With focus on collaboration, top digital health startups compete for $200,000
BOSTON, August 8, 2017 MassChallenge, the most startup-friendly accelerator on the planet, today opened applications for the 2018 PULSE@ MassChallenge program. Launched as a strategic component of the Mass Digital Health initiative, PULSE@ MassChallenge drives innovation in the digital health space by connecting promising digital health companies with the regions leading institutions, corporations, payors, and healthcare experts. Startups with less than $5 million in both funding and revenue are invited to apply by the October 11 deadline.
The future of healthcare completely depends on the communitys willingness to come together and collaborate on solutions to the most-pressing issues, said Nick Dougherty, Program Director, PULSE@ MassChallenge. “In one year since launching our program, weve seen the excitement that exists across the region to improve patient care and accelerate the impact of entrepreneurship. Were excited to kick-off our second season and look forward to creating impact together.
To participate in PULSE@ MassChallenge, top digital health startups must first receive at least one offer from the programs more than 20 Champion partners. Through these engagements, which are selected through a rigorous vetting and matchmaking process, Champions help facilitate key advisor introductions, pilots, research, and even investment opportunities to help startups address the massive challenges in healthcare. Throughout the program, startups also gain access to scholarships, expert mentorship, tailored curriculum, and more than 8,000 sq. feet of office space located in the heart of The Fenway neighborhood all at zero cost and for zero equity. At the culmination of the program, top startups compete for more than $200,000 in equity-free prizes.
In its first year, PULSE@ MassChallenge alumni experienced incredible traction, having received more than 80 partnership offers, added thousands of users, launched pilots, raised significant funding (over $21M during the program), and created impact that addressed elder care, sports injuries, telemedicine, and more. This year, PULSE@ MassChallenge is focused on challenges facing nutrition, caregiving, the opioid epidemic, genomics, rare diseases, cybersecurity and more. The full list of challenges can be found here.
In addition to support from existing partners, including the State of Massachusetts, which announced continued support at the June 13 PULSE Finale, the 2018 PULSE@ MassChallenge program welcomes several new partners, including Aetna, OSF HealthCare, Partners HealthCare Connected Health Innovation, and Campbell Soup Company.
“Campbell has established a goal to be the leading health and well-being food company,” said Joshua Anthony, Vice President of Global Nutrition and Regulatory Affairs at Campbell Soup Company. “As a purpose-driven company, we see incredible opportunities at the intersection of technology, food and health and well-being. We’re excited to work with the next generation of entrepreneurs to deliver innovative real food solutions that improve the eating experience and deliver nutritional benefits to help people achieve their health and well-being goals.
To celebrate healthcare innovation and discover the industrys top priorities for 2018, PULSE@ MassChallenge welcomes the community to its PULSECHECK Application Launch 2.0 event on Tuesday, August 8 from 6-9pm at Hatch Fenway.
Those interested in applying to PULSE@ MassChallenge, visit: http://masschallenge.org/apply
About MassChallenge:
MassChallenge is the most startup-friendly accelerator on the planet. No equity and not-for-profit, we are obsessed with helping entrepreneurs across any industry. We also reward the highest-impact startups through a competition to win a portion of several million dollars in equity-free cash awards. Through our global network of accelerators in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, and the U.K., and unrivaled access to our corporate partners, we can have a massive impact – driving growth and creating value the world over. To date, 1,211 MassChallenge alumni have raised over $2 billion in funding, generated more than $900 million in revenue, and created more than 65,000 direct and indirect jobs. For more information, please visit masschallenge.org.
Top PULSE@ MassChallenge Partners:
State of Massachusetts, the City of Boston, the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, Suffolk Construction, Samuels & Associates, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the Massachusetts eHealth Institute at MassTech, AARP, Shire, Cerner, Humana, Servier, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, BD, OSF HealthCare, Aetna, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Philips Healthcare, Microsoft, Ropes & Gray LLP, Beth Israel Deaconess, Boston Childrens Hospital, Partners HealthCare Connected Health Innovation, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Dell EMC, Franciscan Childrens, Massachusetts General Hospital, Campbell Soup Company, Pathfinder International, Planetree, and TechSpring of Baystate Health.