Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator Selects 15 Startups for Inaugural Cohort

Healthcare innovation in the Middle East just took a bold leap forward. Cure, the New York-based healthcare innovation ecosystem, has announced the 15 startups joining its Cure by Deerfield Middle East Health Accelerator — a groundbreaking initiative that helps founders bring transformative health solutions to life across the MENA region and beyond.

"These 15 startups reflect the depth of global talent driving the future of healthcare," said Seema Kumar, CEO of Cure. "We're giving founders the tools, mentorship, networks, and investor access to turn promising ventures into real-world health solutions that could improve lives everywhere."

It's a first-of-its-kind effort, connecting the best of Western healthcare innovation with the dynamism of the Middle East — where ambition meets opportunity.

How does it work?

The program is a 12-week hybrid journey that unfolds across two innovation capitals — New York City and Doha. Founders will mix face-to-face sessions with online masterclasses and one-on-one mentorship through Cure's Membership Community.

Participants will:

• Learn about business modeling, fundraising, valuation, and regulatory frameworks
• Dive into commercialization strategies tailored for both emerging and developed markets
• Gain direct access to investors, mentors, and policymakers

The accelerator kicks off during The X Factor: Healthcare Innovation Summit (Nov. 11-13, 2025) at Cure's New York headquarters. The event will feature talks from over 30 leaders, including former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf and Shark Tank's Daymond John.

The journey ends in Doha at the Web Summit Qatar (Feb. 1-4, 2026), where founders will showcase their innovations to global investors, health leaders, and policymakers in a live pitch competition.

Why does it matter?

The Middle East's healthcare landscape is evolving fast. With rising populations and the prevalence of chronic diseases, the need for digital transformation has never been clearer. The 15 startups selected for the inaugural cohort are tackling some of healthcare's most urgent challenges — from early detection to chronic care and next-gen therapeutics.

"The 15 companies selected stood out for pairing strong clinical validation with the potential to scale globally," said Dr. Mussaad M. Al-Razouki, Operating Partner at Deerfield and Director of the accelerator.

Here's the full list of innovators shaping the future of healthcare:

• Adam (KSA): Digital clinic specializing in men's sexual and reproductive health.
• Arbor Bio (USA/Qatar): RNA-based therapeutics for rare diseases.
• Atomistic Insights (USA): AI-powered drug discovery using molecular simulations that predict protein dynamics.
• Bionl (USA/Qatar): AI-powered workspace for biomedical research.
• Ciba Health (USA): Precision care platform using AI to prevent and reverse chronic disease.
• Cure Bionics (Tunisia): Affordable, 3D-printed bionic prosthetics for limb differences.
• DoriNano (USA): Programmable nanoparticle delivery (DNA-origami) for oncology and drug pipelines.
• EndoMD Health (USA): Digital endocrinology platform offering in-network care for youth with metabolic conditions.
• HealthOrbit AI (UK): Clinical AI for care delivery featuring ambient scribe, voice agent, and revenue assistant.
• Luminary Therapeutics (USA/Spain): Next-generation CAR-T cell therapies for cancer.
• Medwise.ai (UK): AI-powered clinical search providing evidence-based answers at the point of care.
• Periwinkle Technologies (India): AI-enabled cervical screening device for single-visit detection.
• Pinecone Therapeutics (USA): Gene therapy for propionic acidemia, a rare metabolic disorder.
• Valeo Health (UAE): At-home wellness and health platform focused on personalized care.
• VentriNaya (USA): Biotech advancing heart regeneration with cell, gene, and RNA therapies.

Each startup blends science, AI, and clinical insight to create tangible, scalable health impact.

The context

This initiative is the result of a collaboration between Deerfield Management Company and the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), with crucial support from Qatar Development Bank (QDB). Together, they're building a bridge between U.S. and MENA innovation ecosystems — a partnership designed to elevate Qatar as a global hub for healthcare entrepreneurship.

"By bridging the strengths of the U.S. and MENA innovation ecosystems, we're cultivating a new generation of healthcare companies ready to expand internationally," said James Flynn, Managing Partner at Deerfield.

QDB will play a hands-on role — offering tailored resources, mentorship, and access to capital through its investment arm, while connecting founders to Doha's growing innovation community.

"Qatar Development Bank is committed to advancing ventures that deliver real impact," said Mohammed Al-Emadi, QDB's Executive Director of Incubation and Venture Capital Investment. "This initiative will bring world-class startups to Qatar and equip them with the resources and connections they need to thrive. We're reinforcing Qatar's role as a regional launchpad for innovation."

By aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030, this accelerator isn't just backing 15 startups — it's backing the future of healthcare in the region.