Amazon Alexa challenge combines diabetes management, voice technology
The Alexa Diabetes Challenge, launched April 10, is searching for innovators to improve the capabilities of the Amazon Alexa voice-enabled device to assist users with type 2 diabetes. The multi-stage competition, sponsored by Merck & Co. and supported by Amazon Web Services, is offering $250,000 in total in prizes.
With over 27.5 million Americans living with type 2 diabetes, the challenge hopes to improve the self-management of the disease by using Alexa voice enabled technology and cloud technology. Up to five finalists will be chosen by a panel of expert judges in the fields of health tech innovation, Amazon voice technology, diabetes experience, data and ethics and healthcare funding.
Finalists will be awarded $25,000 and 10,000 Amazon Web Services credits before advancing into the Virtual Accelerator round. They will also participate in the Amazon Innovators’ Boot Camp to be mentored as they further develop their solutions. Following the Virtual Accelerator round, finalists will present their solution to judges where a winner will be awarded $125,000.
Submissions are currently open at alexadiabeteschallenge.com and will be accepted through May 22.
Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.