Ayumi Fukuda Bennett from SouthernAlpha
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Baptist Health and the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub gathered for a press conference last week to announce the launch of HubX–LifeSciences, a program to support and accelerate the development of new startup companies with innovative solutions to improve health care delivery in Arkansas.
“At Baptist Health, we are constantly looking for innovative solutions to better serve Arkansans and make our health system better,” stated Troy Wells, President and CEO of Baptist Health. “We are proud to be able to bring the first health care accelerator to Arkansas and to help pave the way for business development, health care innovation, and better care for Arkansans.” The program presented By Baptist Health will be the first-ever privately-funded and industry-specific business accelerator program in the Natural State.
Up to ten startup companies will be invited to participate in the 13-week program starting in April 2016. The accelerator will be hosted at the Innovation Hub and led by Jeff Stinson, who also directs the Silver Mine at the Innovation Hub and is the executive director of the Fund for Arkansas’ Future, the state’s largest angel investment fund. Each company will receive seed investment as well as intense mentorship and assistance as they rapidly proceed from concept to product development and customer acquisition. Initial seed investments into the companies will range from $25,000 to $50,000, and the companies also will qualify for additional back-end investments.
Iron Yard Ventures will also be a partner in Arkansas’ newest accelerator program. Though the Iron Yard brand may often be associated with the ever-growing campuses of coding bootcamps, they also run a digital health accelerator that is ranked among the top five health accelerators in the nation. Iron Yard Ventures will share its expertise, training, mentor network, and other assets during its engagement with HubX–LifeSciences.
Applications from around the world will be accepted through February 15, 2016.
The post First-ever privately funded health care accelerator launches in Arkansas appeared first on SouthernAlpha.
