Overview
Health is a holistic concept shaped by social, physical and environmental influences. To improve overall health outcomes, it’s essential to address social factors, enhance cardiovascular wellness and create healthier environments.
Creating solutions in these areas will thrive on teamwork across disciplines, combining technology, community engagement and policy support. With this in mind, the American Heart Association and MATTER are seeking novel solutions that improve social drivers of health, improve cardiovascular health or promote healthy environments.
Challenge Statement
How might we develop novel solutions that address one or more of the following areas:
- Improve social drivers of health
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Promote healthy environments
Who should apply?
We’re seeking undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni of Historically Black Colleges and Universities within the U.S. who are developing a technology solution that addresses the challenge statement in one or more of the indicated areas.
Benefits of participation
This four-week, cohort-based accelerator will provide participants with access to exclusive resources and interactive curricula from subject matter experts to build their solutions and refine their value propositions. The accelerator will be facilitated virtually. One winning solution will receive a $10,000 grant.
Accelerator participants should expect to:
- Engage with other cutting-edge startups
- Network with peers and leading influencers
- Gain exposure to the American Heart Association and MATTER communities
- Present brand story to potential investors, partners and clients at a final showcase
- Receive a free, six-month MATTER membership
Timeline
- November 11: Applications open
- January 6: Applications close
- January 6 - January 17: Meetings with top candidates
- January 20: Cohort announced
- January 27 - February 17: Four-week accelerator
- Week of February 24: Virtual final showcase
Submission process
Applications open on November 11, 2024, and close at 11:59 pm CT on January 6, 2025.
Challenge statement:
How can we redefine care for people facing rare neurological diseases by addressing and overcoming barriers today?
Who should apply?
- We are looking for entrepreneurs dedicated to improving access to specialists, enhancing referral systems, advancing patient literacy, addressing technological and platform capabilities and accelerating accurate diagnoses in brain health.
- While the accelerator will apply this concept to better understanding the area of rare neurological diseases, entrepreneurs do not necessarily need to be focused on healthcare to participate in this accelerator.
- This global call for solutions is open to individuals and teams from across the innovation ecosystem — from university researchers, students and entrepreneurs to existing startups of all stages. Solutions can range from early stage concepts to marketed solutions.
Timeline
December 4, 2024: Applications open
February 2, 2025 Applications close
March 3, 2025: Cohort announced
March 3 - May 2, 2025: 10-week accelerator
Week of May 5, 2025: Final showcase (in person at MATTER)