John Keells X, an open innovation challenge conceptualized by John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), announced the winners of its first Open Innovation Challenge at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel recently. The winning team, Jendo received a cash prize of Rs. 2 million while the runner-up, Markify received Rs. 1 million.
Co-founded by Keerthi Kodithuwakku, Isuru Rajakaruna and Charith Vithanage, Jendo will provide new technology to monitor peripheral cardiovascular systems with research conducted under the supervision of senior medical professors.
Runner-up Markify, a voice controlled, SAAS analytics platform with data ingestion capabilities is spearheaded by Sohan Dharmaraja.
The four-month Open Innovation Challenge was launched in June by JKH to encourage innovators with imagination and a strong design ethic to take the next step in making a pipeline idea a reality.
John Keells X called for individuals and teams to submit applications online. One hundred and forty eight applications were shortlisted to 10, followed by an Open Day where the teams were formally inducted to the competition.
Chairman of John Keells Holdings, Susantha Ratnayake said, “The JKH leadership is encouraged by the pool of young entrepreneurial talent we witnessed during the four month engagement with John Keells X, and we look forward to continuing to support the Sri Lankan start-up eco system, by incentivizing and investing in the talented young entrepreneurs in the country.”