Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening skin disease characterized by sudden painful flares of pus-filled blisters on large areas of the body. It may be accompanied by general symptoms such as fever, headache, extreme tiredness, or a burning sensation on the skin. GPP can sometimes be mistaken for plaque psoriasis, as 60%
of GPP patients have plaque psoriasis as a concomitant illness, but they are separate diseases.

GPP is not just a skin disease. Patients often experience the ongoing impact of GPP in their daily lives, even when they do not suffer from active flares. This can disrupt socialization and interactions with loved ones, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, GPP may have an effect on personal relationships.

Diagnosing GPP can be challenging as it can be mistaken for other pustular cutaneous diseases. Dermatologists play a crucial role in the diagnosis process, relying on their clinical experience to identify and differentiate the pustules. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific tool available to assist healthcare professionals (HCPs) in making diagnostic decisions for GPP.

Boehringer Ingelheim is dedicated to supporting individuals affected by rare cutaneous diseases and working towards improving their quality of life and accurate diagnosis.

Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) aims to find a digital solution which accelerates and facilitates GPP diagnosis based on pustules identification, GPP patient finding and distinction vs. plaque psoriasis and other pustular diseases.

In line with this commitment, Boehringer Ingelheim is actively pursuing a proof of concept for a digital solution that accelerates diagnosis of a cutaneous disease through an image-based solution. The goal is to provide healthcare professionals with a valuable tool to enhance the diagnostic process and improve patient outcomes.

Through a partnership with the Richi Foundation (Richi Entrepreneurs), Boehringer Ingelheim has initiated a call to identify, select, train, and mentor a startup. This program offers a two-week immersion program in Boston and a six-month mentorship opportunity.

The program is structured into three distinct phases to ensure comprehensive support and development for the selected startup:

Phase 1: Contest
The opening starts September 25th
The deadline for submitting applications is October 25 th, 2023.

Phase 2: Finalists selection
The jury for this initiative is composed of a dermatologist, the head of digital ideation and scouting in the Boehringer Ingelheim X digital Lab (part of Boehringer Ingelheim company), the senior international digital manager Boehringer Ingelheim Inflammation, the Specialty Care Franchise Head at Boehringer Ingelheim Spain, three business angels from the Boston Start Up ecosystem, and the vice-president of the Richi Foundation.

Eligibility Jury Criteria
25 points: Scientific or technological evidence of their technical approach.
15 points: Addressing a relevant global unmet need, significant market need, and industry interest.
10 points: Clearly defined intellectual property strategy with likelihood of obtaining a strong patent position.
25 points: Potential for financial return and global growth and scalability.
25 points: Entrepreneurial team's skills, passion, and impact on improving patients’ lives.

Phase 3: Final Competition
The finalists selected will have the opportunity to present their solution proposal to the jury during a virtual meeting scheduled for November the 2nd.
The winner of the initiative will be announced during this event.

The award if you are the winning start up:
The awarded startup will have the opportunity to embark on an exciting adventure to Boston on November 26th, where they will participate in the Richi Foundation acceleration program. This program entails a two-week immersive experience within the thriving Boston startup ecosystem.

The selected startup will have the opportunity to engage in online sessions with experts from the Boston life sciences ecosystem, as well as the BI and Richi Entrepreneur (RE) teams. These sessions will involve the following activities:
1. Startup Deep Presentation: During this 1.5-hour session, the startup will deliver an extended pitch, followed by feedback from the experts.
2. Specific Immersion Program Preparation Sessions: Prior to traveling to Boston for the Richi Entrepreneurs Boston Immersion Program, the startup will have dedicated 1.5- hour preparation sessions with each expert.

Additionally, the Richi Foundation will provide mentorship to the winner through a 6-month program.

Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey together?  
Apply to Boehringer Ingelheim Call for Startups | F6S . Don’t miss the chance.