DiabetesMine launches 2011 design challenge

SAN FRANCISCO — An informational and community website for people with diabetes has kicked off its fourth annual design challenge, a Web-based competition that calls for fresh ideas for new devices, Web applications or other instruments designed to help people live better with the disease.

DiabetesMine, which is part of the Alliance Health Networks family of sites, said the 2011 design challenge fosters innovation. For the second year in a row, open community voting on the website will determine the top 10 finalists for this competition. Final winner selections will be made by a group of expert judges with expertise in diabetes care, medical technologies, design and venture capital funding. Three winners will be announced this year, with the grand prize winner awarded a cash prize and the opportunity to attend an industry event, as well as meet with experts.

"We're very excited to expand the reach of the contest this year," said Amy Tenderich, DiabetesMine founder and Type 1 diabetic. "Not only do we look forward to another bounty of creative submissions, but we're also planning a Diabetes Innovation Summit event that will bring together patient advocates, medical device designers, investors and other experts. It's all about making 'patient-centered care' a truly meaningful term."

For DiabetesMine 2011 design challenge information, visit DiabetesMine.com.