Ascensia Announces Finalists for the Ascensia Diabetes Challenge Who Have the Potential to Revolutionize Type 2 Diabetes Management

- Today, Ascensia Diabetes Care has revealed the six entries that will progress to the finalist stage of the Ascensia Diabetes Challenge, a global innovation competition that is seeking digital solutions to support type 2 diabetes management. The six finalists were selected from 116 submissions that were received and were chosen by a panel consisting of external experts and members of the Ascensia Medical, R&D and Commercial teams. The selected companies will now present their solutions at the finalist event in April to determine the winner, which will subsequently be announced at the American Diabetes Association 78th Scientific Sessions in June. "We've received entries from entrepreneurs and start-ups around the world who are at the forefront of healthcare innovation. We have been delighted by the quality and variety of the submissions we have received, which offer digital solutions that could revolutionize a number of aspects of type 2 diabetes management," stated Michael Kloss, CEO of Ascensia Diabetes Care. "We are now looking forward to the finalist event and hearing more about these truly innovative ideas." With type 2 diabetes currently accounting for around 90% of the estimated 425 million people with diabetes globally[1], new innovative ways to manage this condition are urgently required to meet the substantial and growing burden to the individuals and our healthcare systems. Through the challenge, Ascensia is looking to support the companies and entrepreneurs developing the next leap forward in digital solutions that could facilitate better type 2 diabetes management and improve the lives of people with diabetes. This global challenge attracted a high calibre of submissions from across North America, Asia and Europe, representing some of the latest technology and innovative thinking entering the field of type 2 diabetes management. After much deliberation by the judging panel, the following finalists were selected: The six finalists will all receive a €10,000 cash prize to support the further development of their ideas. Following the finalist event, prizes for the winners and runners-up will be awarded from the total prize fund of €200,000, with the opportunity to partner with Ascensia Diabetes Care. For further information on the Ascensia Diabetes Challenge, the judges and judging criteria, please visit: https://ascensiadiabeteschallenge.com/. Notes for Editors  About Ascensia Diabetes Care  Ascensia Diabetes Care is a global specialist diabetes care company, dedicated to helping people living with diabetes. Our mission is to empower people living with diabetes through innovative solutions that simplify and improve their lives. We use our innovation and specialist expertise in diabetes to develop high quality solutions and tools that make a positive, daily difference for people with diabetes. Home to the world renowned CONTOUR® portfolio of blood glucose monitoring systems, our products combine advanced technology with user-friendly functionality that help people with diabetes to manage their condition. We are committed to continued research, innovation and development of new products and solutions. As a trusted partner in the diabetes community, we collaborate closely with healthcare professionals and other partners to ensure our products meet the highest standards of accuracy, precision and reliability, and that we conduct our business compliantly and with integrity. Ascensia Diabetes Care was established in 2016 through the sale of Bayer Diabetes Care to Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd. Ascensia Diabetes Care products are sold in more than 125 countries. Ascensia Diabetes Care has around 1,700 employees and operations in 31 countries. For further information on the challenge, judges and judging criteria, please visit: https://ascensiadiabeteschallenge.com/ . Media contact: Joseph Delahunty ([email protected] ) References 1. IDF Diabetes Atlas (2017)