The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has announced the winner of its inaugural Call for Wellness Innovations contest, partnered with Welltech1 – a wellness fund and innovation hub in Tel Aviv.

A group of 15 international CEOs, business leaders and VCs in the wellness space named designer protein company, Amai Proteins, the winner of the contest.

Amai – translated as sweet from Japanese – is in the R&D process of producing sweet designer proteins which offer a healthy, tasty and sustainable alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Welltech1 co-founder and GWS board member, Amir Alroy, presented Amai's founder and CEO, Dr Ilan Samish, with the award.

“I’m humbled by this vote of confidence. The contest was a challenging and serious multi-tier competition.

“For the first time, we can bring a healthy sweetener into the world!”

The competition called on companies worldwide within the wellness technology space to submit their innovative idea, and received over 80 submissions.

The panel of judges whittled this number down to 12 finalists, after screening by Welltech1’s advisory board and founders, as well as the panel of judges.

“The level of global submissions for our first-ever innovation competition was extraordinary and reflects the accelerated activity we’ve seen throughout the wellness industry in 2020,” said Nancy Davis, GWS chief creative officer and executive director.

“We thank WellTech1 for partnering with us on this journey and tip our hats to the impressive judges in the wellness space who took the final 12 competitors through their paces to determine the winner.”

Please see below for a list of the 11 other Wellness Innovation Contest finalists:

– Amkiri - revolutionary ink that carries a signature scent that is painted on over artistic stencils, creating a scented tattoo

– Biohacking ORB - touchless, self-administered, personalised wellness experiences and evidence-based modalities designed to enhance spirit/mood and improve body and mind performance

– Bryte - a technology platform that measures, learns and applies what each sleeper needs for improving the quantity and quality of restorative sleep

– FitV - a home fitness app providing real-time voice and image feedback using AI technology and advanced computer vision algorithms

– Kai - AI-powered wellness companion that teaches people skills to live a happier and more fulfilled life

– Metalco Workplaces - transforming hospitality, residential, corporate and public outdoor spaces into immersive work environments focused on people’s wellbeing

– Ognomy - the first app to shift the entire diagnostic and treatment process of sleep apnea from a clinical setting to the home

– RunGo - reinventing how we navigate the world using our feet and technology

– Virtualeap - combining neuroscience and virtual reality to help increase attention levels and address cognitive illnesses, disorders and learning challenges

– Vision Livfit - an immersive, science-backed, wellbeing system that protects health, boosts fitness, builds immunity, and reverses chronic ailments to enhance the quality of life and happiness

– Well World TV - a modern online TV network sharing inspirational and educational stories to help you live a healthier and happier life.