Paratus Digital Health Accelerator — Cohort 1

The Paratus Digital Health Accelerator, part of the BARDA Accelerator Network for Digital Health, works in collaboration with BARDA, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. Together, they are responsible for ensuring the nation is equipped with the proper medical countermeasures needed to respond to health security threats. Areas of focus for the accelerator include digital health tools that enhance preparedness and response to public health emergencies due to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents, pandemic influenza and emerging infectious diseases. These tools should increase access, reduce cost or more rapidly disseminate medical countermeasures (MCMs).

Across these areas, we are interested in digital health solutions that can support preparedness, health readiness and mobilization. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Tools to enhance MCM readiness and clinical capacity
• Technologies to enhance clinical trial diversity
• Capabilities that promote more equitable access to MCMs
• At-home diagnostics and telemedicine solutions
• Risk assessment and patient stratification capabilities and tools
• AI and machine learning innovations to enhance preparedness and response to public health emergencies
• AI and machine learning innovations to increase the efficiency of pre-clinical development of MCMs
• Novel ways to collect and validate real-world evidence

Digital health solutions are playing an increasingly crucial role in enhancing healthcare preparedness and response capabilities. In the face of evolving global health security threats, the integration of digital technologies has proven to be essential for rapid diagnosis, real-time data sharing and informed decision-making across healthcare systems.

According to the World Health Organization, digital health innovations have the potential to enhance public health systems by improving surveillance, early detection and treatment outcomes during emergencies.1 Additionally, these solutions can address health inequities by offering more affordable and accessible healthcare options.2 As the demand for such technologies grows, accelerators like the Paratus Digital Health Accelerator are stepping in to identify and support startups developing cutting-edge solutions that address these pressing healthcare challenges. The Paratus Digital Health Accelerator program provides comprehensive support to digital health companies to build and scale their solutions. This support is provided at no cost to program participants.

This program will provide participants access to mentorship, exclusive resources and interactive curriculum from subject matter experts to refine their value propositions and craft their pitch through a 10-week accelerator program. The program will culminate in a virtual showcase.

• Engage with other cutting-edge startups Network with peers and leading influencers
• Receive mentorship from industry leaders and subject matter experts
• Gain exposure to the MATTER community
• Participate in a customized 10-week curriculum
• Present to potential investors, partners and clients
• Participate in a virtual showcase the week of March 17, 2025

September 30, 2024: Applications open
November 22, 2024: Applications close
December 2024: Cohort announced
January 6, 2025 – March 14, 2025: 10-week accelerator
Week of March 17, 2025: Final Showcase

We’re seeking entrepreneurs and university-backed researchers who are developing digital health solutions that will empower the nation to prepare for and respond to health security threats and improve the continuum of clinical care.

This global call for solutions is open to startups from across the innovation ecosystem with an established proof of concept, evidence of product-market fit and business model potential.

This program is conducted fully virtually. Participants must be available to spend approximately five hours each week from January 6 to March 14.

See the FAQs for more information.

We will evaluate submissions with the following criteria in mind:

• Ability to clearly articulate the problem statement
• Demonstration of the quality, feasibility and scalability of proposed solution
• Differentiation of solution within the competitive landscape
• Capability of participant to develop and execute concept/idea
• Extent to which Paratus Digital Health Accelerator can advance solution (i.e., mission fit)

Applications will be open from September 30, 2024, until November 22, 2024, at 11:59pm CT. By December 19, 2024, MATTER will select and notify between five and seven finalists to participate in the 10-week accelerator followed by the final showcase during the week of March 17, 2025.

See the full Terms and Conditions.

1. “Digital Health,” World Health Organization, Accessed September 18, 2024. “Pillars, Policies, And Plausible Pathways 1. 2. “Linking Digital Inclusion And Health Equity,” Health Affairs, 2024.

At MATTER, we believe collaboration is the best way to improve healthcare. The MATTER collaborative includes more than 1,000 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare. Together we are accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit matter.health and follow @MATTERhealth.