CareFirst, Johns Hopkins, Techstars introduce healthcare AI accelerator

Johns Hopkins University and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield have teamed up with Techstars to launch an accelerator focused on healthcare AI startups. The 13-week program will provide funding, expert mentorship, and support for navigating healthcare regulations. Each year, up to 24 startups in health tech, medtech, and biotech will be selected, with Techstars offering initial investments of up to $120,000 per company.

Techstars has a history of supporting healthcare startups, including notable companies like PillPack and Ginger. The AI-focused accelerator will be based in Baltimore, starting next March, with applications open until November 20.

This initiative follows the growing interest in AI within healthcare, despite a recent dip in digital health investments. According to Rock Health, 34% of digital health funding in the first half of the year went to AI-driven startups. Techstars also launched another healthcare accelerator in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine.