Ontario-made health system innovation

Build solutions health systems really need — starting here.

Healthcare systems around the world face growing operational challenges. AC:Health supports founders building AI, data, and software-enabled solutions that improve healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and system efficiency.

Located steps from the new WRHN facility, AC:Health connects founders with healthcare leaders, advisors, and partners to validate solutions locally and scale them globally.

Applications are open until May 25th.

Apply now

AC:Health

Ontario-made health innovation. Built for global impact.

Healthcare systems are among the most complex organizations in our economy — yet many critical processes remain fragmented, manual, and inefficient.

AC:Health is a 9-month accelerator designed to support founders building digital health, AI, data, and software-enabled solutions that address real healthcare system challenges.

Located just steps from the future Waterloo Regional Health Network hospital site, AC:Health is a launchpad for health system innovation grounded in real operational needs.

Supported by a network of 50+ health innovation advisors and mentors, the program connects founders with healthcare organizations, researchers, and ecosystem partners to validate solutions and accelerate growth.

Build your solution in Ontario. Scale it across global healthcare systems.

Build Solutions Healthcare Systems Actually Need

A launchpad for Ontario-made health innovation

AC:Health is a 9-month accelerator designed for startups developing AI, data, and software-enabled healthcare solutions that reduce operational friction across health systems.

Through collaborative partnerships with Communitech, Medical Innovation Xchange, and the University of Waterloo, our startups gain access to local experts in business, medtech, and innovation. By leveraging Waterloo Region’s portfolio of innovators and creators, AC:Health equips founders with the resources they need to validate their solutions locally and scale globally.

Program participants receive:

One-to-one mentorship from a network of 50+ health innovation advisors and industry leaders to help you navigate health system procurement, validation, and partnerships.
Tactical and strategic support from experienced mentors and specialists across product, go-to-market, enterprise sales, and global scaling.
Direct connections to healthcare organizations, researchers, and ecosystem partners.

Opportunities to showcase progress to healthcare leaders, partners, and investors.
Fundraising support and introductions to the Accelerator Centre’s investor network.
Access to up to $600,000 in perks and discounts from partners including AWS, Google for Startups, HubSpot, and more.

The best part? It is free thanks to the generous support of the Province of Ontario and the City of Waterloo.

Reducing Friction in Healthcare Systems

Solving the operational challenges slowing healthcare down

Hospitals operate as complex enterprises. Across clinical care, scheduling, finance, HR, logistics, and billing, fragmented systems and manual coordination create inefficiencies that impact staff experience, operational costs, and patient outcomes.

AC:Health focuses on supporting software-enabled innovations that integrate into real healthcare workflows and improve system performance.

Startups addressing the following priority opportunity areas will receive application preference:

Clinical Workflow & Documentation

Scheduling and Capacity Management

Finance and Revenue Operations

Human Resources & Workforce Optimization

Logistics and Supply Chain

Eligibility

Is AC:Health right for you?

AC:Health is designed for early-stage digital health companies ready to actively participate in a hands-on accelerator program and build solutions for healthcare systems.

To join the program, companies must:

Be based in or have a strong connection to Waterloo Region.
Be incorporated in Canada or Ontario, or provide proof of plans to incorporate within 30 days of program start.
Have an in-market or near-market digital health solution.
Be able to commit to the program, including in-person workshops and virtual mentorship sessions.

We are particularly interested in founders building AI, data, and software-enabled solutions designed to improve healthcare system operations.

Audience listening to a workshop presentation.

Program Funders

AC:Health is funded by the Province of Ontario and the City of Waterloo.

Program partners

Advancing healthcare innovation through collaboration

AC:Health is supported by partners across government, healthcare, and the innovation ecosystem who are committed to strengthening Ontario’s health innovation economy.

Together, we are helping founders build Ontario-made health system solutions designed to scale globally.

Ac help center

Frequently asked questions

1. Is there a specific application deadline for AC:Health?

Applications for AC:Health will close on May 25th, 2026.

2. Is there non-dilutive funding available in this program?

No, that’s our AC:Studio program.

3. Does the AC take equity?

The AC does NOT take any equity. You keep 100% ownership of your company and your IP.

4. How many companies are accepted into each cohort?

25 companies are accepted into each program cohort.

5. Are there any reporting requirements for founders accepted into AC:Health?

Yes. Founders are required to complete surveys as requested.