Thinking about launching a Health Tech startup? From AI-powered diagnostics and telehealth to digital therapeutics and medical devices, healthcare innovation is moving fast. But real growth in this space doesn’t happen solo—it’s accelerated by the right partners. That’s where Health Tech accelerators come in.
In this guide, we spotlight the top 20 HealthTech accelerators in the United States for 2025. These programs offer more than funding—they provide access to clinical networks, regulatory experts, healthcare investors, and mentors who’ve built and scaled in the trenches of healthtech and biotech. If you’re building at the intersection of medicine, technology, and impact, this list is your roadmap to traction.
1. Y Combinator (YC)
Y Combinator is the world’s foremost startup accelerator, and despite being industry-agnostic it has a strong track record of healthtech success. As of 2025, YC has funded 100+ healthcare startups (over 5,000 companies in total). YC’s expansive alumni network and prestige attract top healthcare founders and investors.
💡 YC Program Snapshot
- Location: San Francisco, CA (In-person required)
- Program Type: In-person (with some hybrid flexibility during interviews)
- Investment Terms: $500K total—$125K for 7% equity (post-money SAFE) plus $375K on an uncapped SAFE with MFN clause.
- Duration: 3 months
- Application Deadlines: Rolling (Winter and Summer batches)
- Industry Focus: Industry-agnostic, with strong HealthTech portfolio
🧠 Pro Tip: World-Class Network, Proven Healthcare Outcomes
To stand out, be crystal clear about the healthcare problem you’re solving, highlight tangible traction like pilot programs or clinical results, and show that your team blends technical skill with deep domain expertise. YC values clarity, momentum, and grit—lean into those. If you can, connect with YC Health Tech Accelerators alumni for feedback or referrals—they often share insights that can sharpen your application and pitch.
2. IndieBio (SOSV)
IndieBio is the world’s leading accelerator for life science, biotech, and deep-tech health startups. Run by global VC firm SOSV, it offers a rare combination of funding, wet lab space, and scientific mentorship—all critical for startups working on breakthroughs in diagnostics, therapeutics, synthetic biology, or digital biology. IndieBio has backed over 200 startups, with notable alumni like Chronomics, SyntheX, CareMessage, and Prellis Biologics. Collectively, its companies have raised over $1B in follow-on funding.
IndieBio: A Leading among Health Tech Accelerator
📍 Location: San Francisco, CA and New York, NY (In-person required)
🧪 Program Type: In-person, lab-based
💰 Investment Terms: $250K initial investment, with up to $500K total available via SOSV follow-on
⏱️ Duration: ~4 months (20 weeks)
📅 Application Deadlines: 1–2 cohorts per year per location
🧬 Industry Focus: Life sciences, biotech, healthtech, foodtech (human and planetary health)
🧠 Pro Tip: Deep Science, Real Execution
IndieBio is built for startups tackling big health problems through cutting-edge science. To get in, you need more than a bold idea—you’ll need to clearly explain the novelty and feasibility of your science, share any prototypes or early data, and show why your team can execute. They favor startups with technical depth, entrepreneurial drive, and a mission-driven story. Be prepared to relocate full-time to SF or NYC for hands-on lab work and intensive mentorship. Want to stand out? Review IndieBio’s portfolio and blog before applying—it shows you’ve done your homework and understand how your science fits into the broader world of HealthTech Accelerators.
3. Plug and Play Tech Center (HealthTech Vertical)
Plug and Play is a corporate-driven accelerator with one of the most robust health innovation programs in the U.S. Unlike traditional accelerators, PnP connects startups directly with 30+ top healthcare partners like Cleveland Clinic, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi, and Roche to drive pilot programs, strategic collaborations, and enterprise deals. It’s especially strong for B2B digital health, health IT, and diagnostics startups looking for traction in large hospital systems, pharma, and payor networks.
💡 Plug and Play Program Snapshot
📍 Location: Sunnyvale, CA (HQ) and Cleveland, OH (health hub)
🧑💻 Program Type: Hybrid (virtual mentorship + in-person events)
💰 Investment Terms: No equity required to join; optional $50K–$250K investment (1–5% equity) with potential follow-on up to $1M
⏱️ Duration: 3 months
📅 Application Deadlines: Multiple cohorts per year (Health vertical)
🧬 Industry Focus: Health tech, medtech, digital health, diagnostics, pharma partnerships
Built for Pilots and Strategic Intros in Health Tech Accelerators
Plug and Play is perfect for healthtech startups looking to land enterprise partnerships, not just raise capital. To stand out, tailor your application to a specific partner use case—show how your product could support their R&D, care delivery, or operations. Highlight proof points like clinical validation, active deployments, or pilot traction. Be ready for fast, high-stakes meetings with corporate execs—have tailored one-pagers, demos, and regulatory positioning ready. Since PnP doesn’t require equity and investment is optional, founders can join purely for business development. But if you’re raising, be transparent—PnP’s venture team often backs startups post-program.
4. Illumina HealthTech Accelerator
Illumina Accelerator is the go-to launchpad for genomics and omics startups. Backed by Illumina, the global leader in DNA sequencing, the program provides access to world-class sequencing technology, lab space, funding, and expert mentorship—everything a genomics startup needs to generate critical data and credibility fast. With 70+ alumni including Encodia (proteomics), Genome Medical (telegenetics), and Checkerspot, the accelerator has helped raise over $1 billion in follow-on capital. If your healthcare innovation relies on sequencing—whether for diagnostics, synthetic biology, or personalized medicine—this program gives you the scientific horsepower and strategic validation to break through.
Illumina Program Snapshot
📍 Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA (In-person)
🧪 Program Type: In-person, genomics-focused
💰 Investment Terms: $200K convertible note + $20K credit line; 7% common equity taken upfront
⏱️ Duration: 6 months
📅 Application Deadlines: Two cohorts per year
🧬 Industry Focus: Genomics, synthetic biology, precision medicine, omics (proteomics, metabolomics)
Use Genomics to Its Fullest Potential in Health Tech Accelerators
To get in, show that your product truly depends on genomic or omic data—not just as a feature, but as a core driver. Illumina wants to back top-tier science that’s commercially viable, so pair technical depth with a clear market thesis. Outline how you’ll use their sequencing during the program (e.g., a validation study or assay optimization) and how the data will drive your milestones. Strong applicants bring PhD-level expertise, IP strategy, and a plan to scale their innovation into diagnostics, therapeutics, or next-gen research tools. Illumina’s brand opens doors in biotech—if you’re ready to execute, they’ll help you lead.
5. Techstars AI Health Baltimore
Techstars AI Health Baltimore is a focused, in-person accelerator backed by Johns Hopkins University and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, designed for startups using AI and technology to solve critical health tech problems. Based in Baltimore’s thriving healthtech ecosystem, it gives founders access to world-class medical research, payer expertise, and Techstars’ global network. The program is a top pick for digital health, biotech, and medtech startups ready to scale clinically validated or operationally impactful solutions. Notable alumni include Galen Health (AI for early cancer detection), Opal (AI-guided mental health engagement), and Embryoxite (non-invasive embryo screening).
Techstars AI Health Baltimore Program Snapshot
📍 Location: Baltimore, MD (In-person required)
🤖 Program Type: In-person, mentorship-driven
💰 Investment Terms: $220K total—$20K for 5% equity + $200K SAFE (uncapped, MFN)
⏱️ Duration: 13 weeks
📅 Application Deadlines: Multiple cohorts per year
🧬 Industry Focus: AI in healthcare, digital health, medtech, biotech, health IT
This program is built for founders who know health tech inside out. To stand out, clearly articulate the problem you’re solving and how your tech—especially AI—creates measurable impact. Health Tech Accelerators like Techstars AI Health Baltimore favor traction, whether that’s clinical validation, pilot users, or early partnerships. The program values coachability and domain expertise, especially from teams combining HealthTech know-how with technical execution. If your solution improves access, affordability, or quality of care—and you’re ready to be on-site in Baltimore—Techstars AI Health Baltimore can be your launchpad into the clinical, payer, and investor ecosystem.
6. 500 Global (500 Startups)
500 Global is a globally recognized seed-stage accelerator with a strong, if generalist, track record in digital health and healthcare tech. With over 40 health-related alumni—including uBiome, DrChrono, BetterDoctor, and Fitocracy—500 is a great fit for health tech startups focused on marketing, user acquisition, and rapid growth. The program’s emphasis on metrics, fundraising, and distribution makes it especially valuable for startups navigating both healthcare complexity and startup scaling.
500 Global Program Snapshot
📍 Location: San Francisco, CA (In-person, with some hybrid flexibility)
🚀 Program Type: In-person preferred, with remote elements as needed
💰 Investment Terms: $125K–$150K for ~5% equity (post-money SAFE)
⏱️ Duration: 4 months
📅 Application Deadlines: Multiple cohorts per year
🧬 Industry Focus: Industry-agnostic, with strong digital health presence
500 Global is all about traction and execution. To stand out, show how your healthtech startup is solving a big problem with scalable potential—highlight metrics like patient signups, clinic pilots, or CAC/LTV insights. Be candid about your growth challenges and open to learning—Health Tech Accelerators like 500 help scrappy teams optimize go-to-market. If you’ve creatively executed on a tight budget or cracked early distribution in a regulated space, make that clear. And if you’re tackling a global health issue or have a diverse, international team, don’t shy away—500 loves globally ambitious founders.
7. Techstars Healthcare Accelerator (Permanente Medicine Mid-Atlantic)
Launched in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, this Washington, D.C.-based Techstars program is designed for startups advancing healthcare delivery in a value-based care environment. With direct access to 1,800+ physicians across 60 specialties, it offers founders a rare chance to co-develop solutions with one of the most respected integrated health systems in the U.S. It’s ideal for companies tackling clinical decision support, care coordination, diagnostics, or virtual care—anything that can improve outcomes, reduce cost, and enhance the patient experience.
Techstars Healthcare Accelerator Program Snapshot
📍 Location: Washington, D.C. (In-person required)
🏥 Program Type: In-person, clinical partner–embedded
💰 Investment Terms: $220K total—$20K for 5% equity + $200K SAFE (uncapped, MFN)
⏱️ Duration: 13 weeks
📅 Application Deadlines: Typically Spring/Summer (for Fall cohort)
🧬 Industry Focus: Value-based care, clinical software, digital health, telemedicine, diagnostics
Pro Tip: Prove Value-Based Care Impact with Clinical Validation
To get in, you’ll need more than a pitch—you’ll need to show how your product directly improves care delivery under value-based models. Demonstrate traction, whether through pilot programs, early revenue, or provider interest. Highlight your domain expertise and your team’s understanding of clinical workflows, regulations, and system integration. If your startup already supports longitudinal care, preventive health, or operational efficiency in a clinical setting, make that clear. And don’t forget—Health Tech Accelerators like this are a rare chance to collaborate directly with Permanente’s physician network, so show how your tech fits into the real-world delivery of care.
8. PearX by Pear VC | HealthTech Vertical
PearX is a high-touch, in-person accelerator by Pear VC, offering one of the most founder-friendly funding structures in the seed ecosystem. Though sector-agnostic, PearX has quietly built a strong reputation in healthtech—backing companies like Viz.ai, Valar Labs, RECORA, Tandem, and Seven Starling. The program runs two 12-week cohorts per year in San Francisco, pairing each startup with two dedicated Pear partners and immersing them in a supportive founder community. With flexible investments ranging from $250K to $2M, PearX is ideal for early-stage healthcare teams ready to scale fast, fundraise smart, and build alongside top-tier peers.
PearX Program Snapshot
📍 Location: San Francisco, CA (In-person required)
🏢 Program Type: In-person, small cohort (~15–20 startups)
💰 Investment Terms: $250K–$2M on venture terms (SAFE/equity); no program fee
⏱️ Duration: 12 weeks (plus up to 9–12 months free office space)
📅 Application Deadlines: Winter and Summer cohorts
🧬 Industry Focus: Sector-agnostic, with strong healthcare and AI presence
🧠 Pro Tip: Vision, Validation, and Founder-Market Fit Win Here
PearX is for bold founders solving big problems—and in HealthTech, that means startups tackling clinical workflows, diagnostics, or care delivery with tech-forward solutions. To stand out, highlight early validation (pilots, MVPs, or compelling research), show deep domain expertise, and paint a credible path to scale. Pear bets on founders, not finished products—so emphasize your health tech insight and grit. The program’s hands-on style, top-tier network, and flexible capital make it a powerful launchpad if you’re building a venture-scale solution and ready to fully relocate to San Francisco. Health Tech Accelerators like PearX reward readiness, ambition, and clarity of execution.
9. Jumpstart Foundry (JSF)
Jumpstart Foundry is a Nashville-based Health Tech innovation fund and accelerator supporting early-stage digital health and MedTech startups navigating the U.S. healthcare system. Backed by Jumpstart Health Investors, JSF offers funding, virtual programming, and long-term access to Jumpstart Insight—a mentor and resource network designed for healthcare founders. With a portfolio of 150+ companies and growing, notable alumni include Mindoula (behavioral health coordination), Spiras Health (chronic care management), and AxialHealthcare (pain management analytics). JSF is especially strong for SaaS, care delivery, and health IT solutions looking to scale within provider and payer environments.
Jumpstart Foundry Program Snapshot
📍 Location: Nashville, TN (Remote-first program)
🏥 Program Type: Virtual, with optional in-person events
💰 Investment Terms: $150K SAFE with $50K program fee deducted (net $100K cash)
⏱️ Duration: Ongoing access; rolling quarterly cohorts
📅 Application Deadlines: Quarterly (Q1, Q2, etc.)
🧬 Industry Focus: Digital health, health IT, care management, B2B SaaS, medical services
Pro Tip: Know Your Reimbursement Model and U.S. Healthcare Buyer
Jumpstart is a healthcare-first fund—so come prepared to speak the language. To stand out, show you understand how your solution fits into the U.S. healthcare system: who pays, how it’s billed, and why your product drives real ROI for providers, payers, or employers. Highlight early traction or letters of intent, and be transparent about where you need help (like HIPAA compliance, B2B sales, or scaling pilots). JSF values founders who are coachable and committed—and with access to Nashville’s healthcare giants, they can help you go from product to pilot to payer much faster. If you’re applying to HealthTech Accelerators, this is one where business-savvy health founders thrive.
10. Prosper HealthTech Accelerator (gener8tor)
Prosper HealthTech, powered by gener8tor, is a fully healthcare-focused accelerator based in Birmingham, Alabama. It runs two 12-week, in-person cohorts each year and is quickly becoming a go-to destination for early-stage health startups tackling impactful challenges. With a selective cohort of just five companies, Prosper offers intensive mentorship, access to hospital systems like UAB Health, and support from payers like Blue Cross of Alabama. Notable alumni include AloeVR (pediatric VR therapy), CLEO Education (med edtech), Ashmi Health (personalized nutrition), and Dialytix (kidney care analytics).
Prosper HealthTech Program Snapshot
📍 Location: Birmingham, AL (In-person required)
🏥 Program Type: Residency-style, fully healthcare-focused
💰 Investment Terms: $90K investment for ~6% common equity
⏱️ Duration: 12 weeks
📅 Application Deadlines: Two cohorts per year
🧬 Industry Focus: Digital health, MedTech, health IT, AI, mental health, medical education
🧠 Pro Tip: Real Healthcare Access, Real Validation Paths
Prosper isn’t just another accelerator—it’s a HealthTech immersion. To stand out, emphasize a serious health problem, your clinical or domain expertise, and how your solution improves outcomes or lowers costs. Validation matters: bring early pilot data, a compelling plan to work with hospitals, or evidence-based goals. If you’re addressing health equity, preventative care, or training clinicians, that aligns well. With partners like UAB Health and Blue Cross of Alabama, Prosper gives founders a shot at real traction—so come ready to be on-site, coachable, and committed to reshaping health tech from the inside out. Among Healthcare Accelerators, Prosper stands out for its deep integration with payers, providers, and the community.
11. Health Wildcatters
Health Wildcatters is one of the longest-standing healthcare accelerators in the U.S., based in Dallas, TX. It’s a founder-friendly, mentorship-rich program built for early-stage digital health, MedTech, and healthcare services startups looking for guidance, community, and early capital. With over 100 portfolio companies—including PillDRx (pharmacy kiosks), SimpleLTC (long-term care analytics, acquired), and Launchpad Medical (biotech)—the program connects founders to over 200 mentors, deep local healthcare ties, and a supportive Texas startup community.
Health Wildcatters Program Snapshot
📍 Location: Dallas, TX (In-person required)
🏥 Program Type: In-person, health-focused
💰 Investment Terms: $30K for 8% equity, with up to $380K in follow-on available
⏱️ Duration: 12 weeks
📅 Application Deadlines: Annual (Fall cohort)
🧬 Industry Focus: Digital health, MedTech, healthcare services, some biotech
Health Wildcatters is all about commitment and coachability. To stand out, clearly explain the healthcare problem you’re solving and why it matters—especially if you’re pre-revenue or pre-product. Be ready to relocate to Dallas and work full-time during the 12-week sprint. Early traction (pilots, MVPs, or LOIs) gives you an edge, but grit and openness to feedback matter just as much. With a small cohort and 200+ mentors, you’ll get plenty of attention—so come ready to iterate, network, and build. Among Health Tech Accelerators, Wildcatters stands out for combining intensive mentorship with strong regional ties in a healthcare-rich, founder-friendly market.
12. ZeroTo510
ZeroTo510 is a Memphis-based accelerator dedicated to early-stage medical device startups, especially those navigating the FDA’s 510(k) clearance pathway. With a curriculum built specifically for medtech founders, the program helps startups avoid costly regulatory missteps while accessing mentorship from engineers, clinicians, and industry insiders. Alumni include Restore Medical and SweetBio, both of which secured significant follow-on funding after graduation.
ZeroTo510 Program Snapshot – HealthTech Accelerators Edition
📍 Location: Memphis, TN (In-person required)
🛠️ Program Type: In-person, medtech-focused
💰 Investment Terms: $25K seed (SAFE or convertible note), potential for $100K follow-on
⏱️ Duration: 13 weeks
📅 Application Deadlines: Annual (Summer cohort)
🧬 Industry Focus: Medical devices, diagnostics, digital health hardware
🧠 Pro Tip: Nail the Device, the Predicate, and the Plan
ZeroTo510 isn’t a fit for every health startup—but among HealthTech Accelerators, it’s gold if you’re building a Class I or II device with a clear path to 510(k) clearance. Be clear in your application about your regulatory strategy, including FDA class and predicate devices. Show that your prototype works (or will soon), highlight any clinical validation or advisor support, and explain how Memphis’s medtech ecosystem will help you move faster. Bonus points if you’re excited to build long-term relationships in the region. Founders who understand regulatory timelines and show readiness to move from design to submission stand out here.
Final Thoughts on Finding Healthcare Accelerators
If you’re building a healthcare startup—whether it’s in digital health, medtech, AI diagnostics, or care delivery innovation—finding the right accelerator can be a critical catalyst for growth. The best programs don’t just offer funding; they open doors to hospital pilots, reimbursement insights, regulatory guidance, and mentorship from insiders who know the system.
This article was designed to help you discover the accelerators that are best aligned with the healthtech vertical—programs that not only understand the unique challenges of healthcare but are also structured to support founders working on solutions that improve outcomes, access, and affordability.
Keep in mind: getting accepted is competitive, and even great startups get turned down. That’s why it’s essential to apply to multiple programs, tailor each application, and treat the process strategically. Every application sharpens your pitch and increases your odds of success.
So don’t just browse—start applying. Whether you’re pre-seed or preparing to scale, Health Tech accelerators can be the partner that helps you grow faster, get funded, and break into one of the most complex sectors in tech.
