Startup Prize: Focus on Health brings 41 startups to Shreveport

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — The Prize Foundation’s national competition for health startups, Startup Prize: Focus on Health, held its largest in-person Qualifying Event in Shreveport.

With assistance from Louisiana Economic Development, 41 health startups from 15 states converged on Shreveport for three days of mentorship, networking, and support.

Gregory Kallenberg, Executive Director of the Prize Foundation, said, “It’s been amazing watching this event grow into one of the country’s preeminent health-focused entrepreneur events.”

Founders connected with investors, experts, and industry leaders to focus on connecting with people and resources that can help overcome barriers and build momentum. The competition also serves to connect investors with already vetted companies.

Startups compete in FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and non-FDA tracks based on whether their company will require FDA regulation to get to market. No fees are charged; all support is designed to help the startups thrive.

Five companies, announced in late July, will return to Shreveport as finalists for the Startup Prize Final in late August. Each company will present its concept to an Investor-Judge panel and answer questions to determine how feasible the business is. One winner in each track will receive a $10,000 cash grand prize, and judges will have the option to directly invest in any startup they choose.