MATTER and Regeneron® launch an ophthalmology health equity challenge
A call to action to innovators for technology-driven solutions to address barriers to ophthalmology care
MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, and Regeneron® (NASDAQ: REGN) today announced the launch of the 2026 Regeneron Ophthalmology Health Equity Challenge, a program designed to accelerate technology-driven solutions that address barriers to eye care in order to improve patient outcomes.
There are approximately 7 million people in the United States affected by vision impairment, which includes 1 million with blindness. For many of these people, their eye conditions could have been prevented or haven’t even been addressed yet. The challenge calls on innovators to develop scalable technologies that make barriers to care visible and actionable at the point of care, as well as technologies that help connect patients to the clinical and community-based resources they need.
“The science of treating eye disease has advanced enormously. What hasn’t kept pace is our ability to identify the social factors that prevent people from accessing that care,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “This challenge is designed to change that, and we are proud to collaborate with Regeneron to find the innovators who can build solutions that close that gap.”
About the challenge
Selected participants will take part in a six-week incubator led by MATTER, including mentorship from industry experts and structured support to refine their solutions. The program concludes with a final showcase at Regeneron headquarters in Tarrytown on March 2, 2027. Each selected finalist will receive a $5,000 stipend, and one finalist will be awarded an additional $10,000 following the showcase.
Regeneron and MATTER are seeking entrepreneurs and innovators based in the United States who are developing technology-driven solutions that address health inequities in ophthalmology. Solutions can range from early-stage concepts to products already in market. Applications are open now through November 22, 2026. Visit our challenge page for more information and to apply.
About Regeneron
Regeneron is a leading biotechnology company that invents, develops and commercializes life-transforming medicines for serious diseases. Founded and led by physician-scientists, our unique ability to repeatedly translate science into medicine has led to numerous approved treatments and product candidates in development. Learn more at www.Regeneron.com.
About MATTER
MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, 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, the MATTER community is accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit matter.health and follow @MATTERhealth.