Public Health is Good for Business
The CUNY Public Health Innovation Accelerator is an initiative of Firefly Innovations at the City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy.
The Accelerator is designed to help entrepreneurs access the tools and resources necessary to create and implement robust, scalable, and equitable public health solutions.
Ventures are immersed in a unique community of peers, mentors and industry experts through weekly workshops, presentations, consultations, one-on-one support, and a showcase event.
Accelerator Benefits
Inclusive & Accessible
We accelerate the growth of ventures in all sectors with an online program, open to the public, helping entrepreneurs use their products or services to solve public health challenges.
Tremendous Value
Ventures in the Accelerator receive an estimated $25,000 in consulting and mentoring services and other benefits.
All at no cost to the venture.
Accelerated Growth
We provide access to resources, expertise, networks and markets for entrepreneurs to solve public health challenges.
Incredible Success Stories
With our support and ongoing engagement after completing the Accelerator, many of our ventures secure new contracts, funding, pilot projects and partnerships.
Scaling for Impact
This is the 5th annual CUNY Public Health Innovation Accelerator focused on health equity and helping participating entrepreneurs scale their ventures for public health impact.
University Partnership
The Accelerator is an initiative of Firefly Innovations at the City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. CUNY is the largest urban public university in the U.S. and it’s dedicated to advancing health and social justice.
Accelerator Overview
Ventures are immersed in a community of peers, mentors and industry experts through weekly workshops, presentations, consultations and a showcase event with monetary awards.
The Accelerator brings together a diverse community of partners from all sectors that have a shared passion for solving public health challenges throughout the world.
Venture Guidelines
Ventures with diverse expertise and experience from any sector interested in using their product or service to help solve public health challenges.
Ventures with a prototype or operating service.
Ventures are eligible to apply for the Accelerator if they operate an existing venture, which has a nonprofit, for-profit or hybrid corporate structure.
Making Waves
What are people saying?
“The accelerator’s managing director Michael encouraged me to apply and it was clear right from the start that I made the right decision.”
Emi Mahmoud | Senior Growth Manager, Speetar
“Honored to be an alumni of the Firefly Innovations CUNY Public Health Innovation Accelerator lead by the great Terry Huang!”
Jie Feng, PhD | Co-Founder & CEO, KELLS
“I feel like this program was designed for me.”
Lauren Elliot, Candlelit Therapy
“The mentorship and knowledge our team received participating in this accelerator has been indispensable for our business.”
Demi Fortson, Mendü
“This is what public health innovation looks like.”
Sumana Chandra, MPH | Director, Communications and College Relations, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health
“In an era of renewed global inequality, this accelerator is truly a safe space, as I am connected to community that truly understands and delivers on my needs.”
Austin Serio | ShockTalk
Community of Partners
We’re very thankful for our many supporters and partners past and present.
