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Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator Opens in Qatar

Cure, a leading healthcare innovation ecosystem based in New York, has officially launched the Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator in Qatar. This initiative aims to foster healthcare innovation by inviting healthcare startup founders from around the world to participate in a transformative 12-week program designed to facilitate their expansion into Qatar and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Mission and Vision

Seema Kumar, the CEO of Cure, stated, "At Cure, our mission is to accelerate healthcare innovation by empowering entrepreneurs to take innovative ideas from concept to cure globally." This new accelerator fits perfectly into that vision, providing founders the support they need through education, networking opportunities, mentorship, and investor visibility, essential for turning innovative ideas into scalable health solutions.

The program is set to begin in New York City during the X Factor Healthcare Innovation Summit, taking place from November 11-13, 2025. It comprises a curriculum that covers various essential topics, including business models, market dynamics, valuations, negotiations, pitching techniques, fundraising strategies, team building, and operational planning. The accelerator will ultimately culminate in a pitch competition early in 2026 in Doha, where participants will have the chance to present their ideas to international investors.

Program Details

The accelerator will accommodate up to 15 startup teams, offering a hybrid learning experience combining on-site sessions in Doha with online resources. Through this program, entrepreneurs will gain invaluable insights into the healthcare landscape, engage directly with leading experts and partners, and have opportunities to pilot their technologies in Qatar.

Dr. Mussaad M. Al-Razouki, Operating Partner at Deerfield, emphasized the accelerator's potential, stating, "This new accelerator is designed to leverage Qatar's vibrant startup ecosystem." Startups will interact with key Qatari stakeholders, allowing them to better understand the local market, regulatory frameworks, and regional scaling opportunities.

Partnering for Success

The accelerator emerges from a collaboration between Cure’s affiliate, Deerfield Management Company, and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), through its Fund of Funds program. This partnership combines Deerfield's investment expertise in healthcare with QIA's commitment to fostering a dynamic startup ecosystem in Qatar, aimed at boosting healthcare entrepreneurship in the Middle East.

James Flynn, Managing Partner at Deerfield, remarked, "The collaboration between Deerfield and QIA combines global healthcare venture capital capabilities with localized ecosystem support to advance healthcare entrepreneurship in the Middle East." This powerful resource hub promises to benefit healthcare ventures throughout the region.

Application Process and Focus Areas

Applications for the accelerator are open until October 10, 2025, to startups with teams smaller than 50 members. Preference is given to applicants that have a Qatari founder or a strategic plan for expanding into the local healthcare reimbursement systems. The program encourages applications from businesses that have a minimum viable product or an already commercialized solution addressing market demands in digital health, medical technology, or healthcare service innovation, emphasizing improved patient access, quality, or cost-effectiveness.

For more details about the program and how to apply, interested startups can visit the official website at wewillcure.com.

About Cure

Cure is recognized as an elite healthcare innovation ecosystem headquartered in New York City, dedicated to accelerating cures by supporting health innovators in developing groundbreaking healthcare products from inception to commercialization. Its vibrant NYC campus features advanced research and business facilities, while its digital ecosystem provides essential resources for health innovators. Cure organizes high-profile events and conferences that bring together exceptional leaders from various sectors.

About Deerfield Management

Deerfield is an investment management firm focused on elevating healthcare through capital investment, intelligence, and philanthropy. Its interconnectedness across the healthcare sector allows it to link people, ideas, and technology in innovative ways. For more information about Deerfield, visit www.deerfield.com.

About QIA

The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) is the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, established to manage the state’s reserve funds. QIA invests across a diverse range of asset classes globally, collaborating with leading international institutions to create a robust and sustainable investment portfolio for Qatar’s ongoing prosperity.

Conclusion

The launch of the Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator signifies an exciting development in the healthcare startup scene within Qatar and the MENA region. By bridging international innovation with local opportunities, this program stands to empower a new generation of healthcare entrepreneurs dedicated to producing impactful solutions.

For more updates, stay tuned to Cure’s official channels.