Cloud

AWS Launches Healthcare Accelerator Focused on Health Equity

A cohort of 10 digital health startups will be chosen to use AWS cloud to help address population health challenges and disparities.

Jordan Scott

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Jordan Scott is the web editor for HealthTech. She is a multimedia journalist with experience in B2B publishing.

In an effort to tackle health disparities globally, Amazon Web Services and KidsX have announced the latest AWS Healthcare Accelerator. The four-week technical, business and mentorship program will select a cohort of 10 startup companies seeking to use AWS to help solve population health challenges and disparities.

Startups focused on one or more of the following areas will be considered: increasing access to health services, reducing disparities by addressing social determinants of health, and using data to promote equitable and inclusive systems of care. Participating startups must have a digital health software solution, be privately held and able to commit 10 to 15 hours per week throughout the four-week program.

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The accelerator enables startups to harness the power of AWS’ cloud solutions to improve healthcare access and equity. Participants will be provided with more than 50 hours of support, AWS Promotional Credits and access to both the AWS and KidsX global networks to build connections with venture capital firms and work toward gaining pilots and partnerships.

The cohort will work with AWS technical experts to build and scale their cloud solution in addition to healthcare industry leaders who will collaborate on topics ranging from defining business models, regulatory pathways, clinical validation and electronic health records integration. Following the accelerator, AWS and KidsX will continue to check in with participants to monitor their progress.

Applications are due July 1, 2022. Startups will be notified of their selection by July 29, and the program will run Sept. 12 through Oct. 6.

Ways the Cloud Is Addressing Health Equity

The accelerator builds on other efforts AWS has launched to address health equity and access, including the AWS Health Equity Initiative, a $40 million, three-year global commitment designed to support digital health innovations.

Projects funded by the initiative include Vodafone Foundation’s m-mama program, WelTel’s digital health communication platform and Roundtrip’s transportation coordination technology.

M-mama is an emergency rural transport service in East and Southeast Africa that connects pregnant women and newborns to lifesaving care in Tanzania and Lesotho. It uses mobile technology to connect patients with a network of local taxi drivers.

WelTel uses AWS to scale its digital health communication platform. The technology connects patients to their providers using their mobile phones and two-way text messaging, meaning patients don’t need internet access or a data plan to access care.

Roundtrip seeks to improve access to healthcare by improving patient transportation. The company uses AWS to equip healthcare professionals with online and mobile tools that simplify the process of ordering patient rides.

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