Frequently Asked Questions
Explore answers to frequently asked questions about the Henry Ford Innovations: Women Entrepreneurs Challenge.
- Do I need to have an established business to apply?
- What is the grand prize?
- Can only companies in the United States apply?
- When are applications due?
- Should I provide confidential/proprietary information on the application?
- What is my application being judged on?
- When will I be notified if I have moved on to the next round and how?
- Is there any cost to apply?
- Why work with Henry Ford Health?
Do I need to have an established business to apply?
No, we welcome all aspiring female entrepreneurs and innovators.
What is the grand prize?
The winning solution will have access to Henry Ford clinical and administrative subject matter experts, access to Henry Ford Innovations commercialization support, networks, and dedicated office space in the Innovation Institute for six months. The winner will also receive a $10,000 cash grand prize for the development of their concept.
Can only companies in the United States apply?
No, we are accepting applications from all around the world. However, in order to win the competition, you must be either located in Southeast Michigan or plan to headquater your business in Southeast Michigan for at least one year. See our Contest Rules page for more information.
When are applications due?
Application submissions are due December 1, 2021.
Should I provide confidential/proprietary information on the application?
No, please do not include confidential information on the application. See Contest Rules for more information.
What is my application being judged on?
Applications will be judged on a number of areas including, but not limited to:
- Innovation and novelty of submission
- Clinical impact
- Cost impact
- User appeal and potential for widespread adoption and scale
- Degree of development
- Usability and design
When will I be notified if I have moved onto the next round and how?
Please see the Challenge Timeline page for the full schedule. All applicants will be notified of their standing via email from Henry Ford Health.
Is there any cost to apply?
No, the application is free of cost.
Why work with Henry Ford Health?
For over 100 years, Henry Ford Health has been a leader in high quality healthcare delivery and innovation. As a fully-integrated health system (including a wholly-owned payer) with 7 hospitals and over 120 ambulatory care sites, Henry Ford Health offers numerous resources such as access to lab space, data, and subject matter experts across a range of health areas that can be used in co-developing technologies.
