Accelerate Appalachia announces inaugural cohort
The five companies are focused on scalable impact across rural health, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence-driven infrastructure, and workforce solutions.
Accelerate Appalachia has selected five high-potential start-ups for its 2025 Beta Tech accelerator program.
“We continue to be amazed at the breadth and depth of innovation coming out of this region,” said Dave Clark, Chief Innovation Officer at Accelerate Appalachia. “This year’s cohort represents the best of what’s next — and we’re proud to support their growth through mentorship and resources tailored to nurture high-impact startups.”
Focused on scalable impact across rural health, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven infrastructure, and workforce solutions, this year’s cohort marks a new chapter in Northeast Tennessee’s innovation economy.
“This year’s group is tackling critical challenges that affect not just our region, but underserved communities across the country,” said Sync Space President Heath Guinn and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Accelerate Appalachia. “They’re building smart, scalable companies—with our region as their launchpad.”
Backed by the East Tennessee State University Research Corporation, Sync Space Entrepreneur Center, the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), and Launch Tennessee, the Beta Tech Accelerator is a six-month entrepreneurial program designed to equip founders with investment readiness, customer acquisition strategies, and access to a statewide investor network.
“ETSU is committed to translating research, education, and regional investment into real outcomes,” said David Golden, CEO of the ETSU Research Corporation. “Accelerate Appalachia is a perfect example of how we bridge innovation and regional economic development.”
The program was designed to connect founders with the region and State’s robust network of research institutions, industry partners, capital providers, and community-based support. Participants will also receive access to specialized resources including business model refinement, storytelling workshops, and targeted investor engagement.
“The strength of this cohort reflects the strength of the founders — and the network behind them,” said Mark Bays, Executive Director of Accelerate Appalachia and the TSBDC at ETSU. “We are excited to support them through this journey and beyond.”
The 2025 Beta Tech Cohort includes:
- Red and Red is building next-generation technology to address challenges in central nervous system health, aiming to improve neurological care and treatment outcomes.
- Auros Pharma is advancing emergency medicine with a first-in-class treatment for respiratory depression and arrest, designed for rapid use by first responders and the public.
- Phiniti AI’s Ambient-Scribe.com reduces healthcare provider burnout by offering AI-powered, white-label ambient documentation tools for health systems and tech partners.
- MAIA is a human resource tech platform focused on digital training and job placement, helping underserved populations access meaningful employment through AI-driven tools.
- Spartan Health Science is bringing disruptive over-the-counter medicine products directly to consumers, reshaping access to everyday healthcare solutions.
Demo Day for the 2025 cohort will be held in late fall, with investors, industry partners, and state leaders in attendance.
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