Mercy Research & Development and Johns Hopkins are the two most recent additions to join the Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator to advance mobile health innovation. They join the two previously announced collaborators, University of Kansas Medical Center and Providence Health & Services that will offer mentorship and possible opportunities for clinical validation or pilot programs.
Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator Overview
The Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator, Powered by Techstars, is a three-month, immersive, mentor-driven program for startups. Participating companies are required to temporarily relocate to Kansas City, Mo., to build and strengthen their businesses. Each company receives up to $120,000 in convertible debt funding in exchange for 6% equity. Starting in 2015, Techstars is adding a first-of-its-kind equity back guarantee meaning startups will have three business days to lower or eliminate Techstars equity position if they are not satisfied with the value of Techstars program.
During the inaugural program in 2014, the 10 mobile health-related startups traveled to Kansas City from across the country and Australia. Two of the companies, FitBark and Symptom.ly, now have made Kansas City their permanent home, bringing even more talent to the burgeoning technology scene in Kansas City.