Ohio opioid tech challenge hits second stage

The second phase of the Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge, a three-part, $8 million initiative funded through the state’s Third Frontier program, is now underway. This portion of the project, dubbed the Challenge Phase, will focus on accelerating development of technology-based solutions in four areas:

• Diagnosing: Identifying individuals at high risk of addiction or overdose
• Prevention: Eliminating or reducing urges, cravings or symptoms of withdrawal
• Connecting: Providing immediate and extended access to help for relapse or overdose intervention
• Protection: Protecting first responders and medical professionals from inadvertent exposure to toxic opioid levels

The state of Ohio welcomes applications from business and innovation community leaders from around the world. Responses for the Challenge Phase, which are due at 5 p.m. ET on July 11, can be submitted at opioidtechchallenge.com.

Up to 12 semifinalists will be announced in September, and each will receive $200,000 to advance their solutions and be eligible to compete in the final phase of the program, the Product Phase, to develop their technology for market entry.

In the first phase of the Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge, hundreds ideas for addressing the opioid epidemic were submitted by researchers, caregivers, services providers and others outside the addiction treatment industry in nine countries. Five winning entries were selected in January.