Business Details
14 Years
experience
Healthcare Startup Accelerator in Louisville, KY
XLerateHealth is a nationally recognized healthcare accelerator dedicated to advancing healthcare and life science innovations. Founded in 2012, we were among the first healthcare accelerators in the United States and the first in the Southeastern U.S. Our mission is to build successful healthcare companies by providing mentorship, funding, and strategic guidance to early-stage startups. Headquartered in Louisville, KY, we operate nationally and have supported hundreds of startups through our accelerator programs. Our team of experts specializes in customer discovery, regulatory compliance, and commercialization strategies.We maintain a network of over 300 mentors across payers, hospital systems, and academia. Our track record includes securing significant capital for portfolio companies and fostering partnerships with leading institutions. We focus on high-risk biomedical technologies and digital health solutions, embracing challenges that other accelerators avoid. Our Lean LaunchPad methodology ensures startups gain real-world insights and develop sustainable business models. With multiple awards from the Small Business Administration and the National Institutes of Health, we remain committed to driving healthcare innovation.
Services
Accelerator Programs
Mentorship
Funding Assistance
Corporate Innovation Partnerships
National Network Support
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer deep expertise in high-risk biomedical and life science investments.
- Our national network includes 300+ healthcare industry mentors.
- We provide NIH-funded programs for early-stage innovators.
- Our Lean LaunchPad methodology ensures market-ready business models.
- We have a proven track record of accelerating healthcare startups since 2012.
What people say
Expert mentorship
NIH-funded support
Proven commercialization success
Services
Accelerator Programs
Our accelerator programs provide early-stage healthcare startups with structured mentorship, funding opportunities, and strategic guidance. We focus on high-risk biomedical technologies and digital health solutions, offering tailored support to navigate regulatory and market challenges. Startups gain access to a national network of industry experts and investors.
Mentorship
We connect startups with 300+ mentors across payers, hospital systems, and academia. Our mentors provide domain-specific expertise in regulatory compliance, reimbursement strategies, and commercialization. This personalized guidance helps entrepreneurs refine business models and scale effectively.
Funding Assistance
We assist startups in securing funding through NIH grants, SBIR/STTR programs, and investor networks. Our programs include coaching on grant applications and pitch preparation. We have a track record of helping companies raise capital and achieve commercial success.
Corporate Innovation Partnerships
We bridge healthcare organizations with innovative startups to drive digital transformation. Our partnerships focus on solving clinical and operational challenges through customized solutions. Clients gain access to a pipeline of vetted healthcare technologies and expert-led innovation strategies.
National Network Support
We operate the XLerator Network, a partnership with 25 academic institutions focused on commercializing life science innovations. This initiative supports startups in underserved regions, fostering equitable access to resources and expertise across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
People
Jackie Willmot
CEO & Co-founder
With 30+ years in healthcare, including leadership roles at Humana, Jackie brings expertise in innovation and startup mentorship. She trained under Steve Blank and leads NIH-funded initiatives to advance healthcare commercialization.
Bob Saunders
Chairman & Co-founder
A General Partner at OCA Ventures, Bob has invested in dozens of healthcare startups. He founded Saunders Murdoch and served as a board member for multiple life science incubators, bringing decades of venture capital experience.
Sebastian Alvim
Managing Director
Sebastian leads accelerator programs in Flint, MI, with expertise in lean startup methodology. He has advised 50+ healthcare startups and previously co-founded MyNurse, a home healthcare marketplace.
Kathy Weaver
Director, Technology & Special Projects
Kathy has over 30 years of healthcare experience, including leadership roles at Humana and WellCare. She specializes in clinical systems design and population health technology, driving innovation in connected care ecosystems.
Questions
What types of startups does XLerateHealth support?
We focus on early-stage healthcare and life science companies, including biomedical technologies, digital health, med-tech, and diagnostic innovations.
How does the accelerator program work?
Our 12-week program offers mentorship, Lean LaunchPad training, and access to investors, helping startups refine business models and secure funding.
Are there funding opportunities available?
Yes, we provide NIH-funded programs, SBIR/STTR coaching, and connections to investors to help startups secure capital.
What regions do you serve?
We operate nationally with hubs in Louisville, KY, and Flint, MI, supporting startups across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
How can I apply to the accelerator?
Applications are accepted through our website. We evaluate startups based on innovation, team commitment, and market potential.
