Cure, a prominent healthcare innovation hub located in New York City, has launched the Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator. This new program is currently inviting applications from early-stage healthcare startups that are looking to expand their presence into Qatar, the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and global markets. The initiative is designed to support entrepreneurs who are creating innovative solutions that can improve healthcare access, lower costs, and enhance patient outcomes through cutting-edge technology and ideas.
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The accelerator aligns with Cure’s broader mission to support healthcare entrepreneurs and turn groundbreaking ideas into life-changing medical solutions. Seema Kumar, CEO of Cure, mentioned that the program reflects the organization’s dedication to expediting healthcare breakthroughs. She highlighted that the goal is to equip founders with the necessary tools, guidance, and exposure to bring their innovations to life more quickly and at a larger scale. Kumar also noted that the Middle East-focused program will help companies seeking to grow in Qatar and across the MENA region while building their brand on a global stage.
This 12-week hybrid program will support up to 15 startup teams through in-person sessions in both Doha and New York City, along with virtual learning modules. The program kicks off in November 2025 during Cure’s Healthcare Innovation Summit in New York. Throughout the program, participants will learn from top experts on various topics, including business strategy, market trends, pricing models, fundraising, negotiation, marketing, and scaling operations, among others.
The program will wrap up with a live pitch competition in Doha in early 2026. At this event, founders will present their businesses to a panel of global investors, healthcare experts, and strategic partners. Finalists will also get the chance to explore pilot projects for their technologies in Qatar, potentially creating pathways for regional expansion and clinical validation.
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This accelerator program was developed through a partnership between Cure’s affiliate, Deerfield Management Company, and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), with support from QIA’s Fund of Funds program. The collaboration combines Deerfield’s extensive experience in healthcare venture investing with QIA’s efforts to nurture a thriving and sustainable startup ecosystem in Qatar and the wider region.
James Flynn, Managing Partner at Deerfield, stressed that this collaboration brings together global venture capital expertise with practical support for local innovation. He pointed out that the program is designed to serve as both a launchpad and a resource hub for healthcare startups poised to make an impact in the Middle East. According to Flynn, the accelerator will play a key role in driving healthcare entrepreneurship in a region that is increasingly investing in next-generation medical solutions.
Applications are open until October 10, 2025, and startups with fewer than 50 team members are eligible to apply. While all qualified applicants are welcome, priority will be given to companies with a Qatari founder or those actively planning to engage with the healthcare payment and regulatory systems in Qatar and other MENA countries. The program is targeting ventures that have at least a minimum viable product or a commercial solution in place and that address clear needs in digital health, medical technology, or healthcare service delivery. Both fully digital and hybrid business models will be considered, as long as they demonstrate real-world impact and scalability potential.
Dr. Mussaad M. Al-Razouki, Operating Partner at Deerfield, noted that the accelerator is designed to help startups better understand the Qatari healthcare market and navigate the region’s business environment. He mentioned that participants will engage directly with key local stakeholders and gain exposure to regulatory frameworks and market opportunities that can shape their growth strategy.
By creating new pathways for innovation and collaboration, Cure and its partners aim to elevate the level of healthcare entrepreneurship in the Middle East. With access to mentorship, capital, and regional networks, participating startups are well-positioned to drive change not only in Qatar but across the global healthcare landscape.
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