Aspen Advisors Principal Guy Scalzi Selected as Judge for International Competition for Viable Health Solutions
Aspen leader part of an elite panel of judges for New Zealand’s Focus on Health Challenge to introduce the country’s most commercially viable health solutions into the U.S. healthcare market.
Denver, CO, May 19, 2010 – Aspen Advisors, a U.S.-based global healthcare consulting firm, announced today that Guy Scalzi, one of the firm’s principals, was part of an international panel of judges for the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s inaugural Focus on Health Challenge. The purpose of the 2010 competition was to introduce New Zealand’s most innovative and commercially viable health solutions into the U.S. healthcare system. The 12-month program was designed to stimulate new product development, innovation, commercialization, and collaboration within New Zealand’s healthcare industry.
The panel of judges for the inaugural competition was responsible for selecting semi-finalists and finalists whose entries had the greatest prospect for commercial success in the U.S. The panel was comprised of U.S. and New Zealand based leaders and entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector including:
- Dr. John Halamka MD, MS (United States), the Chief Information Officer of CareGroup Health System as well as Chief Information Officer and Dean for Technology at Harvard Medical School;
- Jay Srini (United States), the Chief Innovation Officer for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Insurance Services Division;
- David Clarke (New Zealand), the Director at Cranleigh Merchant Bankers, providing investment advice and corporate finance services to a range of sectors and industries;
- G. Steven Burrill (United States), the CEO of Burrill & Company, a life sciences firm focused exclusively on companies involved in human healthcare, agricultural and industrial biotechnology and biofuels;
- Dion Madsen (United States), the Managing Director of Physic Ventures, which provides capital and support to entrepreneurs focused on building exceptional science-based, consumer-directed health and sustainable living companies; and
- Guy Scalzi (United States), a Principal with Aspen Advisors, a professional services firm that works with healthcare organizations to optimize the value of their information technology.
“The U.S. healthcare market continues to look for solutions that will reduce costs and improve quality of care and health outcomes,” said Guy Scalzi, Principal at Aspen Advisors. “As we evaluated the market potential of the entries, I was particularly looking for contenders that were not trying to change the whole market but rather those with practical solutions that could have a real impact in a niche of the U.S. market.”
From 104 entries received, 20 semi-finalists were selected to present their products to the international panel of judges. Nine finalists were then selected to participate in a comprehensive six month ‘market readiness’ program to help them prepare for the U.S. market. The program included expert mentoring, a workshop with a U.S.-based entrepreneur and angel investment expert, a range of professional services, and a roadshow in the U.S. in May 2010 where the finalists met with potential business partners, investors, and end users of their innovative health solutions including the likes of Kaiser Permanente and Harvard Medical School.
A ready-to-use tissue substitute for wound care and soft tissue reconstruction developed by Mesynthes Ltd. was the winner of the 2010 Focus on Health business development competition.
About Aspen Advisors:
Aspen Advisors is a professional services firm with a rich mix of respected industry veterans and rising stars who are united by a commitment to excellence and ongoing dedication to healthcare. We work with healthcare organizations to optimize the value of their information technology investments. Our experienced team is highly skilled in all aspects of healthcare technology. We understand the complexities of healthcare operational processes, the vendor landscape, the political realities, and the importance of projects that are executed successfully – the first time. Every client is important to us, and every project is critical to our reputation. Established in 2006, the firm has grown significantly year over year. Our hallmarks are top quality service and satisfied clients; we’re proud that each past and current client is 100% referenceable. Learn more at http://www.aspenadvisors.net.
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