American Gastroenterological Association and MATTER announce first-of-its-kind digestive disease incubator
New initiative will reimagine the care journey for people living with gastroenterological conditions
May 5, 2025, BETHESDA, MD and CHICAGO, IL — MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the non-profit medical society dedicated to advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology, today announced their partnership to launch the inaugural incubator focused on advancing the development of digestive disease startups.
Launching early this summer, the new incubator will support startups focused on transforming the patient experience, advancing diagnostics and accelerating therapies for digestive diseases. Through this initiative, AGA and MATTER aim to address the urgent and growing need for new solutions across the digestive health spectrum — from chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome to liver disease and colorectal cancer.
“This collaboration marks an exciting chapter for AGA — one where we are committed to being at the forefront of innovation and directly supporting our members at the earliest stages of breakthrough development. By working alongside MATTER, we are building a stronger bridge between emerging technology and the future of our field, ensuring that AGA continues to lead with vision, action and impact,” said Simon C. Mathews, MD, chair of AGA’s GI Innovation and Technology Committee.
Ten startups will be selected to participate in a six-month incubator that will feature monthly private workshops, personalized support from an executive-in-residence, access to MATTER’s network of mentors and other strategic resources to accelerate their growth.
“For over a decade, AGA has been supporting startup companies through our Committee for GI Innovation & Technology,” said Tom Serena, AGA CEO. “By launching our venture capital fund, the GI Opportunity Fund in 2022, and now through this new partnership with MATTER, we are completing the ‘last mile’ by providing companies with the funding and personalized guidance they need to bring their ideas to fruition.”
“Most people would be shocked to learn how prevalent digestive diseases are — and it’s an area ripe for transformation,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “We’re proud to partner with AGA to build a program that not only supports innovators, but also brings much-needed attention and investment to a space that affects so many lives.”
Applications for the incubator will open in early summer 2025, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks. Sign up for updates here.
Sources
- “National Databases Analysis: Digestive Disease Burden Increasing Across US,” Gastroenterology Advisor, 2025.
About the AGA Institute
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, AGA represents members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice, and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research, and educational programs of the organization. www.gastro.org
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.