Grant program focuses on healthcare startup jobs
Posted on April 30, 2019
A new grant program is focusing on healthcare startup jobs.
Digital Health Initiative that will provide $500,000 in funding to open doors for healthcare technology startups to access research and development “sandboxes.” Governor Baker made the announcement during a visit with Digital Health Council members at WPI’s PracticePoint, one of the facilities supported by the program, where healthcare startups will be able to test existing technologies and develop new products and services.
Over the next two years, the Massachusetts eHealth Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MeHI), will provide financial assistance to startups, allowing them to access sandboxes. WPI’s Practice Point research, development and commercialization alliance is the first sandbox approved under the program and a prior recipient of state funding.
“Our administration is committed to sustaining Massachusetts’ global leadership in healthcare technology, and by investing in these research and development centers, we can support the startups that are driving innovation in the digital health field,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“Massachusetts’ nation-leading healthcare and educational institutions give the Commonwealth an edge in digital health, and encouraging continued collaboration will spur even more growth.”
“Facilities like WPI’s PracticePoint are a prime example of the way in which the Commonwealth’s educational institutions are leading the way in research and development, and our administration is proud to support centers like this one,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “From our support of these innovative start-ups, to efforts to expand STEM education the classroom, we are securing the Commonwealth’s continued leadership in digital health.”
“The ability to test products outside of a busy hospital or active healthcare setting, yet in a facility that fully mimics these settings, is a game-changer for growing digital health companies looking to efficiently test their product and get to market quickly,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Kennealy, co-chair of the Digital Health Council. “Worcester has grown its footprint in the life sciences sector and this new program, built around the top R&D facilities offered by PracticePoint, means the region can become a driver for growth of digital health startups as well.”