Amazon unveils healthcare program centered on promoting health equity
Amazon Web Services (AWS) and KidsX Launch Healthcare Accelerator to Support Digital Health Startups
Amazon Web Services (AWS) and KidsX have announced the AWS Healthcare Accelerator, a four-week program designed to support startup companies working on digital health solutions. This initiative aims to help solve population health challenges and disparities by providing funding, resources, and networking opportunities to participating startups.
The program offers more than 50 hours of support, AWS Promotional Credits, and access to both the AWS and KidsX global networks. Participating startups must have a digital health software solution, be privately held, and able to commit 10 to 15 hours per week throughout the program.
Two of the startups that have already benefited from the AWS Healthcare Accelerator are WelTel and Roundtrip. WelTel's digital health communication platform connects patients to their providers using mobile phones and two-way text messaging. This technology doesn't require internet access or a data plan, making it accessible to a wide range of patients.
WelTel's technology is currently being used in the Vodafone Foundation's m-mama program, which provides emergency rural transport services in East and Southeast Africa, connecting pregnant women and newborns to lifesaving care in Tanzania and Lesotho.
Roundtrip, on the other hand, seeks to improve access to healthcare by simplifying the process of ordering patient rides. They use AWS to equip healthcare professionals with online and mobile tools that make this process more efficient.
Both WelTel and Roundtrip have found collaboration with AWS to be beneficial in scaling their cloud solutions. Participating startups will also work with AWS technical experts to build and scale their cloud solution during the program.
In addition to technical support, the AWS Healthcare Accelerator will also provide opportunities for startup leaders to collaborate with healthcare industry leaders on topics such as defining business models, regulatory pathways, clinical validation, and electronic health records integration. Startups focused on increasing access to health services, addressing social determinants of health, and using data for equitable care will be considered.
After the program, AWS and KidsX will continue to check in with participants to monitor their progress. The applications for the AWS Healthcare Accelerator are due by July 1, 2022, with the program running from Sept. 12 through Oct. 6.
The AWS Healthcare Accelerator builds on other efforts by AWS to address health equity and access, including the AWS Health Equity Initiative, a $40 million, three-year global commitment. The AWS Healthcare Accelerator is an initiative by AWS to support healthcare startups using their cloud technologies, started in collaboration with partner organizations.
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