Scholarship Overview
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Program Overview
MATTER Groundwork is an intensive 11-week accelerator designed specifically for digital health innovators at the earliest stages of company development. The program helps founders navigate the complexities of the healthcare ecosystem—from understanding industry incentives and buying dynamics to compliance, go-to-market strategy, and company building fundamentals.
Unlike traditional funding programs, Groundwork focuses on practical education and founder development. Participants engage in weekly virtual sessions with expert-led workshops, mentorship opportunities, and peer learning circles. The program culminates in an in-person closing showcase at MATTER’s headquarters in Chicago, providing valuable exposure to investors, healthcare leaders, and potential partners.
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Who Should Apply
Groundwork is designed for founders who are actively preparing to build or scale a digital health solution. The program particularly supports:
- First-time founders seeking to build a stronger foundation in healthcare innovation
- Clinicians and healthcare professionals working to commercialize an innovation
- Entrepreneurs entering healthcare from other industries
- Researchers translating academic or clinical research into commercial ventures
The virtual-first format enables participation from across the United States. For African applicants in Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this presents an opportunity to access U.S. healthcare market expertise and networks, though applicants should note the program’s focus on the American healthcare ecosystem.
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Program Benefits
Participants receive comprehensive support throughout the 11-week curriculum:
- Healthcare-focused curriculum led by experienced operators and subject matter experts
- Practical guidance on navigating healthcare regulations, compliance, and commercialization
- Mentorship through group discussions, office hours, and one-on-one conversations
- Peer community of aspiring and early-stage healthcare founders
- Networking opportunities with leaders across the healthcare ecosystem
- Structured application of program learnings to participants’ own companies
- In-person closing showcase at MATTER in Chicago (April 2027)
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated across five dimensions:
- Program fit: Alignment with the program’s focus on aspiring and early-stage digital health founders actively building novel healthcare solutions
- Problem understanding: Clear demonstration of a meaningful healthcare problem and comprehension of the challenge being addressed
- Founder commitment: Evidence of serious dedication, passion, and energy for building the company
- Stage appropriateness: Early enough to benefit from foundational education, yet developed enough to apply curriculum learnings
- Product readiness: Functioning prototype or early proof of concept that can be tested with potential customers or users
Program Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | October 13, 2026 |
| Informational webinar | October 28, 2026 (2:30–3:00pm CT) |
| Applications close | November 22, 2026 (11:59pm CT) |
| Application review and finalist confirmation | Late November–December 2026 |
| Cohort announcement | Mid-December 2026 |
| Program runs | January–April 2027 |
| Closing showcase at MATTER | April 2027 (exact date TBA) |
About MATTER
MATTER is a premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub based in Chicago, Illinois. The organization supports more than 1,000 current and alumni startups from around the world, working alongside dozens of hospitals, health systems, universities, and industry-leading companies to accelerate healthcare innovation. The Groundwork program represents MATTER’s newest offering specifically targeting the earliest-stage founders in the digital health space.
Application Process
Interested founders should complete the online application by the November 22, 2026 deadline. The application requires demonstration of the selection criteria above, including evidence of product development and founder commitment. No specific document list is published; applicants should prepare to articulate their problem understanding, business concept, and personal qualifications.
Organizations interested in supporting the program can reach out to groundwork@matter.health.
Official scholarship page: https://matter.health/challenges/groundwork-an-emerging-innovator-accelerator/
You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships
