Accelerating Pediatric Oncology Innovation
A KidsX and CancerX collaboration
What is the KidsX and CancerX Accelerator Collaboration?
The CancerX Accelerator program catalyzes innovation in cancer research and prevention, treatment and control of cancer by united pilot sites, investors, startups as well as larger digital health organizations.
Startups eligible for the program must have a validated product or solution ready for scaling, with atleast 2 completed proof of concepts (pilots) involving 50 live patients in clinical settings. Companies should also have a minimum of 10 full-time employees, including a designated liaison to engage with the selection team during the accelerator.
Through the KidsX and CancerX partnership, companies focused on providing solutions for pediatric oncology are exclusively invited to apply. Two spots in the accelerator cohort will be dedicated to these companies.
CancerX Pediatric Focus Areas
KidsX and CancerX developed focus areas as a collaborative effort with network champions, which include fostering inclusivity, improving equitable access to care and personalized treatments, supporting families and caregivers, reducing costs, and empowering patients and their families. Companies that address one or more of the following focus areas are encouraged to apply for the accelerator:
Equitable Care for All: Provide equitable pediatric cancer care by addressing unique barriers like family-centered support, transportation, and child-friendly care navigation, ensuring all children receive quality care regardless of location or resources
Clinical Trial Acceleration: Improve pediatric cancer clinical trial access by leveraging AI for trial matching, and designing child-specific trials that minimize disruption to education and daily life, ensuring better outcomes for rare pediatric cancers
Connected & Individualized Care- Care beyond the clinic: Ensure continuous pediatric cancer care through home-based solutions, mental health support, and tools for smooth transitions to adult care, focusing on long-term survivorship and developmental tracking
Program
Selected startups will gain the ability to be matched with leading healthcare organizations and investors to pursue validation, refine product/market fit and obtain funding. They will have access to the largest mentor network with deep expertise in digital health and oncology, and be provided with tailored curriculum combining virtual and in person events to foster learning and networking with key stakeholders across the public and private sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CancerX accelerator?
CancerX is a public-private partnership announced by The White House as a national accelerator to boost innovation in the fight against cancer as part of the reignited Cancer Moonshot. Learn more at: https://cancerx.health/
16 startups were part of the inaugural cohort for the CancerX accelerator in 2024. Learn more at: https://cancerx.health/accelerator/
Am I eligible to apply?
We welcome companies with a diverse leadership and founding team. If you can demonstrate you have a validated, scalable product or solution that has impacted over 50 patients with clinical involvement. “Highlight Two” successful pilots demonstrating your ability to turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. Ideally, your company has a team of 10+ employees (Contractors and / or FTE), with one dedicated liaison for the Accelerator program.
How do I apply for the accelerator?
Application can be found here. You are able to submit applications online from October 21 to November 18. The KidsX team will review all applications and notify the companies by January.
What is the application process?
The applications close on November 18th, 2024. We will conduct 3 rounds of review including a pitch day to a panel of judges composed of the CancerX Champions. If you proceed to the rounds, the CancerX Accelerator team will communicate next steps and timing, but expect Round 2 to begin mid- December and Final selection round in mid January. In the process, you may be asked to provide more information and detail to the teams in order to proceed through the rounds.
Due to the volume of applicants, we will not be able to provide individualized feedback to all that apply. The final cohort will be announced at Vive 2025.
For any questions, please contact accelerator@cancerx.health.
How will applications be judged?
KidsX member hospitals are all actively involved in interviewing and selecting the companies that will participate in the Accelerator. KidsX focuses on selecting strong founders, especially those who are willing to learn, incorporate feedback and work collaboratively.
KidsX also evaluates the product, the technical team, the potential business model(s), alignment with the problems on the KidsX focus areas, diversity of solution types, and overall traction in the market.
What are the requirements to participate?
We will share more details to finalists about in person events, but please expect travel to on-site events in March (Tampa), April/May (site to be confirmed), July (showcase in Boston). We will confirm final details for you and your team to plan accordingly.
We will also be hosting virtual curriculum sessions once a month across a variety of topics for example: Innovation in Government, Front Lines of Healthcare, Scaling your Business, Partnering with Industry. The CancerX accelerator will send communications for program details once the Accelerator begins.
This is a very hands-on and targeted program and the more you can participate and be involved, the more benefits you will gain for your accelerator experience.
We will work together towards a successful outcome for you during the course of the accelerator but cannot guarantee results.
Who do I contact with questions or to get involved?
For any questions about this accelerator, future programs, or how you can get involved, contact our Head of Operations and Strategy, Deepa Shah at dshah@chla.usc.edu.