— Press Release —
New Brunswick, NJ, October 10, 2024 – The Johnson & Johnson Foundation today announced the launch of the Innovations in Health Equity LatAm accelerator program that will support 10 healthcare startups from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico to address critical healthcare challenges in Latin America.
Village Capital, the largest organization in the world supporting impact-driven, seed-stage startups, which has run over 20 accelerator programs involving more than 18 countries in Latin America, will deliver the accelerator program. The program will seek innovative solutions to equip healthcare workers and connect more communities to care, specifically historically marginalized, underserved, and low- and middle-income communities in Latin America. If selected, start-ups will benefit from mentorship, financial analysis, media exposure, networking opportunities, continued learning and collectively up to $50,000USD in financial support.
“One-third of the population in Latin America face barriers in connecting to quality care and we believe the best ideas, technologies, or solutions to address this challenge will come from those closest to it," said Gustavo Galá, International Vice President, Johnson & Johnson MedTech Latin America. “That’s why we are proud to see this program launch and excited about its potential to address these health disparities.”
Even as efforts to improve access for the population persist, many countries across the region face health investments below the levels recommended by the Pan American Health Organization for optimal care. This shortfall can impact the quality of healthcare services, leading to geographic disparities and economic barriers for patients.
To improve health across the region, it is crucial to equip healthcare workers with tools and resources so they can connect directly with communities and integrate them into the healthcare system. The accelerator program’s curriculum is uniquely designed to help startups bridge finance and knowledge gaps that can improve their chances of developing a viable and scalable idea, technology, or solution to support these efforts.
“Equipping early-stage startups with resources to succeed means better health and well-being for their communities and a stronger healthcare system overall,” said Daniel Cossío, Regional Director, Latin America at Village Capital. “We are thrilled to be launching this new program with the support of Johnson & Johnson Foundation and look forward to reviewing applications from talented entrepreneurs pushing the envelope in the region.”
Applications are open until December 6, 2024. The program will run mid-February through early April 2025. Full details and eligibility criteria can be found here.
###
About the Johnson & Johnson Foundation
The Johnson & Johnson Foundation is working towards creating a world without health inequities by closing the gaps between communities and the care they need. The Johnson & Johnson Foundation is a registered charitable organization that reflects the commitment of Johnson & Johnson to use its size, scale and diversity to advance equitable care and put better health within reach. Learn more at https://www.jnjfoundation.com/.
About Johnson & Johnson
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com.