Five Charlotte-based startups have been selected for the gBETA Charlotte Health fall cohort, a seven-week accelerator program focused on developing innovative health solutions. The program aims to improve health outcomes, expand access to care, and address critical healthcare challenges.

The selected companies are Carviq, ForesightCares, Global Bridge Pharmaceutical, Rethink Health, and SonoVivo. These startups will receive coaching, mentorship, and connections to corporate partners and investors. The accelerator program is a collaboration between genera8tor, the City of Charlotte, and Advocate Health, hosted at Advocate Health’s innovation district, The Pearl.

Fall Cohort Focuses on Community Health

This cohort placed a specific emphasis on community health, addressing six key priorities for the Charlotte community: access to care, behavioral health, chronic disease, maternal and infant health, social drivers of health, and community safety. This focus aligns with Advocate Health’s mission to build better health within the communities they serve.

A group of professionals engaged in a casual meeting at a modern office, discussing projects on laptops and tablets
A group of professionals engaged in a casual meeting at a modern office, discussing projects on laptops and tablets. Illustrative stock photo via Pexels.

“Advocate Health’s ‘FOR ALL’ mission starts with a simple belief: Better health is built not only within the walls of healthcare, but in the communities we serve,” said Dr. Rasu Shrestha, EVP and chief innovation and commercialization officer for Advocate Health. “That means listening to those closest to the challenges and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to build solutions grounded in real community needs. This cohort reflects that approach, bringing innovation closer to the people, places and health outcomes it is ultimately meant to serve.”

More than 50 startup companies applied for the program. The selected startups offer solutions that span access to care, healthy aging, medication access, chronic disease management, and novel approaches to diagnosis and care delivery.

Supporting Charlotte’s Innovation Ecosystem

Shahid Rana, director of economic development for the City of Charlotte, highlighted the city’s commitment to fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive. “Through our investment in gBETA Charlotte Health, we’re helping build a stronger innovation ecosystem that creates opportunities for founders, strengthens our economy and positions Charlotte for continued growth,” Rana stated.

The CEOs of the chosen companies met on Thursday, October 15, to mark the program’s commencement. The cohort will utilize Connect Labs Charlotte, a wet and engineering lab space, which provides shared equipment, meeting rooms, and office spaces. This location situates the startups near key healthcare institutions, research organizations, and industry leaders.

This marks the fourth cohort for gBETA Charlotte and the second focused on health innovation since the partnership with Advocate Health began. Since its launch in 2024, gBETA Charlotte has supported 15 companies, which have collectively raised $2.6 million and created 82 jobs. This growth reflects the increasing momentum in Charlotte’s innovation ecosystem, as noted by Amory Lenarz, program manager for gBETA Charlotte Health.

Meet the Fall 2026 Cohort

Carviq, led by CEO Dr. Trey Williams, is an AI-native platform and mobile app designed for house-call and mobile medical practices. It streamlines scheduling, care delivery, and operational workflows in the field.

ForesightCares, with CEO Mona Azarbayjani, develops AI-powered solutions to enhance the accessibility and affordability of mobility assessment and remote monitoring for older adults. Their technology assists healthcare providers in tracking mobility and identifying risks.

Global Bridge Pharmaceutical (GBP), under CEO Eric Sede Nietcho, offers a pharmaceutical marketplace connecting organizations with medication sourcing, patient financial assistance, and surplus inventory, aiming to reduce waste and improve access.

Rethink Health, founded by CEO Melissa Boswell, creates research-based programs to help individuals with musculoskeletal conditions manage pain and implement effective self-care strategies, starting with a program for knee osteoarthritis.

SonoVivo, with CEO James Drumm, is developing a noninvasive, ultrasound-based system for accurately measuring cardiac pressure. This technology aims to alleviate pressure on cath labs and expand access to specialized screenings.

Looking Ahead

The cohort will present their companies at the gBETA Charlotte Health Fall Showcase on December 9 at 5 p.m. at The Pearl. The event will be open to investors, mentors, and the public. Startup founders interested in gBETA’s programs can visit the gBETA Charlotte Health website or contact Amory Lenarz.