Health IT

New York Digital Health Accelerator shifts to later stage companies in latest cohort

To qualify, applicants had to be nominated, have a product and be in advanced discussions with at least one provider.

Helping hand to new member or hire join up with large social groThe only thing that’s been consistent for digital health accelerators in the past couple of years is that most of them have been tweaking their model. That’s no less true of the New York Digital Accelerator, which is run by the New York eHealth Collaborative and the Partnership Fund for New York City.

Now in its fourth year, the accelerator did away with an open call for applicants. Instead, the program relied the four investment firms and 16 healthcare organizations that serve as mentors to the accelerator to nominate companies they viewed as worthy. Another change in the criteria required aspiring candidates to be in advanced negotiations with at least one provider. The changes were based on findings from previous cohorts, said Anuj Desai, vice president of market development at New York eHealth Collaborative, in a phone interview.

“What we found in past years is that when companies are too early [stage], they are not as successful,” Desai observed.

The accelerator will be used to help entrepreneurs refine their idea over a four-month period, culminating in a demo day in January, Desai said. Although several investment firms are taking part in the program as mentors, companies that were accepted into the program won’t receive funding.

To date, 21 companies have taken part in the accelerator and have collectively raised $230 million. More importantly, these companies have created 160 jobs in New York, which is usually at least one of the goals of accelerator programs.

Here is a list of the companies in the program, based on descriptions from a press release:

BMIQ delivers evidence-based dietary and behavioral interventions for diabetes prevention through counseling, and online support between visits to effectively impact positive lifestyle change.

Diameter Health seeks to use clinical intelligence to help healthcare providers avoid penalties from readmissions. Among its applications are forecasting patient outcomes and adverse event risk.

eCaring bills itself as a comprehensive home care management solution that provides actionable healthcare information aimed at home care workers, patients and caregivers. The product allows them to enter data regarding physical and mental state, vital signs, critical behaviors and activities, medication adherence and care plan compliance.

Healthify aims to help payers and providers screen patients based on social needs, identify social services in a community, coordinate referrals, and provide population health analytics tied to social needs.

Somatix is a behavioral modification software platform initially for smoking cessation. Customers include corporate employers, health insurance companies and clinics.

Spring uses machine-learning in an effort to dramatically improve behavioral healthcare.

Photo Credit: Bigstock

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