MATTER teams up with Cigna to launch innovation challenge focused on transformational diabetes solutions

Sourcing solutions that improve disease management while recognizing social determinants of health for people living with diabetes

Denver, CO and Chicago, IL, August 3, 2021 — MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub and Cigna, a global health services company, have opened applications for the 2021 Cigna Innovation Challenge. The challenge will source solutions that help people living with diabetes and their caregivers manage their disease while mitigating environmental factors that contribute to disease prevalence and progression.

“The need to improve diabetes management, especially in communities of color, is urgent and deeply important,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “This innovation challenge gives entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to work hand-in-hand with one of the largest insurance companies in the world to further develop their solutions. Together we have a real opportunity to accelerate change that will improve the lives of people living with diabetes.”

“The need to improve diabetes management, especially in communities of color, is urgent and deeply important.” – Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER

One of the main challenges for people living with diabetes is consistent disease management through diet, exercise, monitoring or supportive interventions.

“Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate, and particularly with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, we know that meaningful interventions can lead to a lifetime of better outcomes. At the same time, we recognize that there is a disproportionate occurrence of the disease in communities of color and many social determinants of health that affect diabetes progression,” said Shawna Dodds, Product Managing Director, Cigna. “This innovation challenge is aimed at finding solutions and partnering with innovators to make positive, transformational changes in how we support people living with diabetes.”

“Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate, and particularly with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, we know that meaningful interventions can lead to a lifetime of better outcomes.” – Shawna Dodds, product managing director, Cigna

After the submission deadline, eight to 12 semi-finalists will be chosen to take part in an incubation phase where they will engage with Cigna experts and MATTER mentors. The incubation phase will culminate in a virtual pitch day on October 21, where semi-finalists will present their solutions to a panel of experts and the MATTER community. Following the event, three to five finalists will be selected to progress to the accelerator phase where they will have the opportunity to develop and pitch their pilot proposal. Three startups will receive a $10,000 award from Cigna.

Interested companies can learn more and apply by visiting the challenge website. Applications are due by September 8, 2021 at 11:59pm CST.

About MATTER

At MATTER, we believe collaboration is the best way to improve healthcare. The MATTER collaborative includes more than 300 cutting-edge 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.