Call for Applications: StartUp Health Launches New Health Moonshot Communities

Building on the success of its T1D and Alzheimer’s Moonshot Communities, StartUp Health invites top innovators in biotech, life sciences, and digital health to join 20 additional mission-aligned communities.

StartUp Health, a global network of founders and CEOs committed to achieving health moonshots, is now accepting applications from founders at all stages — from preclinical to those scaling established companies — to join 22 Health Moonshot Communities ranging from Women’s Health to Food as Medicine (see full list and application links below).

“These aren’t just ordinary founder communities,” says StartUp Health CEO & Co-founder Steven Krein, “Each Health Moonshot Community unites 100% mission-aligned founders and CEOs with the bold goal of solving one of the biggest health challenges of our time. Together, we create unstoppable momentum through regular live and virtual events and programs designed to share wisdom, expand networks, and accelerate progress.”

StartUp Health is now accepting applications for the following Health Moonshot Communities:

• Access to Care

• Addiction & Opioid Crisis

• Alzheimer’s Disease

• Cardiometabolic Health

• Caregiving

• Children’s Health

• End Cancer

• Fitness

• Food as Medicine

• Healthy Longevity

• Maternal Health

• Men’s Health

• Mental & Behavioral Health

• MSK & Mobility

• Oral Health

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Rare Diseases

• Respiratory Health

• Sleep

• Type 1 Diabetes

• Wellness

• Women's Health

Criteria for Membership:

1. Mission-Aligned: Members must align with StartUp Health’s goal of solving the biggest health challenges of our time. Whether you join one of the listed Health Moonshot Communities or aim to launch a new one with us, genuine dedication to impact is key.

2. Capabilities & Credibility: We welcome founders at all stages, from preclinical to those scaling established companies. Whether you have an academic, clinical, or market-ready background, we seek members driven to bring breakthrough innovations to patients. A strong network, proven track record, and commitment to progress are key to enhancing our community.

3. Attitude, Energy & Collaboration: We seek “batteries-included” individuals with a proactive spirit and positive energy. You should be eager to share clinical insights, research, and business wisdom while building relationships. Engaging with mission-aligned experts and contributing to initiatives will help strengthen your network and increase your fundability.

“As we have since our founding in 2011, we’re looking for founders with the Health Transformer Mindset,” says StartUp Health president and co-founder Unity Stoakes. “These are people who are committed to their health moonshot, recalibrate regularly, and uplift others.”

The new communities build on the success of the T1D Moonshot Community, supported by The Helmsley Charitable Trust, and the Alzheimer’s Moonshot, backed by Gates Ventures and ADDF, the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.

“I love connecting with other CEOs going through the same thing you're going through and so we can bounce ideas off of each other,” says Warren Marcus, PhD, CEO and founder of WiNK Therapeutics and a member of StartUp Health’s T1D Moonshot. “I just enjoy the ‘community’ of it. They've also helped me connect me with with some investors as well.”

“How beautiful it is to have a community of very disparate companies and solutions contributing to solve different parts of the same core problem,” says Allyson Schrier, president and co-founder of Zinnia and a member of the Alzheimer’s Moonshot.

Learn more about StartUp Health’s annual membership program and apply to join a Founder Intro Session at startuphealth.com/membership.