Applications Open for the Alaska Healthcare Innovation Accelerator

The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in partnership with the UA Center for Economic Development at the University of Alaska Anchorage, is launching the Alaska Healthcare Innovation Accelerator (AHIA), a free, cohort-based program designed to help Alaskans develop healthcare solutions tailored to the state’s unique needs. Applications open close February 20, 2026.

This program helps innovators validate, refine, and strengthen their ideas through structured workshops, customer discovery, and expert guidance. From improving rural access to enhancing care operations, the Accelerator focuses on solutions that make a tangible difference for Alaska communities.

Who Should Apply
The Accelerator is open to:

• Idea-stage founders, including early concepts
• Early-stage ventures (pre-revenue or early revenue)
• Established organizations launching a new healthcare product or service

Ideal applicants are developing solutions that improve access, outcomes, or care delivery, especially those addressing rural and remote communities, telehealth, diagnostics, care operations, and Alaska-specific health challenges.

What Participants Receive
Participants benefit from:

• A structured, hands-on curriculum
• One-on-one coaching and access to mentors, clinicians, administrators, investors, and health system experts
• Customer discovery, market research, and product development support
• Accountability, peer feedback, and a statewide innovation network

Program outputs including a validated business model, value proposition, customer interview set, financial model, pitch deck, and defined next steps toward pilots or market entry

Program Timeline

Compliance Notice
Information submitted may be shared between the Alaska SBDC, CED, and the U.S. Small Business Administration for reporting and program coordination.

Delivered by UAA’s Alaska SBDC in partnership with UA CED.

How to Apply

AHIA Healthcare Startup Application Form