Auxilium Worcester Launches Startup Accelerator with $250K Boost for Inaugural Cohort of Local Innovators

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WORCESTER, MASS-Auxilium Worcester has launched its first cohort of three companies, selected from over 50 applicants, that are participating in a 3-month accelerator program. Auxilium Worcester is focused on supporting scalable businesses and entrepreneurs in the Worcester area. The three companies in the inaugural cohort are: Akeyna, a medical device company developing “smart needle” technology for aesthetic dermatology procedures; Splice Histology, a Worcester-based company providing histology services for clinical trials and the medical industry. MiComp Solutions is an insurance technology company that automates compliance and paperwork processes between insurance carriers, brokers, and producers. Zach Dutton, Executive Director of Auxilium, stopped by Talk of the Commonwealth to give us details. Dutton said, “We’re fortunate that all of our companies are Massachusetts companies for this first cohort, that’s not a requirement either, but no matter what, we are supporting companies that are going to impact the local and the Massachusetts economy.” Auxilium Worcester is also launching an innovation studio program to support earlier-stage companies. The accelerator program provides the companies with $250,000 in funding and workshops, training, and mentorship to help them grow and prepare for fundraising. Auxilium Worcester is launching an “innovation studio” program later this year to provide $100,000 in milestone-based funding for earlier-stage companies. Dutton said “And Hank, if I can just say the other thing that we’re layering in both programs is mentorship and we we’re excited by the number of people from the Worcester area and beyond that have raised their hands to say, yes, I want to be a mentor and I want support these companies.” The program is supported by Rucker Investments and the Rucker family, who are actively involved in the initiative.