FAQ

I hear you have an awesome newsletter, how can I sign up?
Glad you asked.  You can sign up here.

What is Rock Health?
Rock Health is the first seed-accelerator exclusively for health startups.  We provide capital, office space, mentorship, and operational support to high-potential entrepreneurs working on ideas in health.

When can I apply?
We accept formal applications twice a year, in the spring and fall. You can submit your information and get updates here.

Where are you located?
Our headquarters are in downtown San Francisco.  But we also have a program in Boston, located at Harvard Medical School.

What sorts of ideas and people do you accept?
We’re looking for clever, product-centric ideas that solve problems in healthcare from the outside in. Products can be in the form of web or mobile apps, have a hardware or sensor component and should be early stage and pre-VC funding.

No experience in the health space? No worries. We’ve built a program to give you resources and connections in the sector. We want you to use what you’ve learned in other segments — gaming, informatics, design, etc. — to solve real, meaningful problems in health. And our friends at the Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation, Harvard Medical School, UCSF, and Cincinnati Childrens Hospital are excited to help you out.

How do you choose which startups to accept into the program?
Our judges evaluate applicants based on the team, the idea and the thoughtfulness of the application. Our judging panel includes a mix of health experts and investors.

Can I apply as a single founder?
While we wish we could support everyone, we give preference to diverse teams of 2-3 founders. Startups are a lot of work!

What is life like over there?
Hear it straight from the source. Ryan, an entrepreneur from our first batch of startups, gives a great overview here.

What exactly does Rock Health provide?
Everything you need to launch your startup: money, mentors, office space, operational support and all that jazz. Check out our program page for details.

How much money are we talking about here?
We’ll give your team a $20,000 grant to help cover rent and ramen. And during your time at Rock Health, we’ll help connect you with the right investors to get real funding.

How much equity does Rock Health take?
Nada. Think of the $20K as a gift for being awesome.

What does Rock Health get out of this?
Rock Health’s mission is to accelerate the funding and growth of high potential entrepreneurs in health.  We’re a 501(c)3 non-profit.

Who’s behind this?
Meet our team, and see our growing list of amazing partners.

Do we have to be at the incubator the entire time?
Yes. Being with us full time is mandatory, and crucial to getting the most out of the program. Plus, we think you’ll love it here. If you’re new to the area, we’ll help you find affordable digs.

But I’m awesome! Will you make an exception for me?
Sorry. Only teams working full-time from our space can take advantage of the entire program (workshops, office-hours and guest speakers). We’re doing more than writing checks, we’re creating a community of like-minded individuals and a supportive, collaborative environment. Being present is part of the deal.

How can I talk to someone at Rock Health about my idea?
No problem! We have office hours available to answer questions. Just schedule them here. You can also share more information about your team and company here until applications are formally open.

Still have questions?
Email us at hello@rockhealth.org.