MatchPlay Challenge Announces Selection and Launch of Inaugural Cohort

BALTIMORE - April 9, 2024 - PRLog -- The MatchPlay Group, in collaboration with the OpenTreatments Foundation, proudly unveils the commencement of its MatchPlay Challenge. This pioneering program seeks to reinvent the way pain is measured, particularly benefiting those with limited ability to communicate their pain.

Chronic pain affects 20% of adults worldwide, affecting quality of life and productivity. Opioids have been the primary treatment for acute pain, but misuse, addiction, and overdose have led to a public health crisis. The challenge is to address this need by shifting towards non-pharmacological and multimodal approaches, driven by advancements in medical technology, digital health, and wearable devices.

Spanning three months, the MatchPlay Challenge is a beacon of innovation, focusing initially on the development of technologies for accurate pain assessment. It provides participants with access to crucial resources, mentorship, and training in both product development and business strategy.

This initiative not only aims to address a significant gap in pain management but also offers participants the chance to secure investment for the further development and commercialization of their solutions.

"We are thrilled to witness the incredible dedication and innovation of the entrepreneurs we are supporting through this initiative. We are assisting advancements that promise to revolutionize how we measure, understand, and address pain, both chronic and acute," said Fernando Moreno, Program Director of the MatchPlay Challenge. "The creativity of the companies we are working with is remarkable. Their devices and tools are designed to eliminate self-reporting biases, delivering actionable insights for both medical professionals and caregivers alike."

Selected Participants:

• Alivio Technologies, Inc.: Comprehensive pain relief system comprising a mobile app and wearable device, offering insights into pain management based on environmental factors.
• CereVu Medical, Inc.: Novel approach to pain assessment with a wearable device and app that utilize optical spectrometry to analyze brain activity for objective pain measurement.
• Kipuwex: Medical device that tracks multiple physiological parameters wirelessly for objective pain assessment across a broad demographic, including those unable to communicate their pain.
• Patient Premier, Inc.: Mobile app and service that utilizes machine learning to translate survey data into objective pain measurements, removing self-reporting bias from the equation.
• Relive: Medical device that utilizes real-time brain activity with various physiological sensors to support a deep statistical analysis to accurately measure pain levels, promising to revolutionize pain management practices.

For more information about this Challenge, please visit our website.

About MatchPlay Group:
MatchPlay is a structured startup community that provides clear milestones, strategic partners, and tailored tools for startup success, removing uncertainty in founders' journeys.

About OpenTreatments Foundation:
The OpenTreatments Foundation is a non-profit organization focusing on enhancing the lives of patients with rare and genetic diseases by supporting the development and deployment of digital technologies.