Alaska Healthcare Innovation Accelerator (AHIA)

 

Save the date for our Final Event, the Virtual Innovator Showcase on Thursday, May 28th!

 

The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in partnership with the UA Center for Economic Development (CED) at the University of Alaska Anchorage, proudly presents the Alaska Healthcare Innovation Accelerator. This free, cohort-based program is designed to empower Alaskans in developing innovative healthcare solutions tailored to our state’s unique needs.

Key Program Details

  • Application Period: January 5 - February 20, 2026

  • Cohort Kick-off: March 16, 2026

  • Program Duration: Weekly sessions through May 29, 2026, with additional internal phases running through July 2026

  • Final Event: Innovator Showcase: May 28th, 2026

Who Should Apply?

The Accelerator welcomes:

  • Idea-stage founders with early concepts

  • Early-stage ventures (pre-revenue or early revenue)

  • Established organizations launching new healthcare products or services

We strongly encourage applications from individuals and organizations focused on:

  • Improving access to healthcare

  • Enhancing care delivery and outcomes

  • Addressing the unique challenges of rural and remote communities, telehealth, diagnostics, and care operations

What Participants Will Gain

Participants will benefit from a structured, hands-on curriculum that includes:

  • One-on-One Coaching: Personalized guidance from mentors, clinicians, and industry experts

  • Customer Discovery & Market Research: Support in validating ideas and developing products

  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and a statewide network of innovators

  • Tangible Outputs: A validated business model, customer insights, financial models, pitch decks, and clear next steps towards pilots or market entry

  • Demo Day: Showcase your innovations to peers and community members at the program’s conclusion

Join us in transforming healthcare in Alaska!

 

Important Compliance Notice

Information submitted may be shared between the Alaska SBDC, CED, and the U.S. Small Business Administration for reporting and program coordination.

Presented by: UAA’s Alaska Small Business Development Center in collaboration with the UA Center for Economic Development. This program is funded by an FY24 appropriation through the U.S. Small Business Administration.