These are the 8 companies, from Atlanta to San Francisco, in the latest 1501 Health incubator cohort

In 2019, a collaboration between LifeBridge Health, a Baltimore-based healthcare system, and Healthworx, the innovation division of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, resulted in the establishment of a startup incubator called 1501 Health. The Canton-based incubator for healthcare solutions recently announced the eight companies, whose innovations span such fields as oncology and behavioral health, in its latest cohort.

Soo Jeon, the incubator’s co-lead, said that the latest group was selected from a pool of 147 highly qualified applicants — the largest in the incubator’s history. The incubator is not restricted to Baltimore-based companies, which had no presence in this cohort.

“We’re looking for the companies that fill the most important gaps for the members and patients who we serve in the region, so these happened to be the best potential solutions and innovations for those we serve in greater Baltimore,” explained Emily Durfee, the incubator’s former co-manager and Healthworx’s director of corporate venture capital, to Technical.ly.

Over the one-year program, cohort members are provided with exclusive mentorship opportunities and support from industry experts in payer and provider domains. They can also participate in networking and educational events with other startups, investors and stakeholders. Moreover, they are eligible to receive up to $125,000 in investment capital, which is 25% more than what was offered to the previous two cohorts.

Durfee explained the changes by saying that Healthworx seeks to alleviate the challenges early-stage companies face while finding investment in the current market. Additionally, Healthworx believes that augmenting the investment and strengthening the partnership with the companies can create significant value for the industry.

The program’s curriculum has also been updated, Durfee said, to better address recurring questions that founders had over the years.

“As we’ve gone through two other cohorts, we began to see the opportunity to standardize curriculum that speaks to the ‘101’ questions that kept coming up about the healthcare space, about payers and providers,” she said. “So, [now], everyone has the foundational information they needed to make the best use of the advisors we’re connecting them with — which has been part of the 1501 Health program since day one.

Here are the eight companies participating in 1501 Health this year, which are all based:

• Athelo Health (Nashville, Tennessee): The digital health platform uses artificial intelligence and is centered around oncologic care, catering to women undergoing treatment for breast and gynecologic cancers.
• CareAdvisors (Chicago, Illinois): This software platform is a pioneer in social care management, serving as a unifying solution for stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem such as hospitals, health plans and community-based organizations. The company’s primary objective is to address healthcare inequities by bringing together all parties involved in the care process.
• Delfina (San Francisco, California): This prenatal care platform aims to reduce health disparities during pregnancy by incorporating technology with the best clinical care practices.
• Gritwell (San Francisco): This virtual care platform integrates AI to explore the root causes behind symptoms of varying illnesses. The platform matches users with a functional health coach who develops a customized plan based on their unique symptoms, health history and goals.
• MapHabit (Atlanta, Georgia): The behavioral health provider offers a distinctive approach that leverages a care management platform centered around map-building. The platform aims to enhance personal interactions, improve quality of life and promote independence for both individuals and their support system.
• Mighty Health (San Francisco): This exercise, nutrition and wellness app is tailored for individuals over the age of 50. It offers customizable options and a motivational community to support users on their wellness journeys.
• Tembo Health (New York, New York): The company’s digital health platform focuses on delivering premium care to senior citizens, enabling them to age in place while maintaining their physical and mental well-being.
• Visana Health (Minneapolis, Minnesota): This virtual women’s health clinic tackles underserved women’s health conditions, ranging from simple to complex, with the goal of providing holistic care.

Those who wish to meet the new cohort can do so in April, when 1501 Health plans to host a welcome event on a to-be-determined date.