U.S.-based aspiring and early-stage digital-health founders can apply for MATTER Groundwork, an 11-week accelerator running from January through April 2027.
Overview
Groundwork is built for innovators who have identified a meaningful healthcare problem and are beginning to turn a solution into a viable venture. The programme is virtual-first, allowing founders across the United States to participate while still providing access to MATTER’s healthcare innovation network.
Up to 12 founders are expected to join the cohort. The programme concludes with an in-person showcase in Chicago.
Benefits
- Accelerator Curriculum: Participants complete a structured 11-week digital-health venture-development programme.
- Mentoring: Founders receive guidance from mentors and healthcare innovation experts.
- Peer Community: The cohort offers structured learning alongside other early-stage healthcare founders.
- Industry Connections: Participants gain exposure to healthcare stakeholders and MATTER’s innovation ecosystem.
- Showcase: The programme culminates in a closing showcase in Chicago.
- Funding: The current programme page does not advertise a direct cash grant to participants.
Eligibility
- Geography: Applicants must be based in the United States.
- Stage: The programme is designed for aspiring or early-stage digital-health founders.
- Profile: Applicants may include first-time founders, clinicians, researchers, and entrepreneurs moving into healthcare innovation.
- Problem: The venture should address a meaningful healthcare problem.
- Progress: Applicants should have a functioning prototype or early proof of concept, or be at a comparable early development stage.
- Commitment: Founders must be able to participate throughout the 11-week programme.
How to Apply
- Deadline: Applications close on November 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
- Describe the Problem: Explain the healthcare problem, target users, and why the proposed solution matters.
- Show Progress: Provide evidence of the prototype, proof of concept, or other early validation.
- Submit: Complete the official MATTER Groundwork application before the deadline.
