Bupa has introduced the 2024 eco-Disruptive program, designed to provide funding and support to start-ups in Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.
The initiative aims to develop innovative solutions that enhance societal health and sustainability, as well as improve access to quality healthcare.
Start-ups selected for the program will receive an initial funding of £25,000 (or local currency equivalent). Additionally, they will have the opportunity to compete for a global prize of £200,000 (or local currency equivalent) in Bupa’s eco-Disruptive competition.
Roger Sharp, chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer at Bupa Asia Pacific, highlighted the program’s achievements since its inception in 2021, noting that it has supported 18 environmentally focused start-ups across the region, including Airseed, Cassava Bags Australia, and Clearbot.
“This year, we feel the time is right for a wider focus, to a program that not only brings opportunities for innovation and sustainability but also to engage start-ups that are focused on creating healthy societies through the themes of inclusive health, supporting disability, and illness prevention,” he said. “By focusing on these areas, we can help improve people’s access to healthcare, when they need it. By doing so, we can also help prevent the need for more significant health care in the future which in turn reduces the impact of the health sector on the environment.”
Bupa said its eco-Disruptive program aligns with its commitment to fostering relationships with the start-up community in Asia Pacific. The initiative highlights the recent establishment of Bupa Ventures, which backs early-stage start-ups in predictive and preventative healthcare, genomics, home care and remote monitoring.
“Working with start-ups, and embracing new ways of thinking, are an important part of Bupa’s strategy, because the health challenges facing our communities are vast, complicated and require us to innovate and move at speed,” Sharp said. “We believe we can support a start-ups inherent agility and creativity with scale, access to global insights and our market presence across 5 continents. We are really excited to see what our teams and start-ups are able to develop and bring to market.”
The 2024 eco-Disruptive program is now accepting expressions of interest from start-ups in Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. Applications close on Sept. 2.
