The NSF I-Corps Mid-Atlantic Hub concluded its April 2026 Health Tech cohort, bringing together 27 teams specializing in health tech innovations. Participating teams developed technologies spanning biotechnology, IT, cybersecurity, wearables, health science, and more — including projects such as an augmented reality training platform and biodegradable polymer plastics.
Throughout the program, teams collectively conducted more than 340 customer discovery interviews with potential customers, stakeholders, and industry leaders. The cohort averaged more than 12 interviews per team, through which they validated market needs and refined commercialization strategies.
At least half of the 27 teams are eligible to apply to the national I-Corps team program, where they would be awarded $50,000 in additional funding towards derisking their business model, if accepted.
The cohort culminated in the Health Tech Startup Symposium on May 1, during which participating teams connected with researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders across Baltimore’s growing health tech ecosystem.
The Mid-Atlantic Hub will next host a regional I-Corps cohort organized by George Washington University in May/June.
