UCLA Health is accepting applications for its TechQuity Accelerator. This program supports startups and other fledgling companies with technologies that can improve health equity among underserved and vulnerable patient populations.
Launched in 2022 in response to Covid-19’s effect on under-resourced and vulnerable communities, the TechQuity Accelerator strives to strengthen health security by targeting four overall areas: prevention, diagnosis, treatment and community impact.
“Following last year’s highly successful inaugural program, we are excited to launch a new accelerator to support early-stage companies driven by a commitment to develop inclusive technologies and boost health equity within diverse populations,” said Jennifer McCaney, executive director of UCLA Biodesign and associate director of the UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute, in a press release.
UCLA Health operates the TechQuity Accelerator in partnership with UCLA Biodesign, BioscienceLA and ScaleHealth, with a focus on supporting teams that feature innovative concepts and a mission to improve long-term community health resilience.
The three-month program provides selected startups with personalized mentorship, coworking space, access to clinical expertise and product-development support, culminating in a final pitch showcase with UCLA Health leaders and community stakeholders.
Selected accelerator companies are paired with student interns subsidized by BioscienceLA through its BioFutures Internship Program. This collaboration also represents a shared commitment with UCLA Health and UCLA Biodesign to build a diverse life-science workforce by providing career-building opportunities for people from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
The accelerator seeks companies that have developed solutions to overcome any of the following barriers to more equitable health outcomes:
Healthcare Access
The pandemic strained an existing health system fraught with challenges for people with cultural, geographic or financial limitations to access care and services. The TechQuity Accelerator is looking for innovation in these areas:
- Telemedicine.
- Wearables and remote-monitoring devices.
- Online pharmacies.
- Direct-to-consumer health care delivery.
- Medical translation and transcription.
- Gender-affirming care.
Environmental justice
Traditionally, underserved communities are "most likely to suffer the health, financial and political consequences caused by global climate change," according to a press release issued by UCLA Health. Prospective TechQuity Accelerator applicants might have solutions for:
- Removing, reducing or preventing pollution in vulnerable communities.
- Addressing food insecurity and increasing access to healthy food options.
- Leveraging community leaders to ensure equitable environmental and land-use decisions.
- Safe housing and recreational facilities.
- Expanding social service programs.
Mental health and youth wellbeing
Limited resources are available for low-income residents and adolescent patients to ensure their long-term care and access to mental health professionals. Potential areas of focus include:
- Identifying and connecting patients to mental health resources, experts and/or treatment centers through digital platforms.
- Collaborating with schools and other youth organizations to improve pediatric health care delivery.
- Broadening access to treatments and developing devices for patients with substance abuse disorders.
- Promoting self-care through mobile or other applications.
For more information or to apply, visit the UCLA Health TechQuity Accelerator website. The deadline to apply is July 31. Startups are selected on a rolling basis.
