Four emerging life science and healthcare companies are now the first participants in a new Worcester-based accelerator program that is investing $1 million to help startups develop new medical technologies while strengthening the region’s growing innovation economy.
Auxilium and Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI) announced June 16 the inaugural cohort of the Auxilium–MBI Accelerator, a three-month program that combines startup funding with mentorship, business development and industry connections. Each of the four selected companies will receive a $250,000 investment, for a total of $1 million.
The first cohort includes SilkMed, Predictive Healthcare, CPR Therapeutics and Microvitality, companies developing technologies ranging from advanced wound care and artificial intelligence to medical devices and diagnostics.
SilkMed is developing a sprayable silk-based wound dressing designed to improve burn treatment and promote regenerative healing. Predictive Healthcare is building artificial intelligence technology to monitor patients after surgery and help clinicians detect complications sooner. CPR Therapeutics is developing an automated CPR device intended to improve survival rates while reducing injuries caused during resuscitation. Microvitality is creating what organizers describe as the first noninvasive tool for sampling the small intestine to improve the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases.
Selected through a competitive application process, the companies represent a range of medical devices, diagnostics, AI-powered healthcare technologies and life science innovations while bringing founders from across New England to Worcester.
“The quality of applications we received exceeded our expectations and reflects the strength of innovation happening across the life science and healthcare ecosystem,” Auxilium Executive Director Zachary Dutton said in the announcement. “These founders have already demonstrated significant progress and are now focused on advancing their technologies, validating their markets, and preparing their companies for growth. Through this partnership with MBI, we are able to combine investment, mentorship and industry expertise to help founders navigate the next stage of growth.”
The accelerator is a partnership between Auxilium and MBI aimed at helping early-stage companies move beyond initial product validation and prepare for commercial growth. During the three-month program, founders will participate in weekly workshops, one-on-one mentoring, strategic planning sessions, fundraising preparation and pitch development.
Organizers say the program launches as Central Massachusetts continues expanding its life sciences sector through investments in biomanufacturing, workforce development and startup infrastructure.
“The future of Worcester’s life sciences ecosystem will be built by founders who are creating the next generation of breakthrough technologies, and programs like this help ensure those companies can grow here,” MBI President and CEO Jon Weaver said in the announcement. “The Rucker family’s investment into the cluster will help recruit, retain and scale startups while providing the capital they need to grow. By combining capital, mentorship and deep ecosystem support, the Auxilium–MBI Accelerator creates a powerful platform for startup growth and adds even more momentum to the innovation happening across Central Massachusetts.”
Auxilium, based in downtown Worcester, is an accelerator and innovation studio backed by Rucker Investments. MBI, a nonprofit organization focused on developing the region’s life sciences sector, estimates it has supported more than 197 companies since 2000, helping create more than 1,800 jobs and generating an estimated $2 billion in economic impact.
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