FOSTERING A CULTURE DF INNOVATION
FOSUN LauncHES third edition of its Startup Acceleration Program protechting
New edition of the program is more international and brings together more strategic synergies in the fields of Healthtech, Insurtech and Fintech, with Luz Saúde reinforcing its involvement in the program and the German private bank Hauck & Aufhäuser integrating the competition for the first time.
Lisbon, February 28th, 2018 – Fosun launches the third edition of startup acceleration program – Protechting -, which aims to support the development of international projects that contribute to improve the protection of people in three strategic areas – Healthtech, Insurtech and Fintech.
Following the success of the previous editions, the third edition of this program, devoted to the promotion of international entrepreneurship, will present some innovations. Luz Saúde will reinforce its participation in the program, and the German private bank Hauck & Aufhäuser, owned by Fosun Group, will integrate this project for the first time, seeking to attract technological innovation for financial services through Fintech.
Set on the vision which defines entrepreneurship as an essential source of innovation for the construction of the societies of the future, Protechting program seeks to promote a culture that fosters and develops innovation, facilitating the access to important resources for the evolution and accomplishment of business ideas.
As a result of the first 2 editions of this Open Innovation incentive program, 6 startups (from 4 different countries) still maintain cooperation with Fidelidade Group and with Luz Saúde, contributing to the creation and implementation of innovative solutions.
Aiming to continue attracting more consistent startups to the program, this edition of Protechting will also have international scouting initiatives during the application phase, with partner entities and at entrepreneurship events specifically dedicated to Insurtech and Fintech, in London, São Paulo and Silicon Valley. The program will also be presented during Startup Europe Week, taking place in Brussels, between May the 5th and 9th.
Fosun Group will also promote the program in Macau, in partnership with the local Government, selecting the three best startups from the Macau – Hong Kong – Guangdong region to integrate Protechting’s bootcamp in Lisbon.
According to Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun “Protechting is a key project for Fosun’s international consolidation but also from a Corporate Social Responsibility perspective to support the development of an innovation ecosystem at a global level. We are delighted to join hands with three of our portfolio companies, Fidelidade, Hauck & Aufhäuser and Luz Saúde, in this program that supports who believes and works for a better future.”
Jorge Magalhães Correia, President of Fidelidade states “Protechting is already a referral program in the international scene. With the launch of its third edition, not only we reinforce the brand that we have been creating to support the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Portugal, but we also believe it is possible to incorporate the startups’ external and innovative vision and bring new horizons to Fidelidade Group that encourage a culture of innovation.”
For Isabel Vaz, CEO of Luz Saúde “Hospital da Luz Learning Health is a cornerstone of Protechting by ensuring and promoting connections between startups and healthcare professionals. Hospital da Luz Learning Health collaborates with startups to improve the concept, provides the clinical setting for product testing, and participates in the design and implementation of the clinical studies required to measure effectiveness, boosting startups growth and development. After the acceleration program, Hospital da Luz Learning Health continues to work closely with startups to create value for patients.”
According to Michael Bentlage, CEO of Hauck & Aufhäuser "We are very pleased to be invited to participate in this year's Protechting Program alongside Fosun, Fidelidade and Luz Saúde. For Hauck & Aufhäuser, this project not only offers a great opportunity to support young entrepreneurs, but also allows us to explore possible complements for our own business model."
The applications to Protechting’s third edition are available until April 30th. The selection phase will take place in May, and the pitch day that gives access to the Bootcamp will take place in the beginning of June.
The final three best projects of Protechting’s third edition will be awarded with a roadshow in China, gaining access to some of the world’s biggest investors, and might also benefit from a capital participation up to 350 thousand euros, or integrate their business within Fosun, Fidelidade, Luz Saúde and Hauck & Aufhäuser. The winner, with the best business project, will also be distinguished with a money prize of 10 thousand euros.
Increasingly positioned as an internationally renowned acceleration programme, the 1st edition of Protechting gathered a total of 133 startups, from 24 countries and the second edition attracted a total of 119 startups, from 33 countries.
On the Pitch day there were chosen 3 winning startups, Amiko, Bdeo e Visor.ai, which later went to China to participate in Protechting | Innostar, a very significant innovation competition promoted by Fosun Group together with the local Government of Ningbo, in China.
The final round of this international competition awarded Bdeo – one of the three winning startups of Protechting in Portugal, with the first place from 13 startups from China, United States, Spain, Italy and Portugal.
More information about Protechting Program at www.protechting.com
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About Fidelidade
Fidelidade is the leading market insurer in Portugal, both in life and non-life, with a market share of around 27.7%. The company is present in the various insurance business segments and benefits from the largest network in Portugal, with a presence in several countries, namely Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Spain, France and Macau. More information at www.fidelidade.pt
About Fosun International Limited
Fosun International Limited is a family-focused multinational company that has been listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (00656:HK) since 2007. Founded in 1992, Fosun's total assets exceed RMB500 billion (c.US$75 billion). With its roots in China, Fosun’s mission is to create customer-to-maker (C2M) ecosystems in health, happiness and wealth, providing high-quality products and services for families around the world. More information at www.fosun.com
