize their Intellectual Property Protection strategy.
11.2. For startups who do not feel secure in presenting their technology / product / service, the option of signing a confidentiality agreement with Roche will be available. However, this must be requested at least 03 (three) weeks in advance of the deadline for registration of the challenge.
12.1. All decisions taken by Roche under the challenge “Making accuracy medicine real” will not be subject to appeal.
12.2. All official communication with the participants will be given exclusively and exclusively via the official online platform of the challenge “Making precision medicine real”, or by sending e-mails to the addresses registered in the online application form or during the steps the above mentioned prescriptions.
12.3. It is strictly forbidden to transmit, exchange or publish, through the website, any material that is obscene, defamatory or illegal, as well as texts or creations of third parties without the authorization of the author.
12.4. The platform may monitor the public areas of the site and may, mainly due to the denunciation of the content by other users of the site, remove any information and content that is published in disagreement with the terms of use of the site.
12.5. All projects / solutions submitted must adhere to the general theme of the challenge and at least one of the points indicated in solutions we are looking for available in ANNEX I of this regulation and on the website.
12.6. At any time, this challenge may be revoked or annulled, in whole or in part, and its schedule may be modified, without implying the right to indemnity or claim of any kind by any of the participants.
12.7. Failure to comply with the rules described in this document to carry out applications by the applicant startups will entitle Roche to disqualification.
12.8. As stated in the preamble, the challenge “Making Precision Medicine a Reality” is a contest of a purely cultural character, without being related to any type of lottery or payment, without being bound to the acquisition or use of any good, right or service, pursuant to article 3 of Law No. 5,768, dated December 20, 1971, regulated by Decree No. 70.951 of August 9, 1972.
12.9. Submission of entries for the challenge “Making Precision Medicine a Reality” sets the acceptance of the participating startups (and their respective entrepreneurs / representatives) of the terms of this regulation.
12.10 Omitted cases will be deliberated by Roche.
12.11 The challenge and the present regulation are governed by the laws of the Federative Republic of Brazil. The forum of the District of São Paulo of the State of São Paulo is hereby elected to resolve any questions regarding this regulation and / or the challenge.
ANNEX I – Description of the challenge and solutions sought by Roche
Roche Challenge for Startups – 2019
Making precision medicine a reality
The challenge
The health care industry
The more inaccurate a diagnosis, the less chance the patient can receive the appropriate treatment. This impacts not only the patient’s health, but the sustainability of the system as a whole. The reasons for this are diverse, ranging from the growing challenges in medical education, which need to absorb an increasing volume of knowledge, to the decentralization of data and information about patients and the lack of adequate resources and tools to support the clinical decision-making.
Through this challenge, Roche aims to find a better outcome for the patient, with solutions that allow the correct diagnosis within the shortest time possible, as well as the targeting of the most appropriate treatment for his case, thus contributing to the sustainability of the patient. health system.
We are looking for partner startups who share our vision and are working on this purpose.
Together we can build a better future.
Start your journey with Roche today applying here.
Solutions we seek
In order to be able to apply the challenge, your startup will have to have a solution that explores the theme of the challenge described, and that can be replicated in other markets outside Brazil.
Our focus is to find solutions that seek greater centralization of information; support the clinical staff in making the medical decision; ensure the adequate use of the resources involved in health, and enable quality medical education, with constant updating of the professionals involved.