The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Economic Development (CED) at UAA, is launching the Alaska Healthcare Innovation Accelerator — a free, cohort-based program designed to help Alaskans build healthcare solutions tailored to the state’s unique needs.

Applications close Feb. 20, 2026.

The Accelerator supports innovators at every stage as they test, refine and strengthen their ideas through structured workshops, customer discovery and expert guidance. From expanding healthcare access in rural and remote communities to improving care operations and delivery, the program focuses on solutions that make a real difference for Alaskans.

Who should apply

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

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

What participants receive

• A structured, hands-on curriculum
• One-on-one coaching and access to mentors, clinicians, administrators, investors, and healthcare experts
• Support with customer discovery, market research, and product development
• Accountability, peer feedback, and a statewide network of innovators

Program outputs include a validated business model, value proposition, customer interview insights, financial model, pitch deck and clear next steps toward pilots or market entry.

Program timeline

Applications close: Feb. 20, 2026
Cohort kick-off: March 16, 2026
Weekly sessions: Through May 29, 2026
Additional internal program phases run through July 2026

More information and online application

 

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