OpiSafe

Companies aim to use tech to help solve epidemic

Ohio is taking center stage in the fight against the international opioid epidemic. Over the past year, innovators from across the world have been working to advance new technologies to help solve this global problem. This month, 12 finalists of the Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge will find out which four projects will be awarded a $1 million to continue building their solutions, getting them to market and saving lives.

The Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge launched in October of 2017 with an $8 million commitment to advance new ideas in the battle against opioid drug abuse and addiction. Companies have been competing in the Challenge, a partnership between the Ohio Third Frontier and global science and technology network NineSigma, building and expanding their ideas along the way. In September 2018, 12 finalists were awarded $200,000 to further develop their innovations. On August 27, four prize recipients will walk away winners and continue bringing their groundbreaking ideas into the market.

Here are the 12 finalists trying to change the lives of millions with their revolutionary solutions: