A Wichita tele-medical nonprofit started by a local teenager is one of nine finalists in a NXTUS Inc. pilot competition helping early-stage health startups gain traction.
On Wednesday, NXTUS announced the finalists in the NXSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Competition, one of several from the Wichita-based entrepreneurial organization that aims to connect startup founders with community resources, capital and customers across a range of industries.
The competition, launched in 2021, includes Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the Wichita Medical Practice Association of the University of Kansas School of Medicine and others as pilot partners — who will select the winners.
“By pairing future-minded community organizations with leading startups and their game-changing technologies, we’re helping accelerate the pace of community health innovation in Kansas,” Mary Beth Jarvis, NXTUS president and CEO, said in a news release. “When Kansas grows as a proving ground for tomorrow’s solutions, we can help our people and our communities, both rural and urban, thrive.”
Competition winners and their pilot projects will be announced during an innovation showcase Sept. 28 at Botanica.
A Wichita-born startup is in the running.
Medic All, which offers free consultations, medical tests and prescriptions to eliminate barriers to care, was founded by Wichita Collegiate School senior Ayaan Parikh.
Four years ago, Parikh, 17, said he read "The Physics of the Future" by Michio Kaku, which started him down the path of technological exploration — namely in medicine. Parikh, who would like to study medicine and business, founded Medic All last year.
The startup, which uses tele-health services from accredited volunteers, has six members on its board of directors, three advisors and eight part-time employees.
Around 20 physicians, nurses, psychologists and exercise practitioners are consulting with more than 40 patients throughout Kansas in this test pilot program in which all services are free.
Along with following all HIPA guidelines, Medic All works with clinics across the state.
By being a part of the NXSTAGE competition, Parikh, who serves as the organization's executive director, says he sees his startup growing.
"I want to continue to increase the impact," he said. "It's very exciting being part of such an accomplished and such an amazing group of other finalists."
This fall, he plans to increase the number of providers and patients.
"He (Parikh) and our other finalists are offering tomorrow’s tools for improving the health of Kansans and the strength of our communities," Jarvis said in an email. "We’re excited to match them with prospective customers among the forward-looking health and community leaders that are our pilot partners."
In the previous two years, 27 local and state-wide pilot projects have stemmed from the NXSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Competition, according to the news release.
Phoenix-based Televeda has won pilot projects in both years of the contest by offering Kansas organizations a technology platform that helps seniors in those communities stay connected to resources for both their physical and mental health.
Narrowed from 128 applicants representing 27 states and 11 countries, this year's list of nine finalists includes startups from seven states, including three from Oklahoma.
Of the finalists, NXTUS says 89% have minorities or women as founders.
This year's finalist group offers technology tools focused on the management of diabetes, nutrition, postpartum recovery, mental health and other areas.
The nine finalists are:
- Reddii Health, New York City: Offers a platform for Type 1 diabetes patients that gamifies real-time glucose data using fun, supportive and educational features that engage the user
- The GONO Food Finder, Minneapolis, Minn.: App defines whether foods are good or bad for medical conditions and wellness goals, evidenced by unbiased, peer-reviewed medical studies
- Medic All, Wichita: A tele-medical nonprofit that offers free consultations, medical tests and prescriptions to eliminate barriers to care
- Myri Health, Norman, Okla.: An evidence-based postpartum resource that provides personalized rehabilitation based on delivery type, communities for parents to connect and tracking resources in a low-cost, mobile app format
- Pear Suite, Tulsa, Okla.: Empowers community health workers to meet the social and health needs of older adults, Medicaid members, and other underserved groups through a social care navigation platform.
- Polco, Madison, Wisc.: Helps government officials understand constituent satisfaction with public services, gather public input and make data-informed decisions
- Remble, Tulsa, Okla.: A mental health app with courses, activities, and tools created by licensed therapists
- Serenity, Denver, Colo.: Brings together everyone providing care for older adults on a single platform
- Welfie, San Diego, Calif.: A health equity platform delivering health and education equity to families on Medicaid via community health workers
The competition is again being presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, with additional support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
“There are a wide variety of challenges to achieving equitable access to health and the drivers of health in Kansas communities,” said Virginia Barnes, who is Blue Health Initiatives director at BCBSK. “The finalists selected represent diverse backgrounds and a range of innovative solutions that will improve the health and quality of life for Kansans.”
