Submissions should focus on new solutions, beyond therapy, that help address either challenges faced by people with MS in their daily lives or an unmet need that could potentially improve outcomes and experiences for both people with the disease and their support partners.
CHALLENGE TIMELINE
ABOUT THE SUMMIT AND AWARD
The Innovation Challenge is open to Patient Entrepreneurs – those who have been affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) as either a patient themselves or as a support partner for a loved one – whose companies are helping develop solutions to address an unmet need in MS. The goal of the initiative is to seek new solutions, beyond therapy, to help address either challenges faced by people with MS in their daily lives or an unmet need that could potentially improve outcomes and experiences for people affected by the disease.
In March 2021, Lyfebulb and Bristol Myers Squibb will host the Summit virtually. An expert panel of judges comprised of healthcare industry, medical and patient leaders will award a $25,000 monetary grant to the most innovative, impactful business.
Beyond presenting their innovative ventures to this group for a monetary grant, the finalists will have the opportunity to exchange ideas on how to further advance patient innovation in the MS community; engage with Lyfebulb founders, Bristol Myers Squibb leadership, representatives from the patient community, key opinion leaders and potential investors; and share insights with each other.
The Lyfebulb-Bristol Myers Squibb Innovation Challenge stems from the idea of the Lyfebulb Entrepreneur Circle, established in 2015, and features individuals who have created a product and a company based on the issues encountered due to their personal experiences with a chronic illness (through their own diagnosis or that of a loved one).

JUDGING CRITERIA
The judging panel will assess the following:
Unmet Need
- What is the strategic basis for the identified problem/gap (e.g., research conducted)?
- How is the problem/gap being specifically addressed?
IMPACT
- Does the innovation have the potential to improve the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis?
- How great of an impact (market impact and patient impact) will the innovation make and how will it be measured?
Market Feasibility
- How is the product or service unique to the market?
- What is the feasibility of development and implementation into the marketplace (e.g., funding, regulations, requirements for testing)?
APPLY FOR THE INNOVATION CHALLENGE
November
2
Applications for The Lyfebulb-Bristol Myers Squibb Innovation Challenge: Addressing Unmet Needs in MS open November 2, 2020
Email us with any questions: contact@lyfebulb.com
DECEMBER
9
Applications open through Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at 11:59 PM EDT
$25
THOUSAND
One entrepreneur will be awarded the 2021 Lyfebulb-Bristol Myers Squibb Innovation Award, including a $25,000 monetary grant to grow their company
MS
PATIENT ENTREPRENEUR
Applicants must be a Patient Entrepreneur (someone who has been affected by MS either as a patient or support partner for a loved one)