The Ohio Third Frontier Commission has announced the launch of its $8 million “Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge” to identify technology that holds the promise of treating pain without prescription opioids and diagnosing, treating and preventing abuse and overdoses. The Commission is accepting proposals untilDecember 15 at www.OpioidTechChallenge.com. “Whether you’re a medical or healthcare expert, or simply a concerned citizen, we are calling on everyone to be part of the solution,” said David Goodman, Director of the Ohio Development Services Agency and Chairman of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. Five of the most-promising ideas will be awarded $10,000 each, making them eligible later for additional funding to advance technical solutions in tackling opioid addiction. The final stage in 2019 will develop the ideas into products for use in the marketplace to fight drug abuse. Forty runners-up, 20 from among average citizens and 20 for professionals and experts, will be awarded $500 each in a random drawing. The Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge is the second of two key pillars that comprise the $20 million Third Frontier Opiate Abuse, Prevention and Treatment Technology Initiative announced by Gov. John Kasich during his 2017 State of the State Address. In the first key pillar, more than 40 universities, hospitals, medical companies and others already have submitted letters of intent to pursue a share of $12 million in state grants designed to accelerate the development of existing, proven ideas that need an extra boost to get them to market faster. Watch a video from the Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge launch event.
