First Flight Venture Center Joins Forces With Federal DHHS

Startups, small businesses and incubators developing solutions for health security needs are invited to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services pre-proposal Webex conference call on Friday, June 22, at First Flight Venture Center in Research Triangle Park. 

DHHS recently selected First Flight as one of eight business accelerators around the country to drive innovation in medical technologies that solve challenging problems related to health security threats and daily medical care.

FFVC received $98,000 to serve as an incubator that will assist startups and small businesses develop their technologies and products.

The incubator is now inviting startups, universities and other research and product development organizations to learn more about the federal government’s initiative to detect, prevent and respond to major health security threats.

DHHS’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) will hold the Webex Friday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Feds seek ideas from incubators and accelerators

“Accelerators are part of a new business-friendly approach,” said Deputy Secretary for Health and Human Services Eric Hargan in a statement. “This approach will help startups and other businesses shape the next generation of lifesaving technology and transform health security.”

DHHS has identified early detection of infection and sepsis as two of the country’s most pressing health threats. Sepsis is the body’s response to infection and traumatic injury and is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the U.S. each year. In addition, it is responsible for more than 250,000 deaths annually.

According to DHHS, the number of sepsis cases could skyrocket after a bioterrorism attack or pandemic.

DHHS’s Division of Research, Innovation and Venture (DRIVe) will oversee the incubators and identify partners to fund technological advances and products to address current health challenges.