Loyola University Chicago’s Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, in collaboration with MATTER, invites community-based organizations, researchers, health innovators, and ecosystem leaders to apply for the AI + Health Equity hands-on workshop designed to build foundational knowledge of AI and explore how AI tools can support equity-centered health innovation for select community-based organizations, researchers, and healthcare stakeholders.
The workshop will be held November 4, 2026, from 9 am-12 pm at MATTER's offices, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 228, Chicago, IL.
Please visit the Loyola University Chicago Health Equity Quest page for full program details and key dates.
Applications will be accepted through October 5, 2026 at 11:59 pm CT.
Challenge statement:
How can we design a scalable solution that makes barriers to eye care transparent to healthcare stakeholders at the point of care, enabling actionable ways to address them to improve access and patient outcomes?
Who should apply?
We are seeking entrepreneurs and innovators based in the United States who are developing technology-driven solutions that address health inequities that can be adopted for use in ophthalmology and other therapeutic areas in the future. Solutions can range from early-stage concepts to products already in market. We encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and disciplines to apply.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: Applications open
November 22, 2026: Applications close
January 4, 2027 - January 15, 2027: Finalists notified
January 18, 2027 - February 26, 2027: Six-week incubator
March 2, 2027: Final showcase
Seeking: Innovative digital health solutions aligned with BARDA’s mission to enhance pandemic preparedness and fortify health security.
This program is seeking to accelerate digital health tools that enhance preparedness and response to public health emergencies due to:
- Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats
- Pandemic Influenza
- Emerging Infectious Diseases
Have a solution that doesn't quite fit?
If you are working on a solution for medical countermeasures, but don't see the right fit, we still value your solution and want to hear from you. Please fill out a preliminary application and we can assess your fit on an ad hoc basis.