Five health care startups have been chosen for the inaugural gBETA Charlotte Health program, according to an April 10 announcement from the City of Charlotte. The initiative is powered by a partnership between the city, gener8tor, and Advocate Health.
The selection highlights efforts to foster innovation in health care and support early-stage companies that may impact patient outcomes and community well-being. The five companies were picked from more than 50 applicants and announced during Health Innovation Day at The Pearl, Advocate Health’s innovation district.
The selected startups include: 9+1AI, which uses artificial intelligence to improve cardiac testing; Casandra.ai, offering a platform to streamline diagnostic testing access; Inolyt, developing antimicrobial solutions targeting antibiotic resistance; Pump For Joy, which designs compostable breast pump components for maternal health; and SKG Lifesciences, working on smart bandages with algae-based biomaterials for diabetic ulcers. Each company is led by its respective CEO: Conner McCraw (9+1AI), David Brooks (Casandra.ai), Margaret Kocherga (Inolyt), Erin Devine Martin (Pump For Joy), and Gregory Roberts (SKG Lifesciences).
“Congratulations to the five health startups chosen for the region’s first-ever health innovation pre-accelerator program,” said Shahid Rana, director of the City of Charlotte Economic Development Department. “We’re excited to host this cohort at The Pearl, home of Charlotte’s new medical school, and even more energized by the innovative ideas emerging from this cohort, ideas that have the potential to significantly improve quality of life across our community.”
Over seven weeks, participants will receive coaching and access to mentors as they work out of Connect Labs Charlotte at The Pearl. Dr. Rasu Shrestha of Advocate Health said: “The momentum building across Charlotte’s health care innovation ecosystem is clear, and this inaugural cohort is an important step in activating The Pearl as a hub for innovation… we are creating a platform for early-stage companies to connect with clinical and industry expertise…”
Amory Lenarz, program manager for gBETA Charlotte Health said: “We’ve seen applications come in across digital health, clinical technology… which speaks to how broad and dynamic this ecosystem has become… As the program gets underway, we’re excited to engage the broader community through our lunch and learns…”
This marks the third cohort since gBETA Charlotte began in 2024. According to the official website, Charlotte promoted international relations through strategic initiatives aligned with its vision. Additionally,the official website reports that city leadership includes Mayor Vi Lyles and City Manager Marcus D. Jones.
Charlotte operates under a council-manager government structure according to its official website. Its city council consists of Mayor Lyles plus eleven members who approve ordinances and set policy priorities as reported by city sources. Efforts like gBETA align with goals described on the city’s official site—to build a safe, equitable community defined by resilience, connectivity,
and innovation.
