Priority Digital Health Challenge 2025

The inaugural edition of the Challenge, the Priority Population Digital Health Challenge 2024, focused on solutions aimed at underserved populations, tackling key health inequities through digital health solutions. Delivered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) Healthcare, Cogniss and The Validitron, the challenge attracted an incredible lineup of innovators from around the world.

Read about the winners in our press release. The two winning teams gained access to an exclusive, complimentary programme that offers guidance and support through the accelerated creation, validation and deployment of a digital health solution. This included a rapid development bootcamp, co-design and usability services,  12-month access to the Cogniss no-code platform, access to The Validitron Sandbox and services.

Both winners have successfully created and launched their digital health apps.

Ruby Jackson’s app Melanatal has been making waves. Here is some recent coverage:

BBC | Article: Student creates app to improve care for black babies

Nursing Times | Article: Student midwife develops app to combat skin tone bias

Winning teams get access to a 12-month complimentary programme that includes:

• Kick-off and scoping workshops with partners to plan and tailor the programme for the winning teams

• Cogniss bootcamp to drive the rapid development of the digital health app

• Co-design and usability services from The Validitron, plus access to their virtual sandbox

• A 12-month license on the Cogniss no-code platform, starting on 1 August 2025

• Deployment and infrastructure support from AWS

• Featured on a Talking HealthTech podcast and other amplification activities from global partners

• 12 months’ free Talking HealthTech Solo Membership to grow your profile and network

The Challenge is designed to support patient and consumer-facing digital health solutions that drive direct health outcomes, rather than the operational and administrative side of digital health, such as booking systems and EMRs. These are the kind of digital health solutions that are suitable for the Challenge:

• Digital therapeutics and interventions

• Health education and informational products

• Remote patient monitoring solutions

• Assessment and diagnostic tools

• Diagnosis and treatment support tools

• Mental health support products including addiction treatment

• Decision support tools for clinicians

A strong application will focus on the core 2 to 3 features that will drive the health outcomes your app is looking to solve, rather than an exhaustive list of functionality and complex integrations. We are looking for projects that have a realistic pathway to successfully launching and being in the hands of users over a 12 month period.

Supporting documents are not mandatory and will not be a primary factor in shortlisting. However, you’re welcome to include supplementary materials, such as diagrams, frameworks, or a short pitch deck if they help clarify or strengthen your concept.

Yes, the Challenge was established to address priority health areas and populations so we actively encourage applications that look to address solutions for discrete patient cohorts.

Yes. Apps already in pilot or R&D stages are welcome. However, selected applicants will build their solution as a product on Cogniss. This allows teams to benefit from the platform’s scalability, ease of compliance and ecosystem support.

Yes. Applications from individuals are welcome. Whether applying as a team or a solo applicant, what matters is your ability to deliver and the strength of your support network. Researchers, clinicians, founders and experts from healthcare and social impact spaces are encouraged to apply.

No. The Challenge can be done alongside your normal day job. However, successful applicants should be able to demonstrate their commitment to the 12-month programme. For those working within a health system or larger organisation, it helps to show that your participation is supported internally and aligns with your current role or responsibilities.

One to two winners will be selected.

Yes. Strong ideas that need refinement are welcome. The organisers may reach out for clarification after reviewing your application. Applicants may email challenge@cogniss.com before applying to discuss suitability.

Yes. Cogniss supports integration with external data, content sources and other systems. However, what can be included within the scope of this programme depends on the specifics of the integration required. Applicants are encouraged to contact the team for technical scoping.

While not mandatory, having usability testing or a pilot in place will strengthen your application. The programme supports co-design and quick iteration. Participants will have access to simulation spaces and testing support through The Validitron to ensure early-stage user validation.

Yes, all apps built on Cogniss benefit from amplification through our App Marketplace, media exposure and access to health system and innovation networks. AWS and other partners also provide pathways and advisory support for innovators.

All intellectual property (IP) of the solutions developed on Cogniss, remains with the app creators.

Yes. The Challenge is open globally. In 2024, applications came from nearly every continent. International innovators are encouraged to apply.

If you have any other questions or would like to chat with us before applying, feel free to email us at challenge@cogniss.com.