KidsX Sprints
Innovation tailored to the most pressing needs of children’s hospitals
What are KidsX Sprints?
KidsX Sprint programs accelerate innovation in pediatrics by addressing specific, high-priority challenges faced by hospitals. This program ensures that KidsX member hospitals receive focused, actionable solutions for strategic areas of focus for implementation.
Eligibility for the program begins, first and foremost, with startups that have a product aligning with the Sprint’s theme. Startups must have a validated product or solution ready for scaling. Additionally, any startup applying should have at least one dedicated liaison to engage with the KidsX team throughout the program.
KidsX Sprints Theme
The KidsX team and KidsX member hospitals collaborated to determine the theme for this sprint based on their innovation needs.
Voice AI Solutions for Pediatric Care: We are looking for pediatric-focused and patient-facing solutions that leverage voice-driven AI to enhance care by improving patient engagement, streamlining staff and clinical workflows, and supporting caregivers.
Companies that have developed solution(s) to address this theme are encouraged to apply:
Program
Each Sprint program runs for two weeks and will be focused on foundational programming and coaching to support readiness for product implementation with KidsX member hospitals. Selected companies will have exclusive access to a large network of pediatric hospitals and health systems that have dedicated staff and vested interest in deploying a solution in the Sprint theme area.
Program participants will be introduced to children’s hospital stakeholders, industry leaders, and investors who can provide mentorship, business development support, and funding opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will KidsX Sprints differ from the KidsX Accelerator?
In an effort to expedite innovative solutions to critical problems faced by children’s hospitals, KidsX Sprints will follow a shorter two-week timeline and feature a smaller cohort of 1–3 startups. Due to the accelerated nature of the sprints, multiple sprints will be held annually, each seeking solutions for a different theme.
Both KidsX Sprints and the KidsX Accelerator share the common goal of engaging participating startups and KidsX hospital consortium members in a pilot or contract as an outcome of the program.
Am I eligible to apply?
We welcome companies with diverse leadership and founding teams. You must be able to demonstrate that you have a validated, scalable product or solution addressing the relevant sprint theme. Your company must also have a dedicated executive team member to participate in the program and engage with the KidsX team.
How do I apply to KidsX Sprints?
Applications will open soon. The KidsX team will review all applications and notify the companies by June.
What is the application process?
Applications close on May 2nd, 2025. The KidsX team will conduct interviews on a rolling basis. The final selection process will include a pitch to the KidsX Hospital Consortium and dedicated champions in the Sprint theme area. If you advance through the rounds, the KidsX team will communicate next steps and timelines.
During the process, you may be asked to provide additional information and details to the teams to progress through the rounds. Due to the high volume of applicants, we will not be able to provide individualized feedback to all who apply. The final cohort will be announced in early June.
How will applications be judged?
KidsX member hospitals are all actively involved in interviewing and selecting the companies that will participate in a Sprint. 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 KidsX Sprint theme, diversity of solution types, and overall traction in the market.
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.