Salva Health has won the prestigious Startup Battlefield competition at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 in San Francisco. The company’s portable device for early detection of breast cancer impressed the judges and earned them the Startup Battlefield Cup and a $100,000 prize. Valentina Agudelo, along with her two best friends, founded Salva Health to address the significant gap in breast cancer survival rates between Latin America and the developed world.
Agudelo’s research six years ago revealed that the disparity was largely due to late detection, as many rural populations in Latin American countries lack access to mammograms and diagnostic tools. The Startup Battlefield featured 20 top companies selected from the Startup Battlefield 200. These startups presented their innovative solutions to a panel of venture capitalists and technology leaders.
After careful consideration, the judges narrowed the field down to five finalists: Gecko Materials, Luna, MabLab, Salva Health, and Stitch3D.
Salva Health wins at TechCrunch
Gecko Materials, which took second place, showcased a unique dry glue inspired by the adhesive properties of gecko feet.
Founder Kapela Kerst demonstrated how the glue can hold significant weight, peel off easily, and be reused up to 120,000 times. The TechCrunch Disrupt event highlighted the forward-thinking solutions and entrepreneurial spirit of the participating startups. It reflected the ongoing advancements in technology and innovation across various sectors.
Salva Health’s victory emphasizes the importance of healthcare innovations and their potential to make a significant impact on global health challenges. As the winner of the Startup Battlefield, Salva Health not only receives the cash prize but also gains valuable exposure and recognition within the tech industry. This success is expected to help the company attract further investments and partnerships to expand its reach and impact in the fight against breast cancer.
