MATTER, a leading healthcare incubator and innovation hub, has launched the inaugural accelerator program for the Paratus Digital Health Hub. Paratus is part of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which operates under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. As the Digital Health Hub within the BARDA Accelerator Network, Paratus aims to support early-stage innovators and companies in line with BARDA’s mission to provide essential emergency medical countermeasures for health security threats.
The newly launched Digital Health Hub, Paratus—Latin for “ready for anything”—debuted in mid-September and is operated by MATTER. Its focus is on developing and validating innovative digital health solutions to enhance the nation’s preparedness and response to health security threats while improving clinical care continuity.
The first accelerator program aims to identify digital health technologies that bolster readiness for public health emergencies related to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. Key areas of interest include tools that increase access, lower costs, and expedite the distribution of medical countermeasures (MCMs).
Paratus seeks digital health solutions that support preparedness and health readiness, such as:
- Tools to improve MCM readiness and clinical capacity
- Technologies that promote clinical trial diversity
- Solutions for equitable access to MCMs
- At-home diagnostics and telemedicine options
- Risk assessment and patient stratification tools
- AI and machine learning innovations for public health emergency preparedness and MCM development
- Novel methods for collecting and validating real-world evidence
“We’re looking for entrepreneurs with innovative technologies and a passion for enhancing public health readiness, regardless of their current focus,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “Participating companies will connect with experienced executives, investors, and mentors who can help them scale their ventures.”
This 10-week virtual accelerator offers mentorship, exclusive resources, and an interactive curriculum from subject matter experts to help companies refine their value propositions and pitches. The program will conclude with a virtual showcase. Applications are open globally until 11:59 PM CT on November 22, 2024. For more information, visit matter.health/paratus.
This initiative is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).
About MATTER
MATTER is a leading healthcare incubator and innovation hub that brings together hundreds of startups, hospitals, health systems, universities, and industry leaders to shape the future of healthcare. Since its inception in 2015, MATTER has supported over 1,000 healthcare technology startups, creating more than 10,000 jobs and raising over $5.1 billion in capital. Their products have reached more than 1.25 million clinicians.
