Parkview Health and MATTER launch new pediatrics accelerator focused on chronic conditions

Seeking innovators with solutions to better support children and teens managing chronic conditions

May 1, Fort Wayne, IN and CHICAGO — Parkview Health, a not-for-profit, community-based health system serving more than 1.3 million people in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio, and MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, have opened applications for the 2023 Healthy Kids Healthy Future pediatrics accelerator. Startups are encouraged to submit their innovations that support the management and treatment of chronic conditions for children 0-15 years old.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40 percent of U.S. children have at least one chronic condition or liability, and the management of these conditions can be taxing on both children and their guardians. In order to support children and teens in Indiana and beyond, Parkview Health and MATTER are calling on innovators and industry disruptors to answer the call.

Specifically, the competition asks: How might we better support children and teens managing chronic conditions? Solutions may include those that support the management and treatment for children 0-15 years old with chronic conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, obesity, diabetes, mental and behavioral health conditions, developmental disabilities and more.

“With nearly half of school-aged children and teens having at least one chronic health condition, we, in the healthcare community, have many opportunities to improve and innovate how we manage childhood disease,” said Jolynn Suko, chief innovation officer of Parkview Health. “We look forward to collaborating with MATTER and the startups in the cohort to drive innovation.”

“With nearly half of school-aged children and teens having at least one chronic health condition, we, in the healthcare community, have many opportunities to improve and innovate how we manage childhood disease.” — Jolynn Suko, Chief Innovation Officer of Parkview Health

Applications will be accepted now through June 25. In July, Parkview Health will announce 5-7 semifinalists that will move to the incubator phase of the challenge and pitch their solutions to a panel of experts for the chance to win $10,000. Following the semifinalist pitch day, up to five teams will be selected to advance to the accelerator phase, where they will build and test their solution with MATTER and Parkview Health’s mentors and stakeholders from across the healthcare community.

In November, the finalists will pitch their solutions to a community of healthcare professionals, Parkview Health leaders and outside investors for potential pilot opportunities and funding. All teams participating in the final pitch day will receive a six-month membership to MATTER.

MATTER and Parkview have collaborated on innovation accelerators for each of the past four years. Parkview has piloted five of the companies that participated in these programs and moved a sixth one straight into contracting.

“Prior years’ programs have created tremendous value for both the participating entrepreneurs and Parkview Health,” said Steven Collens, CEO of MATTER. “This year’s program will help entrepreneurs develop their companies to advance innovations that address the critical issue of chronic conditions in children.”

If you’re interested in applying or learning more, you can visit the accelerator page and submit your application by 11:59pm ET on Sunday, June 25, 2023.

About Parkview Health

Parkview Health is a not-for-profit, community-based health system serving a northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio population of more than 1.3 million. Parkview Health’s mission is to improve health and inspire well-being in the communities it serves. With more than 15,000 co-workers, it is the region’s largest employer.

Parkview Health includes 10 hospitals and an extensive network of primary care and specialty care physicians. Parkview has been named one of America’s Best Large Employers by Forbes magazine and has been designated a Magnet® health system for nursing excellence.

About MATTER

At MATTER, we believe collaboration is the best way to improve healthcare. The MATTER collaborative includes more than 800 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.