Boehringer Ingelheim Horizon HealthTech Startup Challenge

Partners

The Horizon HealthTech Startup Challenge is an open innovation initiative led by Boehringer Ingelheim Türkiye, bringing together startups, ecosystem partners, and healthcare innovators to address critical challenges in digital health.

Delivered in collaboration with Tenity, the program focuses on advancing next-generation solutions across predictive care, intelligent diagnostics, and connected patient management.

Apply

Connecting Health Innovators

The Boehringer Ingelheim Horizon HealthTech Startup Challenge is an innovation program designed to identify and support startups developing AI-powered, data-driven healthcare solutions. 

The program focuses on early detection, intelligent diagnostics, remote patient monitoring, and digital care orchestration across cardiometabolic diseases, rare diseases, radiology, and stroke care. 

Selected startups will present their solutions at the final Challenge Day in front of industry experts and stakeholders. 

Horizon HealthTech Startup Challenge | Focus Areas

Predictive Analytics & Holistic Patient Management

AI-Powered Early Detection & Risk Stratification: We are seeking ML algorithms and Risk Engines that integrate with Electronic Medical Record data to flag “silent” Chronic Kidney Disease and declining indicators in non-diabetic patients long before symptoms appear. 

Decision Support Systems: We seek startups that can aggregate disparate data streams—from lab results to imaging—into integrated clinical dashboards, moving beyond organ-based treatment toward an automated, evidence-based integrated care model. 

Digital Biomarkers & Remote Monitoring: We look for solutions utilizing wearables and IoT to track digital biomarkers (e.g., heart rate variability, sleep patterns) for predicting heart failure exacerbations and enabling proactive post-treatment follow-up. 

Smart Adherence & Quality of Life: Technology-driven interventions, including gamified platforms and “Nudge Theory” apps, designed to improve medication adherence, provide high-quality information access, and enhance the overall quality of life for chronic patients. 

Revolutionizing Early Detection and Integrated Care in Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic Diseases 

AI-Powered Early Detection & Risk Stratification: We are seeking ML algorithms and Risk Engines that integrate with Electronic Medical Record data to flag “silent” Chronic Kidney Disease and declining indicators in non-diabetic patients long before symptoms appear. 

Decision Support Systems: We seek startups that can aggregate disparate data streams—from lab results to imaging—into integrated clinical dashboards, moving beyond organ-based treatment toward an automated, evidence-based integrated care model. 

Digital Biomarkers & Remote Monitoring: We look for solutions utilizing wearables and IoT to track digital biomarkers (e.g., heart rate variability, sleep patterns) for predicting heart failure exacerbations and enabling proactive post-treatment follow-up. 

Smart Adherence & Quality of Life: Technology-driven interventions, including gamified platforms and “Nudge Theory” apps, designed to improve medication adherence, provide high-quality information access, and enhance the overall quality of life for chronic patients. 

Timeline

Applications Open

1 October, 2026

Online Meet-up

2 December, 2026

Applications Close

1 January, 2027

Startup Challenge Day

TBD

Requirements

Stage of Startup

  • Startups operating in the health, life sciences, digital health, or AI-driven healthcare space  
  • A ready product or validated solution is required (concept-only applications are not eligible)  
  • Startups with real-world deployment or pilot use cases are strongly preferred  

Sector Focus

  • Solutions aligned with one or more of the defined challenge areas:  
  • Cardiometabolic disease management  
  • Rare disease diagnostics and monitoring  
  • AI-powered radiology and imaging  
  • Telestroke and emergency care orchestration  

Market & Vision

  • Clearly defined target users (patients, healthcare professionals, providers, payers, or institutions)  
  • A well-articulated problem statement and value proposition 
  • Strong ambition to scale beyond a single use case and create measurable impact  

Program Commitment

  • Ability to participate in all key program touchpoints (online and in-person sessions) 
  • Mandatory participation in the Startup Challenge Event on 17 June 2026  
  • All presentations during the event must be delivered in English  
Legal & Ethical Considerations
  • Compliance with applicable healthcare regulations and legal framework
  • Commitment to data protection, privacy, transparency, and ethical innovation 

Meet the Team

Sabina Babayeva
Hub Lead | Tenity Istanbul Hub
LinkedIn
Hilal Gerçek
Hilal Gerçek
Program Manager
LinkedIn
Umur Karaçör
IT System Operation Executive, Boehringer Ingelheim Türkiye
LinkedIn
Barış Nurova
Digital Engagement Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim Türkiye
LinkedIn
Berk Ozantürk
IT Business Information Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim Türkiye
LinkedIn
Elif Şahin
Marketing Manager
LinkedIn

About Bohringer Ingelheim Türkiye

Global, research-driven company powered and inspired by the diversity of its people hailing from over 170 countries and representing countless cultures and backgrounds. 

We believe in the collective power of individuals in the tireless pursuit of science and solutions that are accessible to ever more people and their animals. Through this commitment, we bring hope, opportunity, relief, and joy to millions around the globe together building a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow. 

Transforming lives in healthcare since 1885, our partner brings together approximately 54,300 employees across 130 markets, creating value through innovation by infusing long-term, sustainable thinking into their Human Pharma and Animal Health units. 

We acknowledge the deep and complex ways in which the lives of humans and animals are interconnected, working on breakthrough therapies and co-creating solutions that help millions of people worldwide live longer, healthier lives. 

FAQs

What is the Horizon HealthTech Startup Challenge?

The Horizon HealthTech Startup Challenge is an innovation initiative led by Boehringer Ingelheim, designed to bring together startups developing cutting-edge digital health, AI, and data-driven healthcare solutions. 

The program focuses on addressing key healthcare challenges across cardiometabolic diseases, rare diseases, radiology, and stroke care through AI-powered early detection, clinical decision support systems, and remote monitoring technologies. 

The initiative follows a structured process including an Innovation Call, Scouting & Evaluation phase, and a final Challenge Day where selected startups present their solutions. 

Who can apply?

Startups operating in the health, life sciences, digital health, AI, or medical technology space are eligible to apply. 

Applicants must have: 

  • An established startup entity  
  • A ready product or validated solution  
  • A working prototype or real-world use case is strongly preferred 

How can I apply?

Eligible startups will beable to apply via the official application form. 

Until when can I apply?

The application deadline for the program is October 18th, 2026.

Can you share details about the pre-selection process?

The pre-selection phase will include a structured evaluation of all applications based on: 

  • Clinical relevance 
  • Technological maturity
  • Scalability of the solution  
  • Alignment with challenge themes  

Shortlisted startups will be invited to the final Challenge Day. 

How many startups will pitch on Challenge Day?

After evaluation, a selected group of startups (final number to be announced) will be invited to pitch at the Challenge Day.

All pitches will be delivered in English.

Who can I contact for more information?

For additional questions, please contact Hilal Gerçek Progra Manager at Tenity Istanbul, via hilal.gercek@tenity.com

Where health innovation moves forward