Johnson & Johnson, Plug and Play create accelerator for wellness startups

Johnson & Johnson Health and Wellness Solutions has partnered with Plug and Play Tech Center to launch an accelerator dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles.

The Health and Wellness Technology Accelerator, which is accepting applications through Feb. 15, is geared toward startup companies focused on developing wellness solutions related to health issues such as nutrition, sleep, exercise and smoking cessation.

Companies selected to participate in the accelerator will undergo a rigorous three-month program that will include coaching and mentorship support from Johnson & Johnson and Plug and Play. Two groups of companies will be chosen for the accelerator each year for at least the next three years and awards will be given to three companies in the each group that demonstrate the most potential in enhancing consumer wellness.

Early-stage companies may also have the opportunity to obtain funding and partake in Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute's Corporate Athlete program that teaches executives how they can manage their energy to achieve the best outcomes both professionally and personally.

“Our collaboration with Plug and Play extends Johnson & Johnson’s focus on innovation and investment in a technology-driven health care ecosystem that puts people at the center,” Johnson & Johnson Health and Wellness Solutions President Len Greer said. “Our company offers a unique combination of deep consumer insights, behavioral and biological science expertise, regulatory experience, analytics, and design thinking capability, and we are committed to collaborating with the best technology companies to transform human health and wellbeing.”