Accelerate impact.
Accelerate success.

Four-month accelerator for startups in tissue restoration and regenerative medicine with validation, mentoring, and investment opportunities.

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Duration: Four months
Markets: Global
Stage: TRL 3+
Opportunity: Up to $200K

Transforming Innovation into Impact

Catalyst is a strategic accelerator designed for startups at the frontier of tissue restoration and regenerative medicine. We provide more than just capital. We offer a hands-on architectural approach to growth. Through deep technical validation, strategic regulatory mapping, and industry connections, we ensure your breakthrough is market-ready and investor-aligned.

Accelerating What’s Next

Who should apply

Startups at the center of innovation

Catalyst seeks TRL 3+ startups in tissue restoration and advanced wound care seeking applications from medical device, biologics, or drug sectors, ready to commercialize across global markets through a focused four-month accelerator.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

The stages of companies we are interested in

TRL 1

Concept / Idea

Identify and define an unmet clinical need and the scientific rationale.

Commercialization Path: Assess high level market opportunity

TRL 2

Hypothesis & Experimental Design

Formulate hypothesis; identify targets or approaches, develop initial assays.

Commercialization Path: Validate clinical relevance and competitive landscape

TRL 3

Proof-of-Concept

Demonstrate proof-of-concept in vitro and/or in vivo.

Commercialization Path: Define preliminary value proposition and economic impact

TRL 4

Preclinical & Design Optimization

Optimize lead product, prototype, or formulation; establish safety and performance in relevant preclinical or bench models.

Commercialization Path: Define use case and engage early partners/payers

TRL 5

Regulatory Strategy & Pre-Submission

Complete GLP studies; define CMC and manufacturing strategy, confirm regulatory plan.

Commercialization Path: Establish regulatory pathway

TRL 6

Clinical Entry & Early Human Validation

Initiate first-in-human studies and generate initial safety data.

Commercialization Path: Begin collecting clinical and health data

TRL 7

Clinical Studies In Progress

Conduct clinical trials; efficacy signals emerge.

Commercialization Path: Develop reimbursement strategy and CPT plan.

TRL 8

Clinicals Complete & Regulatory Decision

Complete pivotal studies; submit for regulatory approval.

Commercialization Path: Finalize go-to-market plan and secure coverage strategy.

TRL 9

Commercialized & Reimbursed

Product on the market; real-world use and revenue established.

Commercialization Path: Drive adoption and expand indications/value

Wound care technologies we are seeking

01Wound Prevention, Diagnostics & MonitoringInnovative solutions for early detection, risk assessment, wound evaluation, and monitoring, including AI-enabled and digital technologies.
02Advanced Wound Management & Infection ControlNext-generation wound dressings, smart materials, debridement technologies, antimicrobial solutions, and other approaches that improve wound management and infection control.
03Regenerative Medicine and Biologic TherapiesNovel biologic, cell-derived, and regenerative approaches designed to promote tissue repair, stimulate healing, and restore tissue function.
04Therapeutic Devices and Healing TechnologiesInnovative medical devices and therapeutic platforms that accelerate wound healing through physical stimulation, improved tissue oxygenation, or other advanced mechanisms.

*Innovation doesn't always fit into a category. These areas are illustrative, not exhaustive. We welcome breakthrough technologies and novel approaches that can meaningfully improve wound care and patient outcomes.

Maximize your startup’s potential with expert-led growth

Regulatory & Clinical Strategy

Develop a clear regulatory, clinical, and market access strategy designed to support long-term growth and scalability.

Commercial Readiness

Validate your technology, strengthen your business strategy, and prepare for real-world adoption with support from industry experts.

Industry-Leading Network

Work directly with clinicians, founders, investors, and life sciences executives who help accelerate critical decisions and reduce costly missteps.

U.S. Market Access

Gain insight into the world's largest wound care market and build relationships with key stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem.

Capital & Growth Opportunities

Access up to $200K in investment, Demo Day exposure, and opportunities for deeper collaboration with EmeraNova.

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The 4 Phases of Catalyst

Phase 01

Diagnostic & Discovery

We start with a comprehensive diagnostic, evaluating technology, market opportunity, IP, team, and regulatory and clinical readiness, alongside financial and investment potential. Startups work with experts to prove efficacy, stress-test assumptions, and build a fact-based foundation for every decision ahead.

Phase 02

Synthesis & Planning

Turning diagnosis into direction, we help startups build a Product Development Plan, a Go-to-Market Plan, and a Commercialization Roadmap, the clearest path from product development to commercial scale. Together, these define priorities, milestones, and resources for reimbursement models, regulatory pathways, and pathways to industry pilots.

Phase 03

Execution & Positioning

Getting investor ready. We help startups craft a compelling investment memo and investor pack, close due diligence gaps, and structure a data room so investors can quickly and confidently validate the opportunity.

Phase 04

Graduation & Readiness

The program's capstone. Mentors deliver a final assessment and executive summary while startups finalize their Demo Day deck, culminating in a live presentation to EmeraNova leadership, partners, and investors, with potential investment of up to $200K.

Timeline

Program Timeline

01
Application

November 2026 to January 29, 2027
Submit your startup for evaluation.
02
Selection

February 2027
Applications are reviewed by the selection committee. Applicants advancing from the primary review will schedule a video pitch call.
03
Invitations

February 2027
Extending offers to the top startups.
04
Acceleration Program

March to End of Summer 2027
Intensive four-month validation and mentoring program.
05
Demo Day

Fall 2027
Presentation to global investors and partners.
06
Investment READY

Fall 2027
Term Sheet & Investment Discussions for selected startups.
This phase applies only to startups selected for potential investment.
07
Post-Program Support

Fall 2027
Ongoing support including fundraising, investor introductions, mentor access, and Catalyst Alumni network for scaling and growth.

View program rules (PDF)

Strategic Guidance from Experienced Individuals

Our mentors bring decades of experience across medtech, biotech, healthcare, and other transformative industries, from early-stage startups to established industry leaders. Their backgrounds span clinical practice, commercialization, sales, and building companies from the ground up.