PHA Introduces End Childhood Obesity Innovation Challenge
The Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), which works with the private sector and honorary chair Michelle Obama to end the childhood obesity crisis within a generation, is inviting anyone with a great idea for how eradicate this pressing public health issue to enter the End Childhood Obesity Innovation Challenge. The winning idea will receive $10,000 for funding, as well as expert financial, business and marketing advice to turn concept into reality.
In addition to funding and advice, the winner will also get a chance to pitch his or her idea for potential coverage by Fortune magazine. Acting as advisors will be senior leaders at StartUp Health, which is dedicated to helping health care startups succeed; global marketing and communications company Edelman; and worldwide consultant firm McKinsey & Co.
The challenge will solicit ideas from people across the country, score them and then let America vote to decide the three finalists, who will win a trip to Washington, D.C., where they’ll present their ideas before a panel of judges and all attendees at the PHA’s Building a Healthier Future Summit, scheduled to take place March 6-8, 2013.
“Childhood obesity is a societal problem, a health problem, an economic problem -- even a national security problem,” explained said Larry Soler, president and CEO of Washington-based PHA. “Our work with the private sector is critical, but we know that great ideas can come from anywhere. We are all in this fight together, working to end the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. This challenge seeks to get ideas -- not business plans -- from as many people as possible and focus the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and ingenuity of Americans on building a healthier future for our kids.”
Applicants must create a video that details their idea in two minutes and 30 seconds or under, explaining why their solution is the best for combating childhood obesity, and to be available to travel to Washington at the designated time if their idea is one of three finalists.
The deadline for applications is noon (Eastern) on Friday, Nov. 16. A review committee will narrow down the field to up to 10 submissions. These top videos will be featured on the official End Childhood Obesity Innovation Challenge website, where the public will vote for their favorite. The three finalists will be revealed in January 2013.
More information is available on Facebook.
In 2010, nonpartisan, nonprofit PHA was created in conjunction with -- but independent from -- First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” initiative.