Overview of Health Technology Accelerators in Los Angeles

The landscape of health technology in Los Angeles has seen significant growth and transformation with the establishment of specialized accelerators designed to nurture innovation in this sector. Two key players in this domain are the Cedars-Sinai Accelerator and Dreamit Health, both contributing uniquely to the development of health tech startups.

Cedars-Sinai Accelerator: A Hub for Health Technology Innovation

Located in West Hollywood, the Cedars-Sinai Accelerator has been a pivotal institution in the health technology industry since its inception in 2016. This accelerator focuses exclusively on health technology, providing a structured three-month mentorship program that has served a total of 80 companies to date. Each cohort typically includes around 10 companies, allowing for focused, intensive development opportunities.

The program offers startups access to a network of 200 practitioners, facilitating invaluable connections and insight into real-world healthcare environments. This access is designed to help participating companies refine their products and solutions with direct feedback from healthcare professionals.

Dreamit Health: A Collaborative Approach with Penn Medicine and Independence Blue Cross

Dreamit Health, having recently announced a new class of eight health tech startups, continues to play a significant role in the advancement of healthcare technology. This marks the 22nd cohort of their accelerator program and the fifth year of collaboration with Penn Medicine and Independence Blue Cross. Dreamit Health was launched in 2012, with its first class beginning in April 2013.

The program is highly selective, accepting only about 3 percent of applicants. Over the course of six weeks, startups undergo business model refinement followed by two weeks of customer immersions. The program concludes with an investor roadshow, offering startups the opportunity to secure funding and further their business objectives.

Spotlight on Dreamit Health’s Spring 2017 Cohort

In the spring of 2017, Dreamit Health’s cycle included eight startups, each addressing unique challenges within the healthcare industry. These companies exemplify the diverse approaches to improving healthcare through technology:

Tine Health focuses on reducing medical errors by providing training videos.

Marmo Health offers patient support via a messaging app.

Bluedrop Medical specializes in monitoring foot ulcers for diabetes patients.

Citus Health automates workflows for home healthcare services.

Cylera protects medical devices using advanced machine learning techniques.

Biorealize creates a countertop biofabrication machine for laboratory use.

Kaizen Health facilitates patient access to transportation services.

Global Reach and Future Directions

Dreamit Health’s influence extends beyond the United States, engaging participants from nine countries across the Asia Pacific region. This international reach highlights the universal nature of healthcare challenges and the global potential of technological solutions. The program’s first-ever Showcase and Grand Finals in Singapore underscore its commitment to fostering innovation on a worldwide scale.

As health technology accelerators like Cedars-Sinai and Dreamit Health continue to evolve, they play an essential role in shaping the future of healthcare. By supporting startups through mentorship, industry connections, and funding opportunities, these programs are instrumental in bringing innovative health solutions to market.