As part of a significant advance in health care innovation, Vanderbilt University has been chosen as an inaugural spoke for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Investor Catalyst Hub. Dedicated to fast-tracking accessible biomedical innovations, the Investor Catalyst Hub is a pivotal component of the ARPANET-H initiative.
“This initiative reflects our university’s dedication to accelerating biomedical research and pushing the boundaries of innovation in health care,” Provost C. Cybele Raver said.
As a spoke, Vanderbilt University becomes part of a nationwide network aligned with ARPA-H’s mission to improve health outcomes through the following research focus areas: health science futures, proactive health, scalable solutions and resilient systems.
Being a spoke for the Investor Catalyst Hub provides Vanderbilt with several benefits. These include potential funding, dedicated networking, and opportunities to provide input into ARPA-H’s challenge areas and priorities. Vanderbilt University will work with regional partners including Vanderbilt University Medical Center and local HBCUs on these activities.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Vanderbilt faculty to drive impact from their pathbreaking biomedical research and innovation,” Vice Provost for Research and Innovation Padma Raghavan said. “By partnering with the Investor Catalyst Hub and the other entities in the broader ARPANET-H initiative, we can launch new collaborations and accelerate the delivery of equitable health care solutions to communities in need.”
Vanderbilt’s spoke is part of the Investor Catalyst Hub located in Boston under the management of VentureWell. The hub’s model is designed to work closely with a broad array of nonprofit organizations and minority-serving institutions to ensure scalable health care solutions reach all Americans.
Mark Marino, vice president of growth strategy and development for VentureWell and project director for the Investor Catalyst Hub, said, “Our network of spokes offers a comprehensive range of perspectives. It’s this diversity that ensures health solutions are equitable and widespread across every state and tribal nation.”
The Investor Catalyst Hub’s network will grow, with new members being selected periodically as the project expands. For more information about the Investor Catalyst Hub, visit investorcatalysthub.org/.