Heal.LA, an initiative powered by the Larta Institute, is an 8–12 month innovation hub dedicated to advancing medical devices, digital health, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Since its inception in 2020, the program has focused on improving health and wellness within Los Angeles communities by connecting entrepreneurial ventures with the region's ecosystem of partners, customers, and investors. It aims to bridge the gap between transformative ideas and the communities that need them most, fostering solutions for challenges such as inequitable access to care and community-level health disparities.
Program Overview
• Program Mission: To identify and nurture high-potential entrepreneurs tackling the health and wellness challenges of diverse, underserved communities, bringing together science, innovation, and equity to build lasting community resilience.
• Focus Sectors: The program supports early-stage ventures in medical devices, digital health, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
• Key Challenge Areas for 2026: The upcoming cohort will focus on three core areas: Female Health (maternal and infant health, reproductive care, menopause, women’s cancers), Mental & Cognitive Health (neurodevelopment, trauma, depression, dementia, addiction), and Chronic Disease Prevention & Management (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory illness).
• Track Record: Since 2020, the program has supported 78 startups, which have collectively raised over $100 million in follow-on capital and created or preserved more than 200 jobs.
Participant Support and Offerings
• Cost Structure: Participation is offered at no cost, with no equity taken from the ventures, ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all selected fellows.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Fellows receive world-class technical assistance, one-on-one mentorship, and tailored commercialization guidance.
• Strategic Development: The program includes group workshops on discovery, market entry, and regulatory strategy to help validate and scale solutions.
• Ecosystem Connections: Participants gain access to L.A.’s leading hospitals, health systems, investors, community partners, and Larta’s national network of experts and alumni innovators.
• Pilot Opportunities: The program facilitates pilot opportunities with community and health partners to test and validate solutions in real-world settings.
• Visibility: Fellows receive visibility through Larta’s Ecosystem Action Network (EAN).
Funding Opportunities
• Larta Impact Fund: Fellows may be eligible for catalytic capital through the Larta Impact Fund, which is supported by the California Jobs First (CJF) program.
• Innovation Awards: The fund provides non-dilutive funding for pilot, demonstration, or validation projects, with awards ranging from $75,000 to $150,000.
• Funding Instruments: Capital is deployed through low-interest loans, recoverable grants, and convertible notes to accelerate community-based impact.
Eligibility and Ideal Candidate Profile
• Innovator Stage: The program seeks innovators who have advanced beyond the idea stage and are at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3–7.
• Market Engagement: Applicants should demonstrate early engagement with potential customers, partners, or investors.
• Validation Readiness: Ideal candidates are ready to validate or pilot their solutions within Los Angeles communities.
• Entity Type: For-profit, nonprofit, and hybrid ventures, including university-affiliated startups and academic spinouts, are welcome, provided they are incorporated entities.
• Geographic Requirement: Applicants must be based in the United States and be developing solutions that address health and wellness challenges in L.A. County communities.
Application and Program Timeline
• Application Deadline: Applications for the 2026 cohort are open and must be submitted by February 13, 2026.
• Application Review: Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, a process that typically takes 2–4 weeks. Early submission is strongly encouraged.
• Selection Process: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.
• Application Components: A two-minute video describing the solution, target audience, and impact is optional but highly recommended.
• Informational Session: An informational webinar will be held on Thursday, January 29th at 10:30 AM PT for prospective applicants to learn more about the program.
• Program Duration: The program runs for 8–12 months, beginning in March 2026 and concluding in December.
Opportunities for Broader Community Involvement
• Call for Collaboration: The program actively welcomes mentors, community-based organizations, investors, and ecosystem partners to collaborate and share expertise.
• How to Engage: Interested parties can contribute by providing strategic counsel, opening networks, and helping shape program content to maximize impact.
• Contact Information: To learn more about getting involved, please contact Laura Macias, the Community Programs Manager, at lmacias@larta.org.
Heal.LA provides a unique platform for innovators to accelerate their solutions while making a tangible impact on community health in Los Angeles. By combining expert guidance, strategic connections, and catalytic funding, the program empowers entrepreneurs to turn promising ideas into real-world solutions. Interested founders are encouraged to review the application details for the upcoming 2026 cohort, while potential partners are invited to explore collaboration opportunities to support this vital mission.