Category Archives: Innovation

Making Scientific Breakthroughs More Accessible

Bridging the Divide: How Mindr Is Bringing Alzheimer’s Research to Life

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Alzheimer’s disease has long been a formidable challenge, but recent scientific breakthroughs offer a glimmer of hope. The FINGER study, a landmark in Alzheimer’s research, demonstrated the power of simple lifestyle changes in preventing cognitive decline. However, translating these findings into practical, everyday strategies has proven elusive.

In this episode of StartUp Health NOW, we explore how Mindr, a pioneering startup in our Alzheimer’s Moonshot Community, is bridging the gap between research – the FINGER study – and real-world application in the lives of people at risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. By leveraging the best of modern consumer tech – like a well designed app on your phone – Mindr aims to make internationally-recognized advances in healthcare accessible to everyone.

This is a story that applies in almost every area of health. We have the information, but we struggle to get it out of the lab, out of the peer reviewed journal, and into everyday life. Mindr’s co-founders Adam Schultz and Ariana Myers explain how they’re attempting to bridge this divide and what it will take to succeed on a bigger scale.

Join us as we discuss the importance of connecting research to practice and how Mindr is empowering individuals to take proactive steps toward a healthier brain.

Innovating in Alzheimer’s disease? Learn how you can join our Alzheimer’s Moonshot.

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Old School + New School Tech = Big Impact

Old School Tech Makes Big Impact in Cognitive Care: Reporting from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference

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This episode of StartUp Health NOW throws out the tech buzzwords and dives into the power of seemingly simple solutions. We meet two innovative founders in our Alzheimer’s Moonshot Community who are using familiar technologies – the telephone and television – to tackle major healthcare challenges.

  • First up, Paul Campbell, CEO & Co-founder of Moneta Health, explains how their evidence-based dementia care program utilizes an “old school meets new school” approach, using AI plus the humble landline to reach a wider audience and overcome tech barriers for patients with early-stage dementia and Alzheimer’s.
  • Then, Bill Uniowski, CEO & Co-founder of Zinnia, shares how his company is creating smart video content specifically designed for people with advanced dementia, offering a calming and therapeutic experience that reduces the need for medication and improves lives for both patients and caregivers.

Join us for a refreshing look at how low-tech solutions can deliver high-impact healthcare.

Innovating in Alzheimer’s disease? Learn how you can join our Alzheimer’s Moonshot.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

Innovators: Health Transformer University fuels your health moonshot

Funders: Become a Health Moonshot Champion

An Inside Look at the ADA's Launch of the Obesity Association

American Diabetes Association Launches Obesity Association

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In this episode of StartUp Health NOW, Chuck Henderson, the CEO of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and a member of StartUp Health’s Health Moonshot Impact Board, took time out of his busy schedule at the recent ADA Scientific Sessions – the ADA’s annual global gathering of more than 11,000 people working on foundational products and bleeding-edge ideas related to both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes – to chat with us about innovation, collaboration, and the ADA’s latest initiatives.

  • Launch of the Obesity Association: The ADA has announced the formation of the Obesity Association, which will now be a division within the ADA, focusing heavily on integrating obesity care into diabetes standards.
  • Cutting-Edge Research: The ADA is doubling down on its efforts to combat obesity by incorporating it more thoroughly into their standards of care, considered a critical resource in diabetes management.
  • Health Equity: A significant focus is on health equity, ensuring that all programs are accessible and beneficial to underserved communities, including rural areas.
  • Community Outreach: The ADA has initiated programs like mobile clinics in rural Alabama to address diabetic retinopathy, demonstrating their commitment to reaching underserved populations.
  • Innovation and Competition: The ADA values innovation and competition, fostering early-stage research and encouraging disruptive ideas to push forward diabetes care and treatment.
  • Collaboration with StartUp Health: Chuck Henderson expressed his appreciation for his involvement with StartUp Health. He highlights StartUp Health’s role in connecting communities and emphasized the importance of our ecosystem in addressing chronic illnesses through innovative solutions like the Type 1 Diabetes Moonshot.

 

 

Innovating in Alzheimer’s disease? Learn how you can join our Alzheimer’s Moonshot.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

Innovators: Health Transformer University fuels your health moonshot

Funders: Become a Health Moonshot Champion

An Insider’s Perspective on the Near Future of Alzheimer’s Care

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“Academia is a great area and fosters innovation, but then taking that science and translating it into something that can actually impact human health has a number of challenges. So trying to understand what those barriers are and how we can help bridge them is something that we have been able to do at ADDF and in collaboration with StartUp Health.”

In this episode of StartUp Health NOW, we chat with Laura Nisenbaum, PhD, Executive Director of Drug Development at the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF). Organizations like ADDF are working to translate scientific research into real patient impact, particularly in the field of Alzheimer’s disease, by funding innovative ventures and supporting startups in the biotech space. Dr. Nisenbaum talks with us about new Alzheimer’s tests and therapeutics and pulls back the curtain on how ADDF supports startups.

Key Insights:

  • We are at a tipping point in Alzheimer’s. Our ability to predict and detect – and then treat – Alzheimer’s disease is growing faster than ever.

  • Dr. Laura Nisenbaum was involved in the launch of StartUp Health’s Alzheimer’s Moonshot, a collaboration with The Gates Foundation and ADDF, which is important for advancing research in the field of Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Academia fosters innovation, but translating scientific work into real patient impact poses challenges that need to be understood and bridged.

  • Venture philanthropy model enables funding for innovators who may not receive funding from for-profit companies, allowing for more risky endeavors.

  • The Diagnostics Accelerator challenges the research community to develop cutting-edge biomarkers and explore novel diagnostic technologies that will aid in Alzheimer’s diagnosis and clinical trial design.

  • The potential for AI to revolutionize Alzheimer’s research and diagnosis is evident in the funding and support for innovative companies in the field.

  • Focusing on the biology of aging, including inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, could be key in developing novel therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.

  • The field of Alzheimer’s research and care is at an amazing point with the first demonstration of some efficacy for drugs and a huge innovation curve from a biomarkers and diagnostics perspective.

  • We can now detect amyloid in the brain through blood tests, marking an amazing point of innovation in the field of Alzheimer’s research.

  • Pursue innovative ideas with great gusto and perseverance, and take advantage of the incredible network of mentors and collaborators to thrive in the biotech and startup space.

  • The momentum is building in the field of Alzheimer’s research, thanks to the support from organizations like ADDF.

 

 

Innovating in Alzheimer’s disease? Learn how you can join our Alzheimer’s Moonshot.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

Innovators: Health Transformer University fuels your health moonshot

Funders: Become a Health Moonshot Champion

AAIC RetiSpec & Sinaptica

How AI Is Creating an Inflection Point in Brain Health Innovation: Reporting from the AAIC

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Join StartUp Health NOW for a powerful episode recorded live at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC)! We explore the exciting inflection point in Alzheimer’s research fueled by AI and machine learning.

Hear directly from passionate founders in the StartUp Health Alzheimer’s Moonshot Community:

  • Catherine Bornbaum, PhD, CBO at RetiSpec, fresh off the company’s $10M Series A, unveils a groundbreaking AI-powered device that analyzes the retina for insights into brain health.
  • Ken Mariash, CEO of Sinaptica Therapeutics, discusses using AI and neuromodulation to potentially slow Alzheimer’s and strengthen brain function in healthy individuals.

Discover:

  • How AI is unlocking a multi-modal understanding of the brain
  • The potential for revolutionizing treatment for all brain conditions
  • The cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of Alzheimer’s research

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about brain health and the fight against Alzheimer’s!

Innovating in Alzheimer’s disease? Learn how you can join our Alzheimer’s Moonshot.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

Innovators: Health Transformer University fuels your health moonshot

Funders: Become a Health Moonshot Champion

DCB’s Fresh Take on Empowering Diabetes Innovation

How This Swiss Non-Profit Empowers Diabetes Innovation

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Transforming diabetes management with DCB: On this week’s StartUp Health NOW, we chat with Greta Ehlers from Diabetes Center Berne (DCB) at the 2024 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions.

DCB’s mission? Revolutionize diabetes management with a unique global innovation challenge that attracts 100+ innovative startups.

In this episode, we explore:

  • Cutting-edge trends: Discover how AI and non-invasive monitoring are simplifying daily life for people with diabetes.
  • A supportive launchpad: Learn about DCB’s program, featuring an application process, expert evaluation, and an in-person boot camp in Switzerland for finalists.
  • Building a community: This intensive boot camp fosters collaboration, one-on-one coaching, and lasting connections between startups.
  • Making a global impact: Funded by a private benefactor, DCB offers startups the resources and connections they need to transform diabetes management worldwide.
  • Making it personal: Ehlers, like many DCB team members, has a personal connection to diabetes, enhancing the commitment and understanding of the challenges faced by those living with diabetes.

Listen in to see how DCB is bringing the future of diabetes care closer, one innovative idea at a time!


Innovating in Alzheimer’s disease? Learn how you can join our Alzheimer’s Moonshot.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

Innovators: Health Transformer University fuels your health moonshot

Funders: Become a Health Moonshot Champion

Navigating the Longevity Economy: An AgeTech Masterclass with Mary Furlong

Navigating the Longevity Economy: An AgeTech Masterclass with Mary Furlong

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The heart of AgeTech, according to Mary Furlong: “Baby Boomers want a vision of the future, not a memory of the past.”

In this week’s StartUp Health NOW podcast episode, we dive into the booming longevity market with Mary Furlong, a legendary figure in AgeTech (senior innovation). In this excerpt from a Masterclass held for members of the StartUp Health community, Furlong shares her practical wisdom gained from more than 30 years in the industry, raising over $300 million for senior-focused businesses.

In this action-packed Masterclass, you’ll learn:

  • Creative, holistic, and practical go-to-market strategies for the longevity market.
  • How to identify real senior needs – sometimes it starts with a simple happy hour!
  • Proven tips for building socially conscious businesses that serve this rapidly growing population.

Mary Furlong is a leading authority on the longevity market. As the President and CEO of Mary Furlong & Associates (MFA), she’s a champion for companies creating products and services that empower older adults. She was named one of the top 100 women in Silicon Valley and received the first-ever lifetime achievement award from Aging 2.0.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best! This is an actionable and inspiring masterclass excerpt – take notes and get ready to take your longevity business to the next level.


Innovating in Alzheimer’s disease? Learn how you can join our Alzheimer’s Moonshot.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

Innovators: Health Transformer University fuels your health moonshot

Funders: Become a Health Moonshot Champion

Inside the Impact Board: How Katya Hancock Supports Youth Wellbeing in the Digital Age

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This week on StartUp Health NOW, we explore youth wellbeing in the digital age with Katya Hancock, Founding Executive Director of Young Futures and a member of StartUp Health’s Health Moonshot Impact Board.

After 10 years as part of the StartUp Health executive team, Hancock brings her experience to this innovative non-profit focused on helping young people thrive online. We’ll move beyond the “screen time villain” narrative and explore real solutions for navigating the digital world’s tensions. We’ll discuss Young Futures’ first million-dollar funding challenge, tackling loneliness, social connection, and wellbeing. Inspired by the Surgeon General’s call to action, they’re empowering youth-led efforts alongside established organizations.

  • Focus on Youth Wellbeing: Young Futures aims to improve youth wellbeing and mental health, especially in marginalized communities. The organization seeks to shift the narrative from focusing on challenges to providing practical solutions.
  • Innovative Support for Nonprofits: The organization hosts funding challenges to support innovative nonprofits working to improve youth well-being. The first challenge, called The Lonely Hearts Club, focused on addressing loneliness and social connection.
  • Building a Collaborative Ecosystem: Like StartUp Health, Young Futures brings together grantees in an ecosystem to collaborate and support each other. This approach helps create a stronger network of organizations working towards common goals.
  • Real-World Applications: Examples of supported organizations include Hip Hop Into Learning, which helps kids express themselves and find community through hip hop, and Sesame 3G, which connects seniors, teens, and preschoolers for mentoring and social-emotional learning.
  • Challenges and Opportunities: Hancock emphasizes the importance of addressing the digital tension young people face and providing them with the tools to navigate the digital world healthily. She also discusses the need for nonprofit leaders to adopt practices from the for-profit startup world, such as long-term goal setting and effective communication with funders.
  • Supporting StartUp Health: Hancock expresses her commitment to ensuring young people are part of the conversation in healthcare. She appreciates StartUp Health’s model and media presence, which can help raise awareness about youth mental health and integrate it into broader health discussions.
  • Personal Insights and Future Goals: Hancock shares her personal journey and how her work with StartUp Health and Young Futures has influenced her views on technology and parenting. She envisions Young Futures becoming more of an entertaining media company to engage and support young people effectively.

Join us for a dive into the future of youth and technology!


If you’re interested in the latest on how to help teens thrive in the digital age, follow the Young Futures Newsletter and their LinkedIn page. 

Innovating in Alzheimer’s disease? Learn how you can join our new Alzheimer’s Moonshot.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

Innovators: Health Transformer University fuels your health moonshot

Funders: Become a Health Moonshot Champion

Harry Leider & Steven Krein podcast

From Biotech to Walgreens: Lessons From 25 Years as a Physician Executive

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This episode of StartUp Health NOW features a special guest host, Steven Krein, CEO & Co-founder of StartUp Health. Earlier this week, Steve led a  Masterclass with Harry Leider, MD, a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 25 years of experience.

Dr. Leider offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs, sharing his expertise across various sectors – from biotech to the world of retail pharmacy giants like Walgreens. Get ready for tactical advice on understanding your customers, launching minimum viable products (MVPs), navigating lengthy sales cycles, and much more, in this Q&A with real questions from founders in the StartUp Health community.

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone building a business in the healthcare industry. Tune in and learn from Dr. Leider’s extensive experience.


Innovating in Alzheimer’s disease? Learn how you can join our new Alzheimer’s Moonshot.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

Innovators: Health Transformer University fuels your health moonshot

Funders: Become a Health Moonshot Champion

A Masterclass with the Founder of One of the Great Success Stories in Health Innovation

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Virta Health is one of the greatest success stories in health tech today.

Join us for an insightful StartUp Health NOW episode featuring Sami Inkinen, the visionary CEO & Founder of Virta Health, a pioneering company focused on the reversal of Type 2 diabetes. In this Masterclass, originally recorded in front of a virtual audience of entrepreneurs in the StartUp Health community, Inkinen – also a member of the community – shares his journey and the innovative strategies behind Virta Health’s success.

Inkinen’s impressive background includes co-founding Trulia, leading it to a successful IPO and eventual sale to Zillow Group. At Virta Health, he’s raised $366M and achieved a $2B valuation, with the company recognized as a TIME100 Most Influential Company in 2023. Beyond his business acumen, Sami is a world-class athlete and health advocate, known for his rowing expedition to raise awareness about diabetes.

In this episode, Inkinen delves into:

  • The biggest surprises he faced as a health tech founder
  • Balancing his roles as CEO, father, and husband
  • The strategic planning rhythms that drive Virta’s mission
  • His personal journey, from existential crises to global health impact

As is typical of members of the StartUp Health community, Inkinen is generous in sharing his wisdom. Tune in to learn from his experience and gain valuable insights into leadership and achieving sustainable product-market fit in the digital health industry.

Innovating in Alzheimer’s disease? Learn how you can join our new Alzheimer’s Moonshot.

Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

Innovators: Health Transformer University fuels your health moonshot

Funders: Become a Health Moonshot Champion