Techstars, Johns Hopkins University, and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) have announced a new collaboration to launch a healthcare accelerator program. This initiative aims to support early-stage entrepreneurs developing AI-driven solutions for improving care pathways.
Techstars AI Health Baltimore, powered by Johns Hopkins University and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), is launching a new accelerator program aimed at supporting early-stage entrepreneurs developing AI solutions for healthcare. The program merges Johns Hopkins’ expertise in translating research into commercial ventures, CareFirst’s focus on enhancing healthcare access and quality, and Techstars’ proven accelerator model, which has fostered over 600 successful healthcare companies.
Andrew Cleland, chief investment officer at Techstars, stated, “AI is unlocking new possibilities in healthcare, enabling faster and more effective solutions for patients. Entrepreneurs play a key role in this innovation, and partnering with leading health systems like Johns Hopkins and CareFirst, combined with Techstars’ resources, will amplify their impact.”
Myra Norton, head of startup acceleration at Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures, added, “Johns Hopkins is enhancing its focus on AI through our new Data Science and AI Institute. By collaborating with Techstars, we aim to attract more entrepreneurs and accelerate the development of high-impact healthcare innovations.”
The accelerator will be based in Baltimore, a city known for its healthcare innovation, supported by institutions like CareFirst and Johns Hopkins. Building on the success of Techstars Equitech, the program will continue to leverage the resources and networks of UpSurge Baltimore.
Doba Parushev from CareFirst emphasized, “AI has the potential to revolutionize medicine, but it must integrate well into existing systems. We look forward to collaborating with entrepreneurs developing practical AI solutions and applying CareFirst’s insights from serving over 3.5 million members.”
Techstars AI Health Baltimore will be Techstars’ flagship healthcare accelerator, led by Adam Phillips, former managing director of Techstars Equitech. The 13-week program will offer startups capital, expert guidance, and support to navigate healthcare’s complex ecosystem and regulatory challenges. Applications open on August 26, 2024, and will be accepted until November 20, 2024. Interested founders can find more information at Techstars AI Health Baltimore.
