Los Angeles, CA.—Larta Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit accelerating science- and technology-driven innovation, announced today that applications are officially open for its 2026 Heal.LA Bioscience & Healthcare Accelerator, a program designed to improve health and wellness outcomes for communities across Los Angeles County and beyond.
Now entering its sixth year, Heal.LA continues its core mission of advancing community health impact, supporting entrepreneurs who are developing solutions in bioscience, pharmaceuticals, digital health, medical devices, AI-driven innovations and community-based care models—all aligned with pressing regional needs. Applications are open to U.S.-based innovators and founders, with 2026 Fellow recruitment beginning immediately.
“Heal.LA was created to elevate community-informed innovation—solutions built with and for populations most affected by systemic health disparities,” said Rohit Shukla, Founder & CEO, Larta Institute. “In 2026, we continue strengthening this commitment by backing entrepreneurs whose technologies and services can meaningfully improve health access, health equity, and overall quality of life in Los Angeles.”
2026 Challenge Areas
The 2026 accelerator will continue to prioritize areas of critical need identified through community feedback and partner insight. We seek innovations that expand access, reduce preventable complications, and improve early detection and treatment across:
- Female Health: Advancing equitable care across reproductive, maternal, and infant health.
- Mental & Cognitive Health: Supporting prevention, early intervention, and community-centered care models.
- Chronic Disease Prevention & Management: Promoting holistic, scalable solutions that support long-term health.
What Fellows Receive
Heal.LA is offered at no cost to Fellows, providing a comprehensive package of commercialization and deployment support including:
- World-class technical assistance and one-on-one mentorship
- Strategic guidance to validate and scale solutions through potential pilots and demonstration projects
- Connections to L.A.’s leading hospitals, health systems, investors, and community partners
- Potential catalytic funding via the Larta Impact Fund, supported by California Jobs First (CJF)
A Proven Pathway & Ecosystem for Community Impact
Since its inception in 2020, Heal.LA has supported founders who have secured over $100 million in follow-on capital, completed pilot deployments, enter clinical partnerships, and build companies grounded in community needs. Program alumni include bioscience innovators, digital health pioneers, and founders embedded in Los Angeles’ public health, community health, and clinical networks.
2024 cohort member Dr. Mandana Semnani, Co-founder of Sigma Healthsense, shared: “The Heal.LA program has been instrumental in refining our business strategy and connecting us with valuable resources in the healthcare ecosystem. The program’s mentorship and strategic guidance have helped us navigate the complex healthcare landscape while accelerating our path to market.”
Heal.LA is supported by The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), Gilead Sciences, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), BioscienceLA, AltaMed Health Services, California Jobs First (CJF), and a growing consortium of hospitals, research institutes, philanthropies, and community health organizations.
These partners help ensure that Fellows have access to expertise, deployment opportunities, and resources that advance measurable health outcomes across Los Angeles County.
Founders, innovators, and researchers across the U.S.—especially those serving or originating from communities facing persistent health inequities—are encouraged to apply.
Interested in learning more before you apply? Join our first Info Session on January 15 at 10:00 AM PST to hear directly from our team and get your questions answered.
