Abbott signs on to support Matter

Abbott, one of Chicago’s biggest healthcare companies, has signed on as a top-level partner of Matter, the health-technology incubator at the Merchandise Mart.

Abbott is a platinum-level sponsor, alongside seven other healthcare heavyweights, such as AbbVie, Astellas, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois, Takeda and others.

“It’s one of the biggest healthcare brand names in Chicago,” says Matter CEO Steven Collens. “We’re thrilled to welcome them.”

Abbott was in the process of splitting into two companies as Matter was being formed. Baxter, which also underwent a breakup, has yet to sign on.

Matter, which launched a year ago, is home to 115 startups and counts about 50 industry partners.

Abbott will serve on Matter’s advisory board, which helps provide guidance on programming to help spur innovation. Companies collaborate with Matter startups, helping them sharpen their business plans and figure out how to land big customers while getting a close-up look for themselves at new technologies and disruptive ideas.

See the full story at Modern Healthcare.