For example: Enhancing emotional journey and returning to daily activities Improving overall Quality of Life during and after breast cancer treatment: insomnia, fatigue, Chemo Induced Cognitive Dysfunction (CICD), Treatment-Related Sexual Dysfunction, lymphedema, etc.

Partners

In collaboration with

Breast Cancer Innovation Challenge & Pilot Program

We are looking for cutting edge solutions for breast cancer patients!

The Challenge is closed for submissions.
View winner and finalists below.

Partners

In collaboration with

Roche, Startup Nation Central & Sheba Medical Center are united by a shared vision: to harness the power of digital health solutions to drastically improve the lives of breast cancer patients.

Our goal is to enhance adherence and compliance, enable better disease management, and elevate the quality of life for patients, resulting in personalized care that drives better health outcomes.

The Winner

Winner

Notal Vision is a commercial stage patient-centric digital healthcare provider of remote monitoring services that extends age-related macular degeneration (AMD) monitoring from the clinic to the home, providing eye care professionals with remote diagnostic tools to support their patient care. With a proven approach to home-based, self-operated diagnostics, AI-enabled data analysis, and patient engagement services, Notal Vision helps to preserve patients’ vision long-term. The Home OCT pipeline platform developed at the company’s Tel Aviv Technology Center will support personalized treatment by monitoring disease activity and treatment response remotely reducing office visits burden on patients and caregivers and promote therapy adherence.

The Finalists

AEYE Health is a venture-backed digital health startup that develops AI algorithms for autonomous interpretation of fundus images for various ocular and systemic conditions. Its flagship product, AEYE DS is an FDA cleared algorithm for the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.

Its products put the power of retinal screenings in the hands of primary care physicians which enables early detection for the prevention of vision threatening complications.

BioT Medical, a leader in cloud-powered medical devices, has partnered with Zilia, a medical technology company specializing in non-invasive ocular biomarker measurement. This strategic alliance combines BioT’s expertise in connecting devices with healthcare systems and Zilia’s advanced ocular oximetry technology. Aimed at revolutionizing retinal disease management and patient care, the partnership focuses on early detection, personalized treatment, and continuous monitoring. By integrating spectroscopy, imaging, artificial intelligence, and seamless data communication, this collaboration seeks to enhance healthcare delivery, making it more efficient, accessible, and tailored to individual needs in the field of ophthalmology.

GistMD is an AI-based patient education and engagement platform that empowers patients and drives adherence along their care journey.

By providing personalized content and behavioral change tools, GistMD manages to achieve patient activation which leads to improved health outcomes. Personalization is achieved in multiple dimensions, such as Language, gender, age, culture, medical background, medication, behavioral and more.

GistMD is deployed in numerous healthcare centers and hospitals and showing evidence-based results of improved adherence, improved operational efficiency, reduced staff burnout, and improved patient satisfaction rates.

The CASMIP Laboratory at the School of Computer Science and Engineering, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the Hadassah University Medical Center have jointly developed a novel AI-based solution for the accurate diagnosis of Inherited Retinal Dystrophies based on optical images. The solution, based on novel methods for deep learning image processing, will assist in the early diagnosis of patients and in the screening prior to genetic testing. It will also support the diagnosis in locations where genetic testing is unavailable or is not routinely performed. The technology holds promise for the diagnosis of other types of retinal diseases.

XOLTAR develops AI companions that emulate the one-on-one interactions nurses have with patients, guiding individuals in maintaining the healthy habits necessary to manage their medical conditions. XOLTAR implements evidence-based protocols through free-guided conversations conducted over telehealth calls. These conversations are truthful, grounded, and aligned, yet provide a seamless and free-flowing patient experience. This staff augmentation solution enhances support teams with AI companions capable of acting as co-pilots. They replicate support protocols, connect to the CRM, and seamlessly extend the support staff, while generating unparalleled insights from the extensive video data produced during these conversations, all at an unlimited scale and with 24/7 accessibility at a marginal cost.

What Will You Gain From The Program?

Finalists

Access and exposure: connect with global Roche experts

Investment opportunities: Benefit from global promotion and communication by Startup Nation Central

Meet the experts: enjoy a special tour at Sheba Medical Center

Skill development: enhance your presentation skills with a dedicated session at Startup Nation Central

Real-life clinical pilot: implement a unique pilot at Sheba Medical Center, with a fast-track for submission to Helsinki Committee

Mentorship: comprehensive guidance from leading clinical and business development experts

50,000 NIS for pilot preparation

Budget of up to 200,000 NIS for conducting a pilot at the Breast Cancer Institute, Sheba Medical Center

Comprehensive guidance from leading clinical and business development experts

*Funding is VAT included; funding and mentorship package are subject to the program’s Official Rules.

Application is now closed Application is now closed

The Challenge

Roche for a Better Future seeks innovative digital health solutions that optimize the patient journey, leading to better adherence and compliance, improved treatment outcomes and more effective personalized care with better quality of life.

Areas of focus:

1. Adherence and Compliance

For example:

Patient treatment awareness and accessible information, including support for shared decision making
Patient adherence to treatment regimen and workup
Treatment management optimization
Digital Medication wallet
Management based on drug-drug Interactions

2. Monitoring and Proactive Communication

For example:

Remote monitoring systems: symptoms, wearables, test results, etc.
Integrated care management systems
Patient Reported Outcomes (PROMs) – collecting data directly from patients about their health status

3. Quality of Life

For example:

Enhancing emotional journey and returning to daily activities
Improving overall Quality of Life during and after breast cancer treatment: insomnia, fatigue, Chemo Induced Cognitive Dysfunction (CICD), Treatment-Related Sexual Dysfunction, lymphedema, etc.

3. Quality of Life

For example:

Enhancing emotional journey and returning to daily activities
Improving overall Quality of Life during and after breast cancer treatment: insomnia, fatigue, Chemo Induced Cognitive Dysfunction (CICD), Treatment-Related Sexual Dysfunction, lymphedema, etc.

Additional Considerations

We welcome solutions with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 and above. An advantage for startups in the process of obtaining regulatory approval, post regulatory approval or deployed in markets.

Solutions should be compatible for a pilot at Beilinson Hospital of Clalit Health Services.

Preference will be given to solutions addressing the first two areas of focus (i.e. Adherence and Compliance, Monitoring and Proactive Communication).

Good solutions will address at least one of these areas of focus, while great solutions will tackle more than one area of focus and support inter-connectivity standards.

We will prioritize technologies and digital health solutions that are able to integrate to the Electronic Medical Records (EMR), based on FHIR.

Timeline of the Challenge

1.9.25 TBD

Applications open

21.9.25

Applications close

12.11.25

Finalists notification

19.11.25

Finalists pitch to Advisory Committee

26.11.25

Global showcase event

Advisory Committee

Meet our team!

About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women worldwide, including in Israel, where it is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Over 5,000 women in Israel are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer annually, with approximately only 3% presenting with metastatic disease at diagnosis due to effective screening programs. Despite advances in treatment, approximately 1,000 women in Israel die from breast cancer each year.

The diagnosis of breast cancer involves a combination of imaging techniques and biopsy procedures to confirm the presence and subtype of the cancer. This journey is often complex and can take a significant amount of time, filled with feelings of anxiety and stress, as patients encounter numerous challenges along the way.

The disease is classified into three main biological subtypes: HER2-positive tumors that overexpress HER2 receptors; hormone receptor-positive cancers driven by estrogen and/or progesterone; and triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks all three receptor types. Treatment strategies are tailored to these biological characteristics and may be administered intravenously or subcutaneously in medical centers, or orally at a patient’s home. Treatment decisions for breast cancer are made in a multidisciplinary manner, involving oncology specialists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals.

Recent advances in breast cancer care reflect a shift towards personalized medicine, with genomic testing enabling more precise risk assessment and treatment planning. Molecular profiling helps identify specific mutations that can be targeted with precision therapies. This personalized approach has revolutionized breast cancer management, resulting in improved outcomes, more rational use of therapies, and enhanced quality of life for patients.

Digital health innovations are increasingly important in supporting breast cancer patients throughout their journey, facilitating remote monitoring, improving treatment adherence, enabling more personalized care approaches and enhancing quality of life. These technologies have the potential to transform breast cancer management, particularly in underserved areas, leading to better outcomes, reduced healthcare burdens, and improved patient well-being

Partners

In Collaboration with

FAQ

What is "Roche for a Better Future: Breast Cancer Innovation Challenge & Pilot Program"?

The Roche for a Better Future Breast Cancer Innovation Challenge & Pilot Program is a groundbreaking platform that offers an exclusive opportunity for one selected startup to run a medical pilot, funded by the program according to our Official Rules.

This pilot will enable you to validate your solution in a real-world healthcare setting, collaborate with leading clinical partners, and gain meaningful insights. In addition, you will receive a comprehensive mentorship package, a fast-track for submission to the Helsinki Committee and global exposure.

We are looking for digital health solutions that will significantly improve breast cancer patients’ lives and support their caregivers by enhancing adherence and compliance, enabling better disease management, and elevating the quality of life for patients.

Does Roche take equity/invest in the participating startups?

This challenge is not equity nor investment focused.

Which startups/solutions can apply to the competition?

Privately held companies formed and registered under the laws of Israel with a company ID (חפ), or technology transfer offices/entities of non-profit and/or governmental entities (such as universities, Medical Centers and sick funds) (“TTO/s”), which develop a project/solution as defined by the Challenge.

We welcome solutions with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 and above.

In what language will the program be conducted?

English will be the official language.

Where will the program take place?

The challenge will have both online and physical/hybrid presence, which will be communicated in advance.

Who needs to attend?

For the meeting with the Advisory Committee, one person will be required to pitch the startup and solution. It is important to have a team member that can address all questions from the Advisory Committee members.

For the mentoring meetings, we advise at least two team members of your startup, one business-oriented and another more tech-oriented to be able to cover all types of conversations in the 1-on-1 sessions.

If my startup is selected as a finalist, what are the next steps?

If your startup is selected as a finalist, you’ll be invited to:

A complimentary pitch training and camera workshop preparation sessions prior to the final event
A pitch meeting with the Advisory Committee that will take place at Startup Nation Central offices, 28 Lilienblum, Tel-Aviv (19.11.2025 16:30-20:30 Israel Time). In person attendance is a must.
A Pitch before a local & global audience, as part of a hybrid final event that will take place at Start-Up Nation Central HQ, 28 Lilienblum, Tel-Aviv (26.11.2025, 17:00-19:30 Israel Time). In person attendance is a must.
A special tour at Sheba Medical Center.

If my startup is selected as the winner, what are the next steps?

If your startup is the winner, you will have the opportunity to implement a one-of-a-kind real-life pilot in Sheba Medical Center, with a fast track for submission to the Helsinki Committee.

You will receive 50,000 NIS for piloting preparation, and you will be able to conduct a pilot at the Breast Cancer Institute, Sheba Medical Center, with a budget of up to 200,000 NIS.

In addition, you will receive a comprehensive mentorship package, by leading experts from the clinical and business development worlds including:

5 mentorship hours with a medical expert from the Breast Cancer Institute, Sheba Medical Center
5 additional mentorship hours with experts from Sheba Medical Center, including a fast track for submission to the Helsinki Committee
2 mentorship hours with Dr. Irit Yaniv, Co-founder and CEO, Almeda Ventures.

What are the selection criteria?

The selection process will be managed by the challenge team and an Advisory Committee consisting of breast cancer medical experts, and representatives of Sheba Medical Center, Roche global team, and venture capital.

The Committee will be focusing on the quality of your founding team, interest area fit, runway, does your solution address a real need, maturity and timeline, novelty & effectiveness and general impression, and the compatibility of the pilot to be performed at Sheba Medical Center.

Can I apply with more than one startup?

Yes, definitely. You can apply with as many solutions you believe would fit and benefit the program. Each startup will require its own application.

Breast Cancer Innovation Challenge & Pilot Program