Challenge Goal
For the second Massachusetts Digital Health Sandbox Challenge, the Massachusetts eHealth Institute sought startups and entrepreneurs who are developing and validating digital health-based solutions that support women+ health. We use the term “women+ health”, as defined by Rock Health, to encompass the health needs of cisgender women and transgender or nonbinary individuals whose health needs relate to those of cisgender women. This Challenge was focused on finding digital health solutions that address women+ health and inequities including in the areas of behavioral and cognitive health, physical activity, disease control, medication management, nutrition, and community connections.
Program Details
Nine finalists were selected to participate in a three-month, virtual Introduction to the Massachusetts Digital Health Ecosystem program, including a speaker series featuring prominent voices from across the ecosystem, including venture capitalists, successful digital health innovators, and leading researchers.
Participants were also assessed on their testing and validation needs and then matched with members of the MA Digital Health Sandbox Network. Participants worked with their Sandbox partners to scope detailed testing and validation projects.
Winners Announced
On May 13, 2024, at the final pitch event at MGB Assembly Row, a panel of expert judges selected three companies to receive $50,000 each to complete their proposed Sandbox project. Congratulations to Hemorai, Mae and SimpliFed.
Hemorai
Hemorai’s innovative wearable device monitors vital physiological parameters such as blood flow and volume with exceptional accuracy to extend acute care to the patient’s home. Their current device focuses on maternal well-being during the critical postpartum period. The device offers a simple interface and connectivity features that facilitate at-risk postpartum women to be monitored in the hospital or the comfort of their home to reduce the incidence and impact of postpartum hemorrhage.
Mae Health
Mae Health provides a culturally competent digital health platform to address the specific clinical, social, and cultural needs of Black expectant mothers during pregnancy and postpartum. Mae works with health plan partners to provide pregnancy symptom tracking and real-time issue escalation support, culturally resonant pregnancy education and lifestyle multimedia content, and access to community-based peer support resources to increase perinatal care adherence and drive positive pregnancy outcomes.
SimpliFed
SimpliFed is a virtual breastfeeding and baby feeding support provider that works with Medicaid, commercial, Marketplace and TRICARE health plans and healthcare systems to provide patients with 24x7, ACA-mandated lactation support services. Their services include virtual 1:1 appointments, classes, and connections with other parents.