Challenge statement

How can we increase access to quality, person-centered care for underserved people living with Alzheimer’s disease?

Background

The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing — and growing fast. More than six million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s. As the size of the U.S. population age 65 and older continues to grow, so too will the number and proportion of Americans with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. By 2050, the number of people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s may grow to a projected 12.7 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease.1 Yet, people often face barriers to accessing quality care due to factors such as geography, language, insurance coverage and high costs of care and lack of transportation, to name a few.

Toward this goal, the Alzheimer’s Association® and MATTER are calling on innovators to submit their solutions to the second annual Alzheimer’s Association Pitch Competition. These solutions should address the need of increasing access to quality, person-centered care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease in all communities, especially historically underserved communities. Up to five finalists will be selected from the candidate pool to receive expert mentorship and exclusive resources to build their solutions and refine their value propositions, as well as pitch their solutions at a final showcase in March 2024.

Benefits of participation

This competition will provide participants access to mentorship, exclusive resources and interactive curriculum from subject matter experts to build their solutions and refine their value propositions. One winning solution will receive a $15,000 cash award, and two runners-up will each receive a $5,000 cash award.

Pitch competition participants should expect to:

  • Engage with other cutting-edge startups
  • Network with peers and leading influencers
  • Receive mentorship from industry leaders and subject matter experts to validate their solutions and refine their value propositions
  • Gain exposure to the Alzheimer’s Association and MATTER communities
  • Pitch to potential investors, partners and clients
  • First place startup will receive a free, six-month MATTER membership
  • Participate in person at the final showcase at MATTER in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Timeline

December 4, 2023: Applications open
January 19, 2024: Applications close
February 7, 2024: Cohort announced
February 12–March 22, 2024: Accelerator
March 19, 2024: Final showcase (in person in Chicago, Illinois)

Who should apply?

We’re seeking entrepreneurs who are developing a solution to increase access to quality, person-centered care for underserved people living with Alzheimer’s disease. This global call for solutions is open to individuals and teams from across the innovation ecosystem — from university researchers, students and entrepreneurs to existing startups of all stages. Solutions can range from early-stage concepts to marketed solutions.

See the Alzheimer’s Association Pitch Competition FAQs.

Selection criteria

Submissions will be evaluated with the following criteria in mind:

  • Ability to clearly articulate the challenge statement addressed in the pitch competition description
  • Quality, feasibility and scale of proposed solution or technology
  • Differentiation of solution within the competitive landscape
  • Capability of participant/team to develop and execute solution

Submission process

Applications will be open from December 4, 2023, until January 19, 2024, at 11:59pm CT. By February 7, 2024, the Alzheimer’s Association and MATTER will select and notify up to five teams to participate in the final showcase on March 19, 2024. Each participant will need to be in person at the showcase in Chicago, Illinois to participate.

See the full Terms and Conditions.

Sources

  1. 2023 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures,” Alzheimer’s Association, 2023.

About the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

About MATTER

At MATTER, we believe collaboration is the best way to improve healthcare. The MATTER collaborative includes more than 800 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together we are accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit matter.health and follow @MATTERhealth.