MATTER Groundwork Innovator Accelerator 2027
Overview
The MATTER Groundwork Innovator Accelerator 2027 is an 11-week accelerator program structured for digital health innovators who are at the earliest stages of turning their ideas into businesses. The initiative aims to help entrepreneurs navigate healthcare complexities and establish a foundation for a successful startup. A cohort of up to 12 founders will participate in weekly virtual sessions, which conclude with an in-person showcase at MATTER in Chicago.
Who can apply
The program is open to aspiring and early-stage digital health founders preparing to build healthcare solutions across the United States. Suitable applicants include first-time founders seeking a stronger foundation in healthcare innovation, clinicians and healthcare professionals commercializing an innovation, entrepreneurs entering healthcare from other industries, and researchers translating academic or clinical research into commercial ventures.
What you get
Participants receive an 11-week, healthcare-focused curriculum led by experienced operators and subject matter experts, along with practical guidance for navigating the healthcare sector. The offering includes mentorship through group discussions, office hours, and one-on-one conversations, as well as a peer community of aspiring and early-stage healthcare founders. Additionally, founders gain opportunities to build relationships across the healthcare ecosystem, apply program learnings directly to their companies, and take part in an in-person closing showcase at MATTER in Chicago.
Requirements
Applicants are evaluated based on program fit with the focus on aspiring and early-stage digital health founders building a novel healthcare solution. Candidates must address a meaningful healthcare problem and demonstrate a clear understanding of it. Additional selection criteria include a serious commitment to building the company, passion and energy for the problem, an appropriate early stage to benefit from and apply the curriculum, and a functioning prototype or early proof of concept ready for customer or user feedback.
Key dates
Applications are accepted until November 22, 2026 at 11:59pm CT.