On Wednesday, Tulsa became the stage for a home‑grown health‑tech showcase hosted by Saint Francis Health System. The event brought together local entrepreneurs, health‑care leaders and venture‑capital investors to spotlight innovative ideas aimed at tackling Oklahoma’s health‑care hurdles.
Prize distribution and winning concept
The competition awarded a total of $75,000 in prize money. Watkins‑Conti Products captured first place and a $40,000 award for its pioneering vaginal insert designed to prevent bladder leaks triggered by coughing, laughing or sneezing. The second‑place team earned $25,000, while the third‑place entrant received $10,000.
Local innovators step into the spotlight
Allison Watkins, founder of Watkins‑Conti Products, told FOX23, “I learned a ton today listening to all of the other amazing presenters and learning about the companies in Oklahoma. There’s a misconception that innovation in health care is on the coasts and that’s just not the case. We have amazing companies here in Oklahoma and I’m so proud to be a part of it.” Her remarks underscore a growing confidence that Oklahoma can produce world‑class health‑tech solutions.
Judges and the broader mission
The panel of judges, composed of seasoned health‑care executives and venture‑capital professionals, evaluated each pitch on criteria such as feasibility, market potential and the ability to address pressing health‑care needs in the state. The competition’s overarching goal is to translate abstract health‑care challenges into concrete, market‑ready innovations that improve patient outcomes and reduce costs for Oklahomans.
Implications for the local economy
By awarding cash prizes and providing exposure to investors, the Saint Francis Health System competition injects capital directly into the state’s burgeoning health‑tech sector. The event also fosters networking opportunities, encouraging collaboration between startups, established health providers and financiers. Such connections are vital for scaling promising technologies beyond the local market.
Looking ahead
Organizers indicated that future iterations of the showcase will continue to spotlight Oklahoma‑based innovators, reinforcing the state’s commitment to health‑care advancement. As more startups emerge with solutions tailored to regional needs, the partnership between health providers and entrepreneurs is expected to deepen, driving both economic growth and improved health outcomes for Oklahoma families.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
