Winning a prestigious award in healthcare tech or life sciences is an effective public relations tactic to position your company as a leader, but crafting a winning submission requires more than just listing your accomplishments.
With strategic preparation and clever tactics, you can dramatically increase your chances of bringing home the gold. We’ve been Here are some tricks to help you tip the scale in your favor:
01. Choose the right award: set yourself up for success
Start by picking an award where you have a realistic chance of winning. Don’t just aim for the biggest names; instead, research past winners to see if they align with your company's size, innovation level, or market impact.
Ask yourself: Are past winners in the same niche? Are they about your size? Are they solving similar problems?
Scope out the competition: If you're a startup competing with industry giants, look for awards that recognize emerging or innovative companies.
Pro tip: Some awards have categories for different-sized companies or market segments. If there’s a division for startups or mid-sized companies, your odds increase significantly.
Reach out to the award organizers and gather critical intel. Sometimes, you can get insights that aren’t explicitly stated in the guidelines.
02. Call the awards board – ask questions
Reach out to the award organizers and gather critical intel. Sometimes, you can get insights that aren’t explicitly stated in the guidelines:
Ask about submission volume: How many companies are applying? This will give you a rough idea of your competition.
Check for multiple winners per category: Is there a chance for more than one company to win, or is it all or nothing?
Inquire about judging rubrics: Some boards might provide specific rubrics they use to evaluate submissions. Knowing what the judges prioritize can shape how you present your information.
This strategy might not always yield results, but it’s worth asking. Even a small piece of information could guide you toward refining your approach.
03. Write from their perspective
Always remember: the award board is not only recognizing excellence but also choosing winners who make them look good.
Highlight how your innovation aligns with industry standards and advances the healthcare field.
Show how selecting your company reflects positively on the board, potentially positioning them as forward-thinking, innovative, or community-driven.
Craft your narrative in a way that emphasizes the judges’ goals. What’s in it for them if they select your company? What story will they get to tell if they choose you as a winner.
04. Look at the bigger picture (+ include pictures)
When submitting for healthcare or life sciences awards, it’s easy to think the industry only cares about hard data or intellectual arguments. But don’t underestimate the power of design and presentation.
Design matters: Judges are human. Your submission should be visually appealing. Clean formatting, concise bullet points, and carefully designed infographics can help your submission stand out.
Why it matters: Judges have to sift through dozens, sometimes even hundreds, of submissions. A well-designed entry breaks up the monotony and captures attention. Make sure your visuals and layout are both functional and easy on the eyes.
Imagery: Include visuals they could potentially use in social media or on their website if you win. High-quality, branded visuals not only make your submission stand out but also show that you’re ready for the spotlight.
05. Provide clear metrics + results
Of course, data is the backbone of any healthcare or life sciences submission, but numbers alone won’t win you an award. Combine metrics with context to tell a story.
Use specific metrics: Share measurable outcomes like improved patient care, cost savings, or time efficiencies.
Provide case studies: Illustrate real-world success with specific examples, and back up claims with testimonials from partners or clients.
For example, instead of saying, “Our software improved diagnostic accuracy,” say, “Our AI-powered software increased diagnostic accuracy by 15% across 25 hospitals, saving an average of 45 minutes per patient in processing time.”
06. Humanize your innovation with a story
Data is important, but a compelling narrative is what will resonate with judges. Tell a story about how your solution impacts real people.
Tell the why: Why did your team create this solution? What problem were you solving, and why was it crucial?
Highlight real impact: Share patient stories, clinician experiences, or testimonials that show how your innovation made a difference.
This balance of hard data and emotional storytelling can make your submission not only persuasive but also memorable.
07. Streamline your submission for clarity
Remember, judges are reading dozens of submissions—make yours easy to digest.
Use subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to break up information.
Use active voice to keep your narrative dynamic.
Keep it concise. Stay within word limits and ensure that every sentence adds value.
08. Follow the submission guidelines meticulously
One of the simplest yet most overlooked aspects is strictly following the guidelines. Ensure you meet all the technical requirements, including file formats, word limits, and supporting materials.
Ensure full compliance: Skipping a small detail can lead to disqualification.
Provide all supporting documents: If the award allows for supplementary materials, include strong visual aids, case studies, and testimonials. Use links, if allowed.
09. Submit early + review thoroughly
Waiting until the last minute can increase stress and mistakes. Plan to submit well before the deadline so you have time for final checks.
Proofread meticulously: Ensure all your data is accurate and free of typos or unclear phrasing.
Ask for feedback: Have a colleague or professional editor review your submission for clarity, impact, and any missing details.
10. Bonus tip: leverage external support
Consider working with a marketing or PR agency experienced in award submissions. Many agencies specialize in healthcare tech or life sciences and know exactly how to tailor submissions for specific awards. They can help with storytelling, design, and ensuring that your submission hits all the right notes.
In conclusion
Winning an award isn’t just about having the best innovation—it’s about telling the best story, backed by data, with a strategic presentation. From selecting the right award to calling the board for insights, writing from the judges’ perspective, and using design to make your submission visually compelling, there are multiple ways to tip the scales in your favor.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to submitting an award-winning entry that not only showcases your company's innovation but also aligns with the award board’s values and criteria.
AI disclosure: I utilized AI to assist in generating and formatting a draft based on my ideas and tips. I provided the AI with key insights and content, and it produced an initial version. Afterward, I reviewed and refined the draft extensively to ensure it aligned with my vision, style, and accuracy requirements.
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