AbbVie Foundation Health Equity Accelerator Named Top 100 Finalist for 2025 Chicago Innovation Awards
September 29, 2025, CHICAGO, IL — The AbbVie Foundation Health Equity Accelerator, launched by the AbbVie Foundation in partnership with MATTER, has been selected as one of the top 100 finalists for the 2025 Chicago Innovation Awards. The awards celebrate the most innovative new products and services in the Chicago region across all organization sizes, sectors and industries.
The AbbVie Foundation and MATTER designed the Accelerator to empower nonprofits to scale their innovative solutions that rethink the delivery, space and place of care in underserved communities. Persistent health disparities disproportionately affect underserved communities across the U.S. and are often rooted in non-medical factors such as geographical and physical barriers, economic conditions, access to housing, nutritious food, quality education, a lack of culturally competent care and more.
Unlike traditional accelerators focused on for-profit ventures, the AbbVie Foundation Health Equity Accelerator provides nonprofit organizations with a unique blend of strategic guidance, essential funding, mentorship, technical expertise and access to a robust health care innovation network. By investing in community-led innovation, the Accelerator addresses systemic barriers and creates pathways for a more equitable health care system where everyone has a chance to thrive.
The Accelerator is a finalist for both the Collaboration Award and the Social Innovation Award, recognizing the dedication of both organizations to advancing health equity.
Additionally, the top 100 finalists are eligible to win Chicago Innovation’s People’s Choice Award, determined by public online voting. To vote for the AbbVie Foundation Health Equity Accelerator, visit the online voting page and select “MATTER” from the finalists listed alphabetically. The voting deadline is October 9, 2025.
Out of the top 100 finalists, the judges will select 20 winners of the Chicago Innovation Awards. Over 700 business and civic leaders will come together to honor the winners who will be announced on November 13, 2025 at the UIC Forum. The winners will also be invited to ring the Nasdaq Bell in New York City.
About the AbbVie Foundation The AbbVie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to driving transformative change in communities worldwide and advancing health equity so that every individual can realize their full potential.
About MATTER 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.