SMILE Health Accelerator
SMILE Health is the accelerator that supports innovators who challenge norms and are ready to advance solutions that improve accessibility, equity, and the integration between oral health and overall health.
Advancing Emerging Startups, Powering Innovation
Now in its fifth year, SMILE Health is a collaboration between CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER to advance emerging startups by curating connections to investors and customers, sharpening their value propositions, and supporting diverse founders.
Who Should Apply?
SMILE Health is open to global solutions across all disciplines, and applicants must:
- Include an oral health focus or a potential use case to advance integrated health. The program has cross-industry representation and previous experience in oral health is not required.
- Demonstrate a validated hypothesis or proven concept which is in market or will enter market in 6-12 months.
- Commit to roughly 4-5 hours/week for one month by participating in pitch rehearsals, networking preparation, and working sessions around investor/customer engagement.
Applications were open April 1 – May 13, with cohort selection in mid-June.
For more information, visit our FAQs.
Already in market and reaching tens of thousands of lives? ACCELERATE may be a better fit for you.
Program Benefits
Dedicated Pitch Support
1:1 feedback & rehearsals to strengthen story and value proposition
Partnership Support
Mentorship and personalized guidance for curated in-person conversations at Demo Day
Pitch Event with Industry Connections
Present to medical, oral health, and investment leaders at a closed-door Demo Day pitch event
Non-Dilutive Funding and Future Growth
$2,500 non-dilutive stipend and streamlined application for ACCELERATE, to collaborate with industry partners and advance your solution
The most impactful part of SMILE was the networking. Being able to have conversations one-on-one with industry leaders and have them recognize that our solution is needed in health care and the oral health market, and find even more opportunities we can help solve together.”
Lucy Kosturko, PhD, Co-Founder, Social Cascade, SMILE Health Alum
Program Timeline
CareQuest is bringing unique and novel companies forward that are engaged in improving oral health for everyone.”
Lee Shapiro, Managing Partner, 7Wire Ventures
Industry Partners and Investors
We partner closely with mission-aligned industry partners and investors and are proud to have an extensive network of leaders that are engaged throughout SMILE Health, including mentorship and participation in Demo Day.
SMILE Health Case Studies
Murnia scales access to treatment
OraLiva and the Future of Oral Cancer Diagnostics
