Techstars, a pre-seed investor, and Northwestern Medicine are collaborating to launch a new accelerator program that aims to advance healthcare innovation. Northwestern Medicine & Techstars Healthcare Accelerator will invest in the most promising early-stage healthcare startups, creating a pathway for founders to build high-growth companies dedicated to advancing quality care and patient outcomes. The program represents a shared commitment to shaping the future of healthcare, combining Northwestern Medicine's world-class healthcare, research and expertise with Techstars’ accelerator model which has helped thousands of startups succeed.

“This collaboration represents our unwavering commitment to supporting the growth and success of aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs,” said Doug King, chief information officer, Northwestern Medicine. “Our goal is to provide companies with a platform to work closely with our clinical and technical experts while fostering an environment that drives positive change in the healthcare industry.”

Applications for the Northwestern Medicine & Techstars Healthcare Accelerator will open on August 26, 2024. Six startups will be selected for the program, which will begin in March 2025 and take place in-person in Chicago. Founders who are selected will receive funding, hands-on mentorship, and training along with access to the combined networks of Techstars and Northwestern Medicine. Those interested in applying for the program when applications open can do so here.

“Techstars’ recent State of Innovation Survey revealed that venture investors and entrepreneurs view healthtech as one of today’s most innovative sectors,” said Brad Schnitzer, managing director of Northwestern Medicine & Techstars Healthcare Accelerator. “As a leading healthcare system, Northwestern Medicine is the perfect collaborator to support founders in navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry to unlock the potential that technology innovation has to create better outcomes for patients.”

About Techstars

Techstars invests in early-stage startups led by unstoppable entrepreneurs with transformative businesses. With 45+ accelerators worldwide, an unrivaled network of alumni, mentors, commercial partners, investors, and dedicated operating teams, Techstars supports entrepreneurs throughout their entire startup journey while helping to build thriving startup communities. Since 2006, we have invested in more than 4,400 portfolio companies, accelerating the growth of businesses including Chainalysis, Zipline, DataRobot, Alloy and many, many more. www.techstars.com

About Northwestern Medicine

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine and Northwestern Medicine Mansueto Innovation Institute, visit: innovation.nm.org.

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