SPARC Health, a collaborative effort between Park City Angels (PCA), BioUtah, BioHive, in partnership with Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), today announced applications are now open for its second cohort program. The announcement celebrates the impressive achievements of the inaugural cohort and the growing momentum of Utah's healthcare innovation ecosystem.
Inaugural Cohort Validates SPARC Health's Accelerator Model
The first SPARC Health cohort delivered measurable results that validate the organization's approach to healthcare startup acceleration. Nine healthcare startups completed a comprehensive 10-module curriculum over 20+ hours of structured programming, achieving significant milestones:
Financial and Growth Impact:
- Over $1M in investment and funding secured
- 14 jobs created or retained across cohort companies
- Bloom Surgical closed $1 million seed round and expanded operations team
- RefloDx secured $750,000+ from multiple angel investment groups and is on their way to FDA
- DME (rebranded to Wonder Creations, LLC) increased revenue 6x
"The success of our inaugural cohort validates our approach to healthcare startup acceleration," said Ted McAleer, Founder & Executive in Residence at SPARC Health. "We've proven that structured programming combined with access to our community of mentors in Utah's healthcare ecosystem can deliver measurable results for early-stage companies. As we launch our second cohort, we're incorporating lessons learned while maintaining the core elements that made our first program so successful."
Comprehensive Curriculum Addresses Critical Startup Challenges
The SPARC Health program targets the three primary obstacles that prevent startups from reaching their full potential: achieving product-market fit, maintaining healthy cash flow, and assembling the right team. The 10-module curriculum includes:
Foundation Modules:
- Strategic Growth Strategies
- Avoiding Common Pitfalls (product-market fit, cash management, team assembly)
- Fundraising Fundamentals
- Entrepreneurial Skill Development
Advanced Development Modules:
- Exit planning and stakeholder communication
- Quality management systems
- Brand development and communications strategy
- Corporate law and intellectual property
- Team culture and leadership
Each module combines preparatory tasks, training sessions, and practical homework assignments. Participants gain direct access to experienced operational leaders and investors from Utah's healthcare ecosystem who serve as mentors throughout the program.
Community Engagement Through Startup Huddle Events
Beyond its cohort program, SPARC Health fosters ongoing community engagement through regular "Startup Huddle" events held throughout the year. These gatherings provide a unique platform where companies present specific challenges to experienced healthcare leaders, mentors, and investors, creating collaborative opportunities that benefit the entire ecosystem.
SPARC Health runs two cohorts per year, with each program following a bi-weekly schedule over 20 weeks. Cohort sessions are 2.5 hours and cover 10 comprehensive modules. Between 8 to 10 founders are accepted for each cohort, with a focus on technical founders and first-time entrepreneurs in the life sciences industry who are in the earliest stages of seeking outside investment.
Recent Startup Huddle events have featured companies like Thera-T Pharmaceutics, Code Clock, and Solution Diagnostics. Unlike traditional fundraising pitches, companies are encouraged to present specific challenges they're facing—whether business, regulatory, or intellectual property issues. The audience of experienced health tech operational leaders, mentors, and angel investors offers guidance, advice, and diverse perspectives in real-time.
This innovative approach not only provides companies with valuable visibility but also gives health tech investors an early look at promising ventures while strengthening connections across Utah's life sciences ecosystem.
Second Cohort Application Details
Healthcare startups interested in applying for SPARC Health's second cohort can expect:
- Program launch in Winter, 2026
- 10-module curriculum delivered over approximately 20 hours
- Direct mentorship from Utah's healthcare ecosystem leaders
- Access to capital connections and investor networks
- Ongoing support through Startup Huddle events
Follow the SPARC Health's LinkedIn page for latest updates and events.
About SPARC Health
SPARC Health, the "Startup Platform for Advice, Resources, and Community," accelerates healthcare startup growth through targeted programming, mentorship, and capital access. The organization supports entrepreneurs building scalable businesses that improve healthcare affordability, accessibility, provider work life, and population health.
