#United States #Northwest Arkansas #NXTUS #HealthCatalyst

HealthCatalyst NWA: A Groundbreaking Initiative

In a significant step towards enhancing the health tech economy in Northwest Arkansas, NXTUS, Inc. alongside the Health Tech Arkansas (HTA), has launched HealthCatalyst NWA. This innovative program, which is fueled by a generous $500,000 grant from the Walton Family Foundation, seeks to foster growth opportunities for startups in the crucial sectors of health and community technology.

Addressing Critical Gaps

The primary goal of HealthCatalyst NWA is to bridge the existing gaps within Arkansas's innovation economy, where numerous nonprofits struggle to access the health and community tech tools provided by budding startups. By collaborating with regional partners and health care providers, the program aims to tackle pressing challenges that incur high costs, all while ensuring that participating startups receive invaluable market feedback and commercial traction necessary for their growth.

Mary Beth Jarvis, President and CEO of NXTUS, highlighted, "This unique program can help Northwest Arkansas continue to build its reputation as a vibrant region for business growth. HealthCatalyst NWA will connect local healthcare providers with innovative solutions to their most pressing challenges, making the area a hub for promising technology tools that encourage startup success and improve overall population health outcomes."

The program draws inspiration from the successful NXTSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Pilot Competition in Kansas, which has already spurred over 77 innovative projects focusing on health and economic enhancement since its inception in 2021. This indicates a proven framework that has the potential to yield substantial benefits in Northwest Arkansas as well.

Connecting Startups and Community Partners

In a further commitment to progress, the HealthCatalyst NWA program will focus on integrating visionary startups with local healthcare providers and community organizations. Yee-Lin Lai, Senior Program Officer at the Walton Family Foundation, emphasized the investment in innovative solutions, stating, "By supporting NXTUS, we are backing innovations that improve lives and grow the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem."

The initiative not only seeks to address critical community health challenges through funded pilot projects but also aims to create a supportive environment that attracts top talent to Northwest Arkansas. Jeff Stinson, Director of HTA, noted, "Startup companies conducting pilot projects here will be required to maintain a presence in the area, which strengthens our entrepreneurial landscape."

Diverse Partnerships and Future Outlook

Key partners already collaborating with HealthCatalyst NWA include prominent organizations such as Arisa Health, Arkansas Department of Health, Mercy, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. These partnerships represent a broad spectrum of healthcare providers engaged in promoting health and wellbeing across Northwest Arkansas.

Starting from January 1, 2026, startups will be invited to apply for participation in the program. As the initiative progresses into the spring, selected contenders will be matched with community organizations to explore promising collaborations. Pilot projects are set to launch in the fall, with designated startup teams implementing and scaling their solutions within the local framework.

Outcomes from these pilots will be closely monitored, with an emphasis on their impact on the community, job creation, and service expansion, thereby providing significant insights into the program's overall value to the region.

In conclusion, HealthCatalyst NWA stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, poised to transform the health tech landscape in Northwest Arkansas and serve as a model for similar initiatives elsewhere.

For more information on how to apply or get involved, visit HealthCatalyst NWA or Apply Here.