GSK and r/ga Ventures Launch Health Studio for Startups

GSK Next Launches Re/Wire Health Studio for Early-Stage Startups

GSK Next, the innovation division of GSK Consumer Healthcare, has announced the launch of a new mentorship and business acceleration program. The initiative, known as the Re/Wire Health Studio, will ultimately select six startups to participate in a nine-week program offering mentorship, business development support, and financial grants.

Program Focus: Everyday Health

The Re/Wire Health Studio is specifically geared towards growth-stage and early-stage companies concentrating on “everyday health” solutions. This encompasses products designed to detect chronic health issues, encourage preventative care, or assist individuals in managing existing conditions.

The studio’s efforts will be concentrated on three key areas within the broader scope of “everyday health”: oral health, mental wellbeing, and women’s health.

Application Details and Timeline

Startups globally are eligible to apply, however, a viable minimum product ready for launch in the U.S. market, or a plan for in-market development, is required. The application deadline is September 20, 2021, with the selected cohort to be revealed in October.

This project represents a collaboration between GSK and R/GA Ventures, with R/GA Ventures serving as the Studio’s operational partner and assisting in the selection process.

Insights from Nick Tate, GSK Next

TechCrunch interviewed Nick Tate, Vice President of Global Digital Innovation at GSK Consumer Healthcare and head of GSK Next, to discuss the qualities sought in startups, the benefits of program participation, and areas of particular interest.

The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

What GSK is Looking for in Applicants

TechCrunch: To begin, could you elaborate on the key characteristics you’re seeking in applicants to the GSK Re/Wire Health Studio? What are the two or three most important factors?

Tate: GSK Consumer Healthcare holds significant ambitions regarding our consumers, the scientific advancements we aim to achieve, and the solutions we strive to deliver. A primary attribute we seek is a genuine ambition to create a substantial, positive impact on the world, coupled with a team that embodies that energy.

Drive and enthusiasm are crucial. Equally important is technical proficiency. We are looking for companies prepared to launch a service or platform in the U.S. with a minimum viable product already available.

The purpose of this is to assess how we can genuinely contribute value and ensure these solutions can thrive and positively influence everyday health.

Essential Skills in Leadership

TechCrunch: What combination of hard and soft skills do you prioritize in a leadership team?

Tate: We value individuals who possess a unique blend of ambition and pragmatism. We want to see excitement about their proposition, but also an understanding of the challenges inherent in building a startup. A data-driven approach to evaluating their ideas is essential.

Crucially, the consumer experience must be central to their work. Integrating ‘care’ into everyday healthcare is paramount to developing solutions that make a real difference now and in the future.

Benefits of Program Participation

TechCrunch: What are the two or three key benefits you hope participating companies will gain?

Tate: I want them to develop a clear understanding of what it takes to scale and what that truly entails. GSK is uniquely positioned to offer insights into the complexities of expanding a proposition globally.

I also hope they will gain a deeper understanding of their own business, their business model, and the factors critical to success in the market.

The past 18 months have demonstrated the power of effective partnerships. I am eager to leverage this understanding to help startups achieve global reach through GSK.

The Roles of GSK and R/GA Ventures

TechCrunch: What specific strengths does GSK and R/GA Ventures each bring to the Re/Wire Health Studio?

Tate: GSK brings expertise in navigating the dynamic landscape of everyday health, including manufacturing, regulatory compliance, outcome-focused design, and, of course, scientific rigor – a cornerstone of our reputation.

These are considerations businesses will need to address eventually, but often lack the immediate capacity to handle. These are core competencies that GSK utilizes daily with our established brands, and we believe they are vital for startups.

R/GA contributes its “creative capital” – a team of award-winning strategists, technologists, designers, and consultants. They recognize that a business is more than just a brand, and a product is more than a single interaction.

Focus Areas: Oral Care, Mental Resilience, and Women’s Health

TechCrunch: Could you elaborate on why Re/Wire Health Studio is particularly interested in propositions related to oral care, mental resilience, and women’s health? What led to the selection of these three areas?

Tate: We believe we can offer significant expertise in these areas, and we recognize them as representing substantial unmet needs with the potential to significantly improve people’s everyday health.

These areas address diverse consumer challenges globally and will be enhanced by better data, insights, and human-centered solutions.

Impressive Pitches and Propositions

TechCrunch: Can you share an example of a pitch or proposition that recently impressed you? What made it stand out?

Tate: I am most impressed when entrepreneurs fundamentally reimagine an existing proposition or pursue exceptionally ambitious endeavors.

I am inspired by individuals with a clear purpose, unwavering drive, and the courage to attempt something truly groundbreaking.

What excites me about everyday health is its fundamental importance – something we often take for granted. Ultimately, people rarely regret not having a more luxurious lifestyle, but they often wish they had prioritized their health.

Therefore, when I encounter startups dedicated to solving these problems for people worldwide, I am genuinely enthusiastic about collaborating with them.