UCLA Health is accepting applications through the end of this month from life science companies for the second cohort in its new TechQuity accelerator program.

Launched last year in response to health care inequities exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the program targets early-stage startups that have missions to improve health equity and health care parity among underserved and vulnerable populations. It is a partnership between UCLA Health Biodesign; BioscienceLA, a Culver City-based nonprofit innovation catalyst for L.A.’s life science industry; and, as a more recent addition, Palms-based ScaleHealth, which runs a health innovation marketplace platform.

The TechQuity program cost roughly $900,000 to set up, with the principal source of funding coming from a $750,000 grant award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Sprint Challenge. 

The funding was intended to cover the first two years of the program, meaning additional funds will be needed to continue the program next year.

Seven companies participated in last year’s first cohort. Among them: Singapore-based Aevice Technologies, which has developed a remote-monitoring device for patients with respiratory conditions; San Carlos-based IHP Therapeutics, which is developing a home-based therapy to address systemic gaps in managing pain from sickle cell anemia; and Moorpark-based Telebionix, which makes an artificial intelligence-driven device aimed at improving seniors’ access to care.

For the second cohort, which will run for three months later this year, program operators are seeking six to 10 companies. 

The startups will receive personalized mentorship, co-working space, clinical expertise and product-development support, culminating in a final pitch showcase with UCLA Health leaders and stakeholders from underserved communities.