FAQs

Loyola University Chicago Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health has partnered with MATTER to explore, source and engage digital and device-enabled solutions or services that address the challenge statement listed below:

• How might we empower communities with innovative solutions to address health disparities and climate change?

This challenge is open to all U.S.-based solutions, ideas and concepts that are free-standing or can be supplementary to existing businesses or organizations, including but not limited to public health solutions, digital technologies, tools or service programs that address the impact of climate change on population health.

Applications are accepted from 12:01am EST on August 2, 2022 through 11:59pm CST on September 25, 2022.

You can apply at our website at LUC.edu/Quest.

One application is allowed per team.

Up to 10 finalists will be selected to participate in the Live Pitch Demo Day. These finalists will pitch virtually or in person in the last week of October 2022, to a group of subject-matter expert judges. Competitors will be responsible for their own travel expenses.

We are planning for the Live Pitch Demo Day to be in person in Chicago, IL. However, the safety and health of our attendees are our top priority. We will continually monitor developments related to COVID-19, as well as local and national guidelines to ensure the health of the public. If needed, we will pivot to a fully virtual format. A portion of the event will be broadcast virtually for the public.

Up to USD $75,000 to be split among no more than three organizations. Up to three organizations will receive a six-month MATTER global membership.

To see a full list of terms and conditions, please visit the website at LUC.edu/Quest.

The non-dilutive prize money can be used for any aspect of product or company operations that helps advance the development of the solution.

Applicants are screened and evaluated by Loyola University Chicago Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health and MATTER. Finalists will be selected by a team of subject-matter experts.

Finalists will present either in person or virtually to a panel of independent judges at the demo day, anticipated to be held in person on October 27, 2022.

This competition is open to existing startups that have an established product-market fit to university students with an idea for a product, solution or service that fits within the competition scope.

UNMET NEED

• What is the strategic basis for the identified problem/gap or public health challenge (e.g., research conducted)?
• How is the public health challenge or effect of climate change specifically addressed?

IMPACT

• Does the innovation have the potential to improve population or public health outcomes, health care delivery, and/or health equity?
• What level of impact will the innovation make?
• What metrics will the organization use to measure and demonstrate this impact?

FEASIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY

• How is the innovation unique to the market or public health landscape?
• What is the feasibility of development and implementation into the marketplace or healthcare ecosystem (e.g., funding, regulations, testing requirements, etc.)?
• How capable is the team to execute the solution?

Please email loyola@matter.health.