Middle East Downstream Week

We are delighted to announce that this year’s Mobile Health conference will feature the first Start-Up LaunchPad. This is a platform for innovative start-ups to pitch their ideas to a panel of experts, investors and to the room full of Mobile Health 2011 high-level attendees. Winning companies will gain industry exposure.

Up to five start-ups will be selected from a number of applicants to participate and pitch their propositions, get quizzed on their products and be subject to the expert panel and industry’s vote.

We will be making the final selections by 19th September and announcing  the finalists to the press. After the final selection, we will carry out regular meetings with the finalists to help assist in the final presentation and if interested conduct ‘dry runs’ to help you refine your final pitch to the panellists and audience. Those picked will also be asked to make short video elevator pitches, to build even more interest in the session and educate people about your propositions ahead of time. (Please note: the finalists selected to present will be allowed to bring a partner to assist in demo-ing the product at the LaunchPad. Product/intro giveaways are acceptable but will have to be approved in advance).

The Rules

In establishing the rules for application for the Mobile Health LaunchPad, we ‘borrowed’ what we thought were the best ideas from a few technology associations and incubators from around London. For starters, it’s ok to break the rules. That’s what entrepreneurship is about. Just as long as you don’t break more than two of them.

1. More than just a concept. We are looking for companies that are beyond just the ‘concept phase’. There must be a demonstrable product and we will heavily favour those able to bring a technical as well as a commercial team member to help in the exhibition booth and show the company built on solid technology.

2. ‘Early Stage’ only. This is a LaunchPad...and as such we are looking for early stage companies. Broadly we are looking at those at prototype stage or who’ve launched in the last few months, and so haven’t gained significant media/investment attention...yet!

3. Ready to deploy capital. It is preferable but not required that the company or project must not have raised a large amount of money from institutional investors (small amounts from friends, family and mentors are ok, but the key word is ‘small’). Also, this is not a forum for established companies seeking later stage capital or strategic exits. ( This rule cannot be broken!)

4. A company not a product. This is a stage for new companies and entrepreneurs to gain attention and investment; it is not for established companies to launch new products or even divisions.

5. Totally committed. The fewer existing commitments you have, and the more you can do to prove that you are determined to execute the better.

6. Solid core team. Your team should ideally consist of at least 2 people (ideally 2-10 people but no limit on the maximum number).

7. Scalable Solution. We are looking for entrepreneurs with a unique perspective that are looking to take a scalable business solution to the next level.

8. English Speaking. While we are looking for solutions and businesses that span the globe, Mobile Health is an English speaking conference, hence English proficiency is required.

The submission process
1. Deadline for submissions: 29 August 2011
2. Please submit to andrea.monteiro@clarionevents.com an executive summary (no more than 2x A4 pages) that highlights the key proposition of the company, and includes a brief synopsis, description of the technology and successes to date.
3. Include information about the team, including background and CVs
4. Include further business development plans and business projections