We are looking for innovative digital solutions in the United States that have the potential to drive significant improvements for people living with diabetes. Our focus is on finding solutions that can improve patient onboarding experience and management of their condition. While Novo Nordisk is committed to driving change to improve treatment options for people living with type 2 diabetes, from more effective medicines to better delivery systems, this program is especially interested in unique, digital solutions that address diabetes friction points beyond the medication. 

There is still a lot that can be done to support patients and healthcare providers. We cannot tackle type 2 diabetes alone. It takes many dedicated people and organizations. The Beyond the Pill Fast Track Innovation Program will support one or more solutions that can drive change in the identified opportunities spaces to ultimately improve patient outcomes. We're open to teaming up with companies of all sizes, especially those that have grown past the initial funding stages (Series A and beyond). We are searching for innovative digital solutions and teams that are dedicated to improving diabetes care.

If you think your company may be a match, apply before our deadline:  October 20th, 2023

  • Collaborate with Novo Nordisk: The selected partner will work closely with Novo Nordisk, a multinational pharmaceutical company and leader in cardio-metabolic disease management. You will work closely with our marketing, medical, access and digital teams in the US during the pilot implementation.​

  • Grow your network: Get exposure to the network of Novo Nordisk Digital Innovation Hubs in the most innovative health-tech ecosystems around the world.

  • Get pilot funding: Novo Nordisk will provide non-equity pilot funding to selected partner(s) depending upon the scope of work and required resources to deliver a seamless patient experience.​

1 in 10  people in the United States live with diabetes. If not effectively managed, diabetes can lead to complications such as cardiovascular disease and other health issues, such as amputation, blindness and dialysis. This highlights the importance of early screening, proper disease management and medication adherence.
 
The Fast Track Innovation Program recognizes the complexity of diabetes care and is actively seeking opportunities to drive positive change across the patient journey. We are particularly interested in solutions that improve life after T2D diagnosis and/or support healthcare practitioners in providing better support for their patients. The specific patient pain points we are trying to solve are:  
 

Making diabetes-related medications and supplies easily accessible can significantly impact the management journey for patients. Managed care coverage and out-of-pocket costs are often seen as a primary barrier for patients; many HCPs and patients lack awareness of T2D coverage and access to available savings offer to help support patient access to T2D medication.  

Diabetes is a complicated disease to manage and can be very overwhelming for newly diagnosed patients who may feel discouraged, stressed, guilty and afraid when first diagnosed with diabetes. To ease the burden, helpful onboarding to treatment and diabetes management is a necessity. Providing patients with clear, timely and user-friendly guidance when they start their diabetes journey can lead to better treatment initiation.

Starting a new treatment regimen can be difficult. Ensuring that patients understand what to expect in terms HbA1 control, potential challenges, milestones and positive outcomes, like potential weight loss, can support patients with better diabetes management.  

A diabetes diagnosis requires new routines and habits to ensure good health and avoid serious complications. Developing mechanisms that reinforce positive habits and behaviors in diabetes management, can foster long-term healthier lifestyles with less complications.

Fast Track Innovation program journey

Step 1: Open call for proposals

The program is open for start-ups, scale-ups, and other healthcare ecosystem partners to submit their proposals on how their solutions can address our focus areas, at the bottom of this webpage. The application deadline is midnight (ET), October 20, 2023.​

Step 1: Open call for proposals

The program is open for start-ups, scale-ups, and other healthcare ecosystem partners to submit their proposals on how their solutions can address our focus areas, at the bottom of this webpage. The application deadline is midnight (ET), October 20, 2023.​

Step 2: Shortlist selection

A panel of experts will review the proposals and select the most promising digital solutions. Top proposals will be shortlisted and invited for interviews to discuss their proposal in depth. The goal is to narrow candidates down to a handful of solutions to present in a Pitch format.

Step 2: Shortlist selection

A panel of experts will review the proposals and select the most promising digital solutions. Top proposals will be shortlisted and invited for interviews to discuss their proposal in depth. The goal is to narrow candidates down to a handful of solutions to present in a Pitch format.

Step 3: Pitch Day​

All selected digital solution providers will be invited to pitch their solutions to key internal stakeholders. The pitch day will take place in December 2023, date to be announced after selection.

Step 3: Pitch Day​

All selected digital solution providers will be invited to pitch their solutions to key internal stakeholders. The pitch day will take place in December 2023, date to be announced after selection.

Step 4: Pilot and implementation​

The selected pilot will be supported by Novo Nordisk with funding to pilot their solution in the first half of 2024, as well as work closely with the relevant internal teams to ensure a successful, and hopefully, scalable pilot.

Step 4: Pilot and implementation​

The selected pilot will be supported by Novo Nordisk with funding to pilot their solution in the first half of 2024, as well as work closely with the relevant internal teams to ensure a successful, and hopefully, scalable pilot.

Step 5: Demo Day

After months of hard work, the team will participate in a demo day in 2024 to showcase their solution and pilot results to the wider Novo Nordisk organization.

Step 5: Demo Day

After months of hard work, the team will participate in a demo day in 2024 to showcase their solution and pilot results to the wider Novo Nordisk organization.