Applications Now Open for the 2027 BrightEdge Entrepreneurs Program

LOS ANGELES - Sept. 8, 2026 - PRLog -- The dual-track program will provide cancer-focused innovators with investment, expert mentorship, education, and access to national healthcare networks

BrightEdge, the impact investment and innovation arm of the American Cancer Society (ACS), is proud to announce the opening of applications for the 2027 BrightEdge Entrepreneurs Program. In partnership with ScaleHealth, the BrightEdge Entrepreneurs program helps founders transform promising cancer-care innovations into scalable, real-world solutions.

The program brings together two specialized tracks serving companies at different points in the innovation journey:

● Digital Health: A 6-month program for companies developing technology-enabled  solutions that reduce barriers and improve access to timely, high-quality cancer  care.

● Life Sciences: A 10-month program supporting the translation and commercialization of  therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical-device innovations that can advance cancer  research and patient care.

Through financial investment, mentorship, education and connections to the American Cancer  Society and ScaleHealth ecosystems, the program is designed to help founders move  innovations from development toward meaningful patient impact.

"Innovation in cancer care requires more than a promising idea or technology, it requires the  right expertise, resources and relationships to bring that idea into the lives of patients," said  Steve Curtis, Interim Managing Director, BrightEdge. "The BrightEdge Entrepreneurs  Program gives mission-driven founders the support they need to build sustainable companies  while advancing solutions that can improve cancer prevention, detection, treatment and  survivorship."

Two Tracks Supporting Distinct Innovation Needs

The Digital Health Track seeks cancer-focused startups developing commercially viable and  scalable technology solutions that can improve access, quality of life, or outcomes in cancer care. Encompassing all social drivers of health, such as transportation, financial security, and  mental wellbeing, as well as direct patient care, these solutions enable access to high-quality,  timely care.

Digital Health applicants should demonstrate technical feasibility, evidence of market validation  and the potential to produce a measurable impact aligned with the American Cancer Society's  mission. Selected companies will be eligible for a $50,000 investment, along with tailored mentorship, industry education and exposure to healthcare leaders and investors.

The Life Sciences Track supports innovators commercializing cancer-focused therapeutics,  diagnostics and medical devices. It is particularly suited to technical experts embarking on their  first entrepreneurial journey and committed to translating research discoveries into patient-focused companies.

Applicants to this program track do not need to have an incorporated company at the time of application. However, a company must be formed and an option or license to the underlying technology secured before the program begins. Selected Life Sciences companies will be  eligible for a $100,000 investment and will receive expert-led education, individualized  mentorship, stakeholder engagement and opportunities to present to curated investors.

"ScaleHealth helps connect emerging healthcare companies with the people, knowledge and opportunities required to develop, evaluate and adopt meaningful innovations," said Taylor  McPartland, CEO, ScaleHealth. "Together with BrightEdge, we are creating a pathway for exceptional founders to strengthen their companies and accelerate solutions that can make a  measurable difference in cancer care."

Application Dates

Applications for both tracks open September 8, 2026.

● Life Sciences Track application deadline: November 2, 2026
● Digital Health Track application deadline: November 30, 2026
● Acceptance notifications and cohort announcements: February 2027 for the Life Sciences cohort and March 2027 for the Digital Health cohort.

Prospective applicants and ecosystem partners are also invited to attend "Your Guide to the  BrightEdge Entrepreneurs Program," an informational webinar on Wednesday, October 7,  2026, at 9:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. ET.

The webinar will cover program eligibility, investment terms, evaluation considerations,  application requirements and key deadlines. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions of program leaders from BrightEdge and ScaleHealth.

To learn more and apply, visit the BrightEdge Entrepreneurs Program landing page

To register for the October 7th informational webinar, visit the webinar registration page.

About BrightEdge

BrightEdge is the innovation and impact-investment arm of the American Cancer Society.  Operating at the intersection of investment and innovation, BrightEdge uses the American Cancer Society's legacy in cancer research and patient support to identify and invest in  actionable, scalable solutions addressing critical unmet needs across the cancer-care  continuum. Its work seeks to advance science, reduce disparities and generate sustainable  impact in support of the American Cancer Society's mission. Learn more at acsbrightedge.org.

About ScaleHealth

ScaleHealth connects emerging health-technology companies with healthcare organizations, decision-makers and industry resources to help innovations develop, demonstrate value and  achieve adoption. Through its marketplace, programs and advisory services, ScaleHealth  supports healthcare innovators in evaluating solutions, strengthening commercialization  strategies and building connections across the healthcare ecosystem. Learn more at scalehealth.com.