SMILE ACCELERATE 2024-2025
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ACCELERATE is an exclusive program for SMILE Health alumni. CareQuest Innovation Partners, in partnership with MATTER, created ACCELERATE to further support our SMILE Health community, advance mission-aligned work, and further validate/scale your solutions.
You can submit projects that meet specific criteria outlined in this application for consideration. While stipend amounts will vary per award, we anticipate a range of $10,000 to $50,000 per company. Currently, we are reviewing applications on a rolling basis, and aim to make decisions within 20 business days of submission.
To sustain ACCELERATE over time, we ask stipend recipients to “pay it forward” by repaying an equivalent sum within 36 months of the initial award date if financially able.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a SMILE Health alumnus.
- Project proposal should be focused on discrete activities designed to further validate and accelerate your solution. They should not be used for general business activities or general working capital (e.g., salaries, travel, etc.)
- Project should generally not exceed 6-12 months in duration and should start within a reasonable time of stipend disbursement (e.g., weeks not months).
- Project should focus on improving access, equity, and/or integration of oral health and overall health, aligned with CareQuest Innovation Partner's mission.
- Projects must have the confirmation and support of a SMILE Health Industry Partner, including a signed contract (e.g. MOU, LOU, SOW, or other written agreement) prior to application submission. Partner support can be in-kind (e.g., time/resource commitment, use of space, expertise, etc.) and/or financial contribution.
Additional Requirements for Successful Applicants
- Sign an agreement before stipend is dispersed, including making a good faith commitment to “pay it forward” and pay an equal amount to ACCELERATE within 36 months, if financially able.
- Submit updates as key project milestones are reached.
- Submit final report at the end of the project with project outcomes, insights, and use of stipend.
FAQS
Q: What is the timeline for projects and repayment?
A: We will review applications on a rolling basis and aim to make stipend decisions within 20 days of submission. A project should generally not exceed 6-12 months in duration and should start within a reasonable time of stipend disbursement (e.g., weeks not months). Stipend recipients are asked to “pay it forward” by paying an equivalent sum to ACCELERATE within 36 months of the initial award date, if financially able.
Q: Are there reporting requirements for stipend recipients?
A: Yes. All stipend recipients will be required to submit and present a final report at the end of the project sharing key outcomes and insights. We also ask that stipend recipients provide written updates as key project outcomes are reached.
Q: Do I need to submit my project to ACCELERATE with the same Industry Partner that I worked with on my initial validation study when I was a cohort participant?
A: No. You can collaborate with any SMILE Industry Partner. If you don’t have a partner, but you’re interested in applying to ACCELERATE, please reach out to smilehealth@carequestinnovation.com for further discussion.
Q: What kind of support is expected from the Industry Partner?
A: Prior to submitting your application, we expect you to discuss and agree upon the project scope, outcomes, and roles and responsibilities with your Industry Partner. They can support the project financially or in-kind through time, access, expertise, operations, physical space, digital tools, etc. Clearly explain the organizational relationship in your application. We will confirm the Partner’s approval and commitment during the application review process. We ask that any contracting between you and the Industry Partner be made prior to finalizing your application. CareQuest Innovation Partners or MATTER will not be parties to any agreements between your startup and your Industry Partner.
Q: What is the range for stipend amounts available through ACCELERATE?
A: Stipend amounts will vary and we have no set cap, but we anticipate stipend amounts to range from $10,000 to $50,000.