When Brad Weinberg started up his first company, ShapeUp, in 2006, incubator programs like TechStars and Y Combinator were barely off the ground. So Weinberg and his colleagues were left pretty much on their own to develop their software platform, which combines social networking, gaming, and financial incentives to promote wellness. The company has done well, Weinberg says, but the more he observed what was happening at TechStars, the more he wanted to start up a similar incubator—but one that would only cater to entrepreneurs working on health-related technology.
Now Weinberg’s wish has come to life, in the form of Blueprint Health, a new startup accelerator based in New York City. Blueprint’s three-month program, which will start in January, is taking applications from companies developing technology products for patients, doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, health plans, or employers. “We’re very interested in hearing from people that are trying to solve clinical issues, workflow issues with nurses and residents, and other problems that come up in healthcare settings,” says Weinberg, one of Blueprint’s partners.
Blueprint, which has raised $400,000 for its program, expects to receive 300 applications for 10 spots in the first class of startups, Weinberg says. They will set up shop at an office in Union Square that Weinberg can’t talk about yet, except to say, “It’s a really cool space.” Blueprint is a member of the TechStars Network—a group of incubators around the country that share best practices from that program and other business accelerators, Weinberg says.
For example, a hallmark of the TechStars program is mentoring from entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and other business leaders. Blueprint will adopt that model, too. Weinberg says each Blueprint startup will be assigned at least
