Program Overview

The HealthTech Mini-Accelerator is a specialized 5-day program meticulously crafted for Dutch HealthTech startups aiming to penetrate and expand within the challenging U.S. market. This initiative, now in its third edition, is a collaborative effort between Cedars-Sinai Accelerator+, NBSO Los Angeles, and ScaleNL, leveraging their combined expertise and networks to provide an unparalleled launchpad for international startups.

Mission and Values

The program's core mission is to facilitate the successful entry and growth of early-stage Dutch HealthTech companies into the US healthcare landscape. It operates on a mentorship-driven approach, emphasizing close collaboration, profound insights, and strategic connections. The values underpinning the accelerator include fostering innovation, facilitating market access, and building a strong transatlantic bridge for health technology.

Program Structure and Timeline

The HealthTech Mini-Accelerator follows a structured timeline designed to maximize impact. While applications for the 2026 edition have closed, the program is set to run from February 16, 2026, to March 13, 2026. The initial phase includes an online kick-off with participants during Week 1 (February 16-20). This is followed by personalized 1:1 sessions with the ScaleNL and NBSO LA teams during Weeks 2 and 3 (February 22 - March 6). The culmination is the intensive 5-day accelerator week in Los Angeles, from March 9-13, 2026, hosted by Cedars-Sinai. Participation in person for the entire week in Los Angeles is mandatory for the founder or CEO, with team members welcome to join virtually.

Mentorship and Network

A cornerstone of the program is its robust mentorship network. Participants gain unique access to mentors from the Cedars-Sinai Accelerator+ network and beyond. Cedars-Sinai, a leader in US healthcare, brings extensive experience in working with and investing in startups. This network includes clinicians, executives, researchers, and other seasoned professionals, providing invaluable guidance on product development, growth strategies, and market traction. The program also facilitates connections with investors, potential customers, and other healthcare entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

What Makes It Unique

This mini-accelerator stands out due to its exclusive focus on Dutch HealthTech startups, its direct connection to a leading US healthcare institution (Cedars-Sinai), and its hands-on, mentorship-driven approach. The program offers deep dives into the US healthcare market, including regulatory environments, the payor landscape, and insights into Cedars-Sinai’s electronic medical record system (Epic) and integration possibilities. It provides a unique opportunity to validate product-market fit directly with stakeholders within a major health system and gain insights into raising capital in the US.

What Participants Can Expect Day-to-Day

During the intensive Los Angeles week, participants can expect a packed schedule. This includes pre-arranged mentor meetings tailored to their company's specific needs, specialized workshops, and lectures delivered by industry experts. There will be ample opportunities for feedback sessions, insights into various operational and clinical departments at Cedars-Sinai, and general networking events with subject matter experts and key opinion leaders. Participants are required to keep their schedules open during US business hours and be punctual for all sessions, ensuring maximum engagement and benefit from this immersive experience.