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In another more innovative move, ten entrepreneurs from across the country (a few from Denver) are taking on a ten-day challenge to try and solve ten “wicked problems” in health. It’s called 10.10.10, and it’s already underway. From February 16th through the 26th, entrepreneurs and CEOs will work together to brainstorm how best to solve our country’s health issues.  

“Aw, that’s cute how it’s all 10s.”

Yes, very cute. But so missing the point. This is an incredible opportunity to gather some of our country’s most innovative minds to try and solve ten “wicked” health problems in America and ideally come up with a viable company that will focus on one or more of these issues.

“Well, what are these ‘wicked’ health issues?”

Relax; I’m getting to that. They are:

1. Alzheimer’s
   
2. Childhood Obesity
   
3. Patient Engagement
   
4. Antibiotic Resistance
   
5. End-of-Life Care
   
6. Pandemic Weapons and Bioterrorism
   
7. Patient and Data Matching
   
8. Health Guide Maps
   
9. Health Data
   
10. Patient Mobility and Independence
    

Tom Higley, 10.10.10 creator, has said in previous interviews that this whole shebang will be a success if at least two of these issues are turned into marketable companies. So, if all goes well, there would be a company focused on solving child obesity, a company whose mission is to cure Alzheimer’s, or a company dedicated to elevated patient care.

“Wow, that would be great.”

I know. It would be super great. It gets cooler: Colorado entrepreneurs make up 5 of the 10 entrepreneurs participating in 10.10.10. Meet:

1. Kelly O’Neill Dwight, Denver CO. Kelly is the president and principal consultant of KMD Consulting Services, a company that focuses on new businesses.
   
2. Frank Ricotta, Denver, CO. Frank is a managing partner of BurstIQ and former CTO and CEO of multiple companies. 
   
3. Zackary Lewis, Denver, CO. Zackary is a former Marine who has founded Liquid Compass (2399 Blake Street, Denver, CO 80205), a radio streaming company. 
   
4. Lizelle van Vuuren, Denver, CO. Lizelle is the founder and CEO of startup marketing company Effectively and is also the founder of the organization Women Who Startup. 
   
5. Cheryl Kellond, Boulder, CO. Cheryl is the co-founder and current CEO of Bia Sport, a sports watch company. 
   

Higley, an entrepreneur himself, hopes to turn 10.10.10 into an event held in multiple cities, several times a year, and hopefully tackle other issues such as food, water, energy, and education.

We’re already a few days into 10.10.10, but come February 26th, the CEOs and entrepreneurs will gather to present their ideas and findings. Whatever the outcome, we already know it’s a step in the right direction.