One of the key problems in our healthcare system is the high cost. Innovation can play an important role in driving costs down. On Friday, I attended Blueprint Health‘s seventh Demo Day. Blueprint Health is a mentorship-driven startup accelerator program in New York City, supporting entrepreneurs who are building innovative companies at the intersection of health and technology. Blueprint runs a three month program that provides healthcare startups with access to capital, clients, and mentors. The concept behind an accelerator is it can help a startup company reach critical mass and become a successful business more quickly. The mentors include nearly 200 healthcare entrepreneurs, investors, and industry executives who are committed to helping the startups grow and prosper. I feel fortunate to be one of them. Blueprint’s 12,000 square foot loft in SoHo (South of Houston Street) is home to 45 healthcare tech startups, thought leaders, and funders, and forms the center of gravity within the healthcare ecosystem.

The healthcare industry represents nearly 20% of the American economy, and investors see it as one of the top investment opportunities. Blueprint Health is working hard to bring investors, entrepreneurs, and early adopters together to innovate and help the industry lower its cost structure. After a networking lunch with more than 500 investors, analysts, and members of the press, Blueprint introduced eight startup companies, who each gave a 10 minute presentation about their strategy, business model, and financing plans. I found their presentations exhilarating. Days like this make me optimistic about the future of healthcare. Read a summary of each of the eight companies which presented on Friday here.

Read more about how technology is changing healthcare in Health Attitude.