Join the BBFH Challenge: Premier Healthcare Startup Competition

Delivered in collaboration with the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) through its MedTech Compass membership initiative, IDE Group’s BBFH Challenge offers a hands-on opportunity for Australia’s emerging innovators to navigate the journey from concept to commercialisation.

Applications close on 7^th September 2025

Delivered in collaboration with

Welcome to the Building Better Futures for Health Challenge.

The Building Better Futures for Health (BBFH) Challenge offers a unique opportunity for healthcare innovators to bring their visionary business ideas to life. Focused on driving innovation in the MedTech sector, the BBFH Challenge supports startups, medical professionals, researchers, and company executives with substantial backing and recognition. This healthcare startup competition aims to advance health technologies and medical devices, fostering breakthroughs in HeathTech and AI in healthcare. Participate in the BBFH Challenge to connect with leading investors and industry leaders and showcase your innovations globally.

Make it happen

Shape the Future of Healthcare and seize the opportunity to turn your visionary idea into reality.

Winners, selected by the esteemed BBFH judges, will receive $30,000 in services from IDE Group, with an additional $10,000 in services awarded to the recipient of the People’s Choice Award.

This year, winning teams will also be invited to join MedTech Compass, a strategic initiative led by MTAA to fast-track commercial success for high-potential ventures. Tailored for early-stage medical device and digital health companies, MedTech Compass offers expert support in regulation, reimbursement, investment, and market access.

Opportunity and Prizes

Shape the Future of Healthcare and seize the opportunity to win up to $40,000 in services to turn your visionary idea into a reality. The winners of the BBFH Challenge, a premier Healthcare Startup Competition, will be awarded $30,000 in IDE Group services. An additional $10,000 in services is reserved for the recipient of the People’s Choice Award. Showcase your Business Ideas in the Healthcare Industry and gain a Competitive Advantage with this incredible opportunity.

Key Dates 2025

28^th July

Entries open for applications

7^th September

Application entries close

22^nd September – 26^th September

Semi-Finalists announced

15^th October

Live Semi-Final Event, Finalists announced

22^nd October

Live Event and Winner(s) announced

BBFH Challengers

Who can apply?

Startups & Entrepreneurs

Innovators active in the Medtech space.

Company Executives & Managers

Seeking accelerated support for R&D projects.

Medical Professionals

With new device ideas based on field experience.

Researchers

Ready to commercialise medical technologies.

* BBFH Challenge 2025 is open to individuals and companies with an intent to develop and/or commercialise their MedTech innovation in Australia, such as through R&D, clinical trials or manufacturing activities.

Your Motivation

Why participate?

Feedback

Gather feedback on your business ideas from our team of MedTech design and entrepreneurship experts.

Guidance

Seek guidance from our commercialisation experts to help fast-track your idea in the healthcare industry.

Support

Gain support by pitching your idea to an influential panel of MedTech industry leaders.

Funding

Receive up to $40k worth of design, development, and commercialisation support from IDE Group, plus MTAA MedTech Compass membership.

Judges of previous editions

Clarity Pharmaceuticals

Dr Alan Taylor

Executive Chairperson

Atomo Diagnostics

John Kelly

CEO

ENT Care Sydney

Payal Mukherjee

Clinical Associate Professor

* The BBFH 2025 judging panel will be revealed at a later date.

BBFH Interview Series

Interviews with founders, professors, executives, and other leaders of the Australian startup community.

Our Impact

Building a start-up is hard. However, it takes more than funding to overcome hurdles and realise a business idea. That’s why the BBFH Challenge focuses on working together. It creates pathways for individuals to seek guidance, feedback, and support from industry experts in the healthcare sector. Participants can connect with the right people to help bring more innovative ideas to market that can make a difference in people’s health.

Hours of mentoring and guidance contributed by our community of medtech design and entrepreneurship experts

Invested in creating opportunities to collaborate and connect with industry influencers

Funding contributed to realising ideas that can make a difference to people’s health

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Additional funding rasied through working together to build better futures for health

FAQs

What is the BBFH Challenge?

The Building Better Futures for Health (BBFH) Challenge is a competition designed to support healthcare innovators by providing substantial support, resources, and recognition to help bring visionary medtech ideas to life. This healthcare startup competition aims to foster innovation and drive advancements in the healthcare industry.

What are the evaluation criteria for the BBFH Challenge?

Entries will be judged based on impact, novelty, and growth potential. Our judging committee consists of experts in medtech design, development, and commercialisation. They will evaluate the entries for their potential to revolutionise medical technology and improve healthcare outcomes.

What kind of support can participants expect from the BBFH Challenge?