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Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator Kicks Off with 15 Groundbreaking Startups

On November 6, 2025, Cure, an innovative healthcare ecosystem based in New York City, made headlines by announcing its selection of 15 remarkable healthcare startups for the inaugural cohort of the Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to empower entrepreneurs in revolutionizing healthcare solutions, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

A Collaborative Endeavor

The accelerator, a collaboration between Deerfield Management Company and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), aims at bridging the innovation landscapes of the U.S. and MENA. James Flynn, Deerfield's Managing Partner, stated, "By combining the strengths of both innovation ecosystems, we're nurturing healthcare companies that are poised for international expansion." This collaborative effort seeks not only to improve healthcare product success rates but also to enhance the lives of innovators, healthcare providers, and patients alike.

Seema Kumar, CEO of Cure, highlighted the significance of the chosen startups, saying, "These 15 startups epitomize the depth of global talent committed to shaping the future of healthcare. They are aligned with our mission to transform concepts into tangible health solutions."

Program Design for Success

Spanning 12 weeks, the hybrid program will consist of in-person sessions held at Cure's New York headquarters and in Doha, Qatar, intermixed with online masterclasses and personalized mentorship within the Cure Membership Community. Participants will have access to critical discussions and training on market dynamics, business modeling, fundraising strategies, and commercialization approaches tailored for both emerging and established markets.

The program is set to launch at Cure's flagship event, The X Factor Healthcare Innovation Summit, occurring from November 11-13, 2025. This three-day festival will be host to over 30 speakers, including notable figures like former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf and entrepreneur Daymond John from ABC's Shark Tank.

The culmination of the accelerator program will feature a pitch competition and demo day in Doha, coinciding with the Web Summit Qatar Conference from February 1-4, 2026. Here, startups will have the opportunity to showcase their advancements to global investors, policymakers, and potential partners.

Addressing Critical Healthcare Challenges

The accelerator received over 100 applications within three weeks, showcasing a strong interest in healthcare innovation. Dr. Mussaad M. Al-Razouki, the Director of the accelerator, noted that those selected demonstrated robust potential for global impact and scalability in addressing pressing healthcare challenges. The startups are focusing on areas including preventive care, telemedicine, and the integration of digital health into everyday services.

The selected companies range from Adam, a digital clinic for men’s health based in Saudi Arabia, to Valeo Health in the UAE, specializing in personalized at-home wellness. Each startup is poised to make a significant impact on their respective fields, contributing to a collective effort to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality.

Key Startups in the Inaugural Cohort

• - Adam (Saudi Arabia): A digital clinic centered on men’s sexual and reproductive health.
• - Arbor Bio (USA/Qatar): Focuses on RNA-based therapeutics for rare diseases.
• - Cure Bionics (Tunisia): Pioneering affordable 3D-printed bionic prosthetics.
• - HealthOrbit AI (UK): A clinical AI platform enhancing healthcare delivery.
• - Valeo Health (UAE): At-home healthcare platform focused on personalized care solutions.

This cohort underscores the accelerator’s commitment to nurturing viable, impactful healthcare solutions that enhance healthcare access, quality, and efficiency. Each selected company addresses significant healthcare challenges while striving to create scalable innovations that could benefit patients worldwide.

Support from Qatar Development Bank

To ensure the success of the cohort, the Qatar Development Bank (QDB) will provide tailored resources, counsel, and access to local venues. As part of Qatar’s National Vision 2030, QDB is focused on developing a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem within the region, emphasizing health and economic development. Mohamad Al-Emadi, QDB's Executive Director, stated, “This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering impactful ventures that can drive change.”

Cure’s initiative, with support from QDB and QIA, signifies a pivotal step towards fostering a dynamic startup environment that not only enhances Qatar’s economy but also addresses global health challenges. As the world anticipates these startups’ innovations, the Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator stands at the forefront of healthcare transformation.