Bright minds from across industries can propose groundbreaking ideas, impactful projects, and transformative process improvements through the KRAFT Challenge 2025, which offers participants the chance to push the boundaries of innovation with the possibility of developing their ideas towards pre- or full commercialisation.
Apart from the opportunity to gain industry recognition by driving real-world advancements in patient care and hospital operations through winning ideas implemented within KPJ Healthcare, KRAFT Challenge 2025 participants also stand a chance to win a share of the RM137,000 prize pool.
The initiative is focused on driving real-world innovation across key areas such as technological advancements, patient care, digitalisation, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, operational efficiency, and community impact.
“If you have an idea that could redefine the future of healthcare, now is the time to bring it to life. Drive meaningful change and be rewarded for it,” KPJ Healthcare said in a statement.
Winners will be chosen from two categories: open and university/college students. The open category winner will take home RM35,000 while the university/college students category has a top prize of RM10,000. The runner-up and second runner-up in each category will also be awarded cash prizes, as will five consolation prize winners.
The KPJ Research and Innovation Centre will support selected submissions in both the pre-commercialisation and commercialisation stages.
Support in the pre-commercialisation stage includes access to research labs, testing facilities, and prototyping centres with grant sponsorship; access to technical experts and industry mentors; sponsorship for prototype development and testing; and funding for pilot studies and proof-of-concept trials.
Support in the commercialisation stage includes direct connections to venture capitalists, angel investors, and grant providers; acceleration programmes for go-to-market strategy; business matching with corporate partners and distributors; and legal advice on IP filing, licensing, and commercialisation agreements.
Project proposals can be submitted from March 1 to Sept 30, with pitching sessions for shortlisted participants scheduled for Oct 1 to 30. The finalists will be announced on Nov 1, with the winners to be revealed at the Malaysia International Healthcare Megatrends forum on Nov 25.
Each team may submit one proposal per category. Proposals must include a project title, the project’s objective, methodology, and expected outcomes. Projects must also reflect KPJ Healthcare’s core values of being committed, accountable, respectful, and excellent.
More information on the KRAFT Challenge 2025 can be found on its website.
The KRAFT Challenge 2025 was announced on Feb 13 at the launch of KPJ Healthcare’s Year of AInnovation to accelerate AI-driven advancements in healthcare.
The launch also saw KPJ Healthcare sign a memorandum of understanding with Angsana Health Sdn Bhd to introduce Melati, an AI-powered medical history-taking platform designed to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline consultations, and reduce patient waiting times.