Healthtech Accelerator launched at UCLA. Called the TechQuity Accelerator and operated by UCLA Health, the program is for life sciences companies that bring innovation to underserved communities in healthcare products and services.

Founded in response to healthcare inequities exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, TechQuity Accelerator is a partnership between UCLA Health Biodesign and BioscienceLA, Culvercity’s nonprofit innovation catalyst for LA’s life sciences industry is. Setting up the program cost about $900,000. The primary source of funding is his $750,000 grant from his SPRINT challenge at the US Economic Development Agency.

TechQuity serves LA’s life sciences businesses, including Palms-based ScaleHealth, Beverly Grove’s Cedars-Sinai Accelerator, another Westwood-based program called MedTech Innovator, and KidsX at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. participate in some of the programs of

But UCLA Health’s TechQuity is aimed at companies that provide products and services to underserved communities.

said Jennifer McCaney, executive director of UCLA Biodesign and assistant director of the UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute.

“Our focus is on discovering and supporting innovations that benefit communities where we see the greatest need, and our ability to leverage our existing connections with the bioscience industry and partner organizations across the region.”

Late last month, the accelerator announced its first cohort of at least seven companies to take the four-month course. Among the companies is Singapore-based Aevice Technologies, which has developed a remote monitoring device for patients with respiratory diseases. San Carlos-based IHP Therapeutics develops home rescue therapies to address systemic gaps in pain management due to sickle cell anemia. The other is Moorpark-based Telebionix, which makes artificial intelligence-driven devices aimed at improving access to care for the elderly.