The Black innovator(s) with the best idea, technology, or solution that aims to improve skincare will receive up to $50,000 in grant funding, access to the global JLABS network and mentorship from experts at the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies with Black Innovators in Skin Health QuickFire Challenge.
For too long, the face of skincare has reflected only SOME of the faces we see within our communities. We know there are a lack of consumer products available tailored to the needs of the Black community.
As the world’s largest healthcare company, Johnson & Johnson recognizes and embraces our responsibility for enacting change. Within our consumer business, our products must reach, have a positive impact on, and most importantly, serve everyone. Looking to the future of healthcare, we must seek out and support innovators from diverse backgrounds in order to generate inclusive solutions.
In the United States, only 3% of dermatologists are Black, and skin health industry research skews towards light categories of Fitzpatrick scale (I-IV) vs. darker categories (V-V1).
In addition to health disparities caused by lack of research and Black talent within the dermatology field, there is a gap in skin health consumer products available tailored to the needs of the Black community. On top of this, Black founders overall receive about 1% of venture capital.
As a result, Black patients face dermatologic disparities, in part due to the lack of specific knowledge around how to treat skin of color. We believe these gaps are unacceptable
To that end, Johnson & Johnson Consumer – Neutrogena® and Johnson & Johnson Innovation are proud to launch the Black Innovators in Skin Health QuickFire Challenge. The challenge offers an opportunity for U.S.-based Black innovators working on potential skin and scalp health solutions to receive grant funding and mentorship to advance their science.
Areas of interest
Black innovators based in the United States are invited to submit potential solutions aiming to improve skin health, including but not limited to:
Acne & post-acne scarring
Hyperpigmentation
Scalp care
Sun Protection
* Product should be available for commercialization within 6-18 months.
Application process
Potential solutions will be evaluated by a panel of reviewers and judges on their ability to meet the following criteria:
Uniqueness of the idea
Potential impact on human health, with a specific focus on inclusive innovations
Feasibility of the idea
Thoroughness of approach
Identification of key resources and plan to further idea
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Awards:- Grant funding up to $50,000
Mentoring from experts within the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies
Access to the Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS ecosystem
Deadline:- 22/01/2021
