Published on May 04, 2022

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s unique partnership with Techstars and Goff Capital to create the Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth Accelerator has drawn significant interest from companies that want to participate in the first-of-its-kind collaboration. The interest in the program started when applications opened in late February, and the deadline to submit an application is coming up on May 11.

“We have seen great interest in the world’s first physical health accelerator and for companies to come to Fort Worth for the program,” said Cameron Cushman, HSC assistant vice president for innovation ecosystems. “So far, we have seen applications from some really cutting-edge startups that are doing some innovative things in physical therapy, sports medicine and human performance. We are excited to welcome the first class of companies in Fort Worth in the fall.”

The Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth Accelerator will support and fund early-stage startups building new technologies, treatments and therapies in the physical health space in areas such as rehabilitation, physical therapy, performance and exercise.

HSC received $4.8 million in funding from the City of Fort Worth and Tarrant County to start a physical therapy-focused accelerator program with Techstars, a global investment business that provides access to capital, one-on-one mentorship and customized programming for early-stage entrepreneurs. Equity investments into the startup companies will be made by HSC and Goff Capital to total nearly $10 million for the project over three years.

“We have been talking to companies all over the world about the benefits, resources and applying to Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth,” said Trey Bowles, managing director of the Fort Worth accelerator. “I am looking forward to reviewing the final list of applicants to the program after the deadline. We have had some wonderful applications come through, but we also want people to know there is still time to get an application in prior to the deadline on May 11.”

The Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth Accelerator represents a collaboration to fill gaps identified by many in Tarrant County – access to physical therapy and the lack of a true early-stage accelerator program for innovative startup companies. This 2022 program plans to operate in-person, and the accelerator begins on Sept. 12. A Demo Day is scheduled for Dec. 8.

View a video to learn more about the Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth Accelerator Program. 

Photo: Cameron Cushman, assistant vice president of innovation ecosystems at HSC, and Trey Bowles, managing director of Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth, present Mayor Mattie Parker with a T-shirt to commemorate the launch of the initiative in February.

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