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Clinical Collaboration Helps Fast-Track Innovation
You probably already know Techstars. It’s a global network powering accelerators and bringing together startups and venture capital across more than 50 industries worldwide.
Northwestern Medicine has partnered with Techstars to help bring clinical expertise to select early stage health tech startups who are reimaging the future of health care, with a particular focus on areas like access to care, artificial intelligence and digital therapeutics.
The Impact On Innovation
Two cohorts of companies have completed the program at Northwestern Medicine. Demand continues to grow, with more than 711 applications submitted for the 2026 program. Notably, 5% of applicants have already raised more than $1 million, signaling high-quality startups entering the pipeline. Most of the cohort companies entered into partnership with Northwestern Medicine within six months of completing the program.
The three-month mentorship-driven program take place at Northwestern Medicine's Mansueto Innovation Institute, right in the heart of Chicago's dynamic healthcare ecosystem. These early stage companies are taking on some of the most critical challenges in healthcare today, ranging from digital therapeutics and clinical compliance to advanced proteomics.
Startups accepted into the accelerator program benefited from:
Over 100
Northwestern Medicine clinical, technical and operational leaders provided hands-on workshops and mentorship for programming hosted by Techstars
30+
interactive workshops delivered over the three-month program
Up to $220,000
investment per company
Outcomes:
The Impact on Innovation
Arul Health, Slideflow Labs, Soihtu DTx, ImmPro, Verbal AI
"Northwestern Medicine brings incredible value to the accelerator with its deep clinical expertise and access to top healthcare professionals,” says Managing Director Brad Schnitzer.
With health tech consistently ranked by Techstars investors as one of today’s most innovative sectors, the accelerator program at Northwestern Medicine helps early stage companies move faster and turn big ideas into meaningful impact that improves patient outcomes and shapes the future of health care.
“We’re excited to continue advancing our mission to inspire the next generation of health care innovation,” says Doug King, chief digital and information officer, Northwestern Medicine. “In the months ahead, we look forward to collaborating with these new founders as we explore emerging technologies and the meaningful, long-term impact they may have on patient care and the broader health care ecosystem.”
Learn more about the accelerator program
We’re excited to continue advancing our mission to inspire the next generation of health care innovation.
Doug King, chief digital and information officer, Northwestern Medicine