# A Boston Nonprofit Is Now Accepting Applications for Its Sixth Healthcare Robotics Startup Program
Boston’s leading robotics hub has officially opened the doors to its sixth cohort of a specialized program designed to help early-stage robotics and automation companies bring their healthcare technologies to life.
## What Is This Program?
The program is a four-month initiative that provides startups with the guidance, technical resources, and industry connections they need to move their healthcare robotics ideas from concept to real-world readiness. It is a non-equity program, meaning participating companies do not give up any ownership stake to take part.
The next cohort is scheduled to run from February through June 2027, wrapping up with a public showcase of participating companies at a major robotics summit held in Boston.
## Who Is Eligible?
The program welcomes robotics and automation startups from around the world that are working on technologies for the healthcare and life sciences sectors. This includes but is not limited to:
– Laboratory and pharmaceutical automation
– Diagnostic and imaging workflows
– Hospital logistics and operating room systems
– Rehabilitation and assistive devices
– Surgical and interventional robotics
– Enabling technologies such as edge AI, on-device computing, precision motion, and medical device cybersecurity
Startups at various stages, from seed funding through Series C, are encouraged to apply.
## Who Is Supporting the Program?
A group of major technology and engineering companies serves as the program’s steering committee, providing mentorship and expertise throughout the four months. This year, Intel has joined as a new member of the steering committee, bringing deep knowledge in edge AI and on-device computing for surgical robotics and operating room automation.
Existing steering committee partners include:
– **Festo** — an automation technology company with a research hub in Boston
– **Novanta** — a life sciences and photonics technology firm
– **Mitsubishi Electric U.S.** — a global leader in industrial automation and motion control
– **yaxxoo** — a technology partner focused on startup acceleration
Additionally, a Medical Advisory Board made up of practicing clinicians provides a real-world healthcare perspective to participating startups.
## What Do Participants Get?
Selected startups receive a structured support package that includes:
1. **One-on-one mentorship** from senior experts across the steering committee partners
2. **Clinical guidance** through the Medical Advisory Board
3. **Biweekly working sessions** with mentors to track progress and set goals
4. **Custom workshops** on topics like regulatory strategy, cybersecurity, clinical workflow design, and pilot planning
5. **Visibility** through the organization’s media channels and a dedicated showcase at the June robotics summit
## A Strong Track Record
Since the program launched in 2021, it has supported 35 startups from cities around the globe, including Boston, Toronto, Paris, Barcelona, and Sydney. Graduates of the program range from pre-seed ventures to Series A companies, and collectively they have disclosed more than $180 million in funding. Several alumni have also gone public, completed multiple proof-of-concept deployments, and reached market-ready status.
One standout graduate, a company called Whelix, which builds robots for automating cell culture processes in laboratories, credits the program with helping them make faster, smarter decisions. The company highlighted the value of hands-on technical support and business mentorship in guiding their growth.
## How to Apply
The application window is now open and will close on **December 31, 2026**. The organization will conduct evaluations and interviews in January 2027 and plans to announce the selected cohort by the end of that month.
Applicants are assessed based on the technical maturity of their product, its relevance to healthcare, the feasibility of near-term goals, how well they fit the program, and alignment with available mentors. Companies that can pursue a proof-of-concept during the four-month period are particularly encouraged to submit their applications.
—
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Is there a cost to participate in the program?**
A: No. The program is non-equity and there is no fee for participating startups. It is fully supported by the steering committee partners and the host organization.
**Q: How long does the program last?**
A: The program runs for four months, typically from February through June.
**Q: Do startups need to be based in Boston to apply?**
A: No. The program is open to robotics and automation startups from anywhere in the world. Past cohorts have included teams from North America, Europe, and Australia.
**Q: What stage of funding are startups expected to be at?**
A: The program accepts startups across a wide range of funding stages, from pre-seed through Series C.
**Q: What happens at the end of the program?**
A: The cohort concludes with a public showcase where participating startups present their technologies at a major robotics summit in Boston.
**Q: How are applicants selected?**
A: Applications are reviewed based on technical maturity, clinical relevance, feasibility of near-term milestones, program fit, and how well the startup aligns with available mentors. Applications close on December 31, 2026, with interviews taking place in January 2027 and final selections announced by January 29, 2027.
—
## Conclusion
Healthcare robotics is a rapidly growing field, and programs like this one play a critical role in helping ambitious startups navigate the complex journey from prototype to real-world deployment. By combining mentorship from industry leaders, clinical expertise, and practical workshops, the program offers startups a unique launchpad for bringing life-changing technologies to hospitals, labs, and clinics around the world.
With applications now open for the sixth cohort, this is an excellent opportunity for healthcare-focused robotics and automation startups to gain the support, visibility, and connections they need to move forward.
Thank you for reading
