Rockstart launches accelerator for digital health startups

Today applications open for the 6-month program kicking off this summer in Nijmegen

NIJMEGEN, MAY 20, 2015 - Rockstart launches its first accelerator program for digital health startups, aiming to make a sustainable impact on global health systems. Working with an extensive network of mentors and investors, as well as key health institutions and organizations, the Nijmegen-based program helps startups get access to the healthcare system itself. This allows them to engage directly with patients, professionals and other stakeholders to validate their product or service. The program runs from September, applications are now open (from May 20) and can be submitted at www.rockstart.com.

After accelerating 58 companies in 6 previous startup accelerator programs in Web & Mobile and Smart Energy since 2012, Rockstart enters the health space to help startups grow better and faster. The program is fully tailored to the specific needs of digital health startups. 10 startups will be selected for the program to focus on building, validating and implementing their new digital health solutions. Rockstart Accelerator Digital Health is located at Novio Tech Campus in Nijmegen, also known as the Health Valley of The Netherlands; Europe’s most connected digital health ecosystem.

Prevent, connect & communicate
The 6-month program, kicking off in September 2015, focuses primarily on startups in the areas of prevention, connecting patients and communication platforms & tools. Unique in Europe is Rockstart’s integration with and knowledge of the healthcare system. From day one, the program will steer startups towards growth by making sure they engage directly with relevant patients, professionals and other stakeholders. This helps them foresee how patients and professionals can interact with their technology and how it can be designed and built to deliver lasting value.

Intensive support and investment
Rockstart Accelerator Digital Health is created in cooperation with industry partners and investors, as well as an international mentor group of over 50 professionals, specialists and entrepreneurs. The program is led by Maarten den Braber (NL), digital health strategist and co-founder of Quantified Self Europe, supported by Rune Theill (DK) and Don Ritzen (NL) co-founders Rockstart Accelerator. The selected startups are offered a cash investment of €20.000 plus an in-kind investment consisting of office space and other facilities, expert workshops, international events and intensive hands-on (mentor) support, all in exchange for 8% equity. With this investment, the teams can fully focus on their product and getting ready for Demo Day, where they will pitch to a large audience of healthcare investors, partners and media.

Launchpad for digital health
Rockstart Accelerator Digital Health has a strong international focus, supporting startups in determining their international fit and providing access to their relevant markets. Working from Nijmegen, Rockstart accesses a regional network of 700+ companies and institutions involved in healthcare within this area. Program partners include Radboudumc, Province of Gelderland, Noaber Ventures, Arbo Unie, PPM Oost, Health Valley, City of Nijmegen, Kadans Science Partner and RabobankHekkelman Advocaten & Notarissen will act as legal partner for the program.

Applications open today
Applications for Rockstart Accelerator Digital Health open today for startups from all over the world. More information can be obtained at rockstart.com/accelerator/digitalhealth

About Maarten den Braber
Maarten den Braber is Program Director at Rockstart Accelerator Digital Health, independent digital health strategist and co-founder of the Quantified Self movement in Europe and Amsterdam. Maarten has co-organized Singularity University NL, served as COO of Skylines (a Big Data startup), co-organized Mobile Monday Amsterdam and Nexthealth (organizing the first ever European Health 2.0 event). Maarten graduated with a Master of Science from University of Twente on the subject of Rethinking the Hospital.

More information about Rockstart Accelerator Digital Health: www.rockstart.com/accelerator/digitalhealth.

Rockstart launches accelerator for digital health startups

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