Fueling the Future of Diabetes Care
Innovation Accelerator
In 2026, Beyond Type 1 is providing grants of up to $50,000 and mentorship to support innovative solutions in diabetes care.
Apply by Tuesday, April 28, 2026 for funding. Awardees will be announced in May.
2026 Innovation Accelerator
Support to Move Diabetes Solutions Forward
Through the 2026 Beyond Barriers Innovation Accelerator, Beyond Type 1 is supporting organizations that are developing solutions to improve the lives of people impacted by any type of diabetes.
This year, Beyond Type 1 is partnering with MATTER to not only provide grant funding, but offer mentorship and support to help position this meaningful work.
If you’re building solutions that help people get diagnosed earlier, access care more easily or live well with diabetes—we want to work with you.
Why This Work Matters
Accelerating New Solutions in Diabetes Care
Some people are diagnosed too late. Others are misdiagnosed. Stigma is a constant barrier. And many never receive the education, community or encouragement needed to manage diabetes confidently.
These challenges are even greater in communities that already face barriers to healthcare access.
Through the Beyond Barriers program, Beyond Type 1 is working to change that—supporting organizations and social entrepreneurs bringing solutions directly into the communities that need them most.
What We're Looking For
We’re supporting organizations, social entrepreneurs and mission-focused companies that have a track record of working in communities with limited access or high barriers to healthcare and are working on innovative solutions to some of the most urgent challenges in diabetes.
Your work might focus on:
New Ideas + Technologies
Developing new technologies, research initiatives, or care models that improve outcomes for people with diabetes.
Solutions may be early-stage ideas or growing programs—as long as they have a clear path to impact and the ability to measure results.
Earlier Detection
Helping more people receive accurate and timely diabetes diagnoses, including screening for type 1 diabetes.
Reducing Stigma
Addressing diabetes stigma or weight-related stigma that can prevent people living with any type of diabetes from seeking care.
Expanding Access
Creating programs that improve access to education, support, or diabetes management resources.
Program Benefits
Grant Funding
We will provide grants ranging from $5k - $50k for eligible organizations or mission-focused companies.
Mentorship
Grantees will receive several months of mentorship and innovation accelerator curriculum to help position your work between May and November 2026.
Support
Receive step-by-step support along your journey from the MATTER and Beyond Type 1 teams.
Connection
As a grant awardee, you join a community of changemakers shaping the future of diabetes care, culminating in a supportive, in-person event in November 2026.
Who Should Apply
Submit Your Application by April 28
We welcome applications from organizations, social entrepreneurs and mission-focused companies across the United States working to improve diabetes outcomes.
Apply NowHealth Tech Innovators
Organizations or entrepreneurs building digital tools, screening technologies, remote monitoring systems or AI-powered solutions.
Nonprofits + Community Organizations
Leading programs that increase awareness, support early screening, reduce stigma or advance health equity.
Providers + Clinical Networks
Clinics, hospitals, and health systems improving diagnostic accuracy, screening protocols and access to care.
Academic + Research Institutions
Teams piloting evidence-based solutions, diagnostic tools or education initiatives.
Timeline
- Tuesday, March 31, 2026: Applications Open
- Tuesday, April 28, 2026: Applications Close
- Mid-May 2026: Cohort Selected + Announced
- May – November 2026: Accelerator Program
- November 14, 2026: Closing Event
Impact of Innovations Grants
Beyond Type 1 has previously supported organizations creating meaningful change. In 2025, we supported our partners with $200,000 through the Innovation Grant program. Our previous partners include:
The Sugar Science
Hip Hop Public Health
Mobile Care Chicago
Glucose Guide by Hangry Woman
Mobile Healthcare Association
Morehouse School of Medicine
Friendship Baptist Church
Lambda Chi Chapter, Chi Eta Phi Sorority
Joe Dimaggio Children's Hospital
PrimeCare Community Health Centers
Lawndale Christian Health Center
Corewell Health
About Beyond Barriers
A health equity initiative of Beyond Type 1
The program focuses on removing barriers that prevent people with diabetes from receiving timely care—especially in underserved communities. Our work prioritizes:
-
Earlier diabetes detection
-
Reducing stigma
-
Improving access to education and care
The goal is simple: ensure every person affected by diabetes has the opportunity to #LiveBeyond their diagnosis.
About MATTER
MATTER, the premier healthcare incubator and innovation hub, includes more than 1,100 current and alumni startups from around the world, working together with dozens of hospitals and health systems, universities and industry-leading companies to build the future of healthcare.
Together, the MATTER community is accelerating innovation, advancing care and improving lives. For more information, visit matter.health and follow @MATTERhealth.
Start Your Application
Apply by the April 28 Deadline
If your organization is working on a solution that could transform diabetes care, we invite you to apply.
Help us accelerate innovation, improve health equity, and expand access to life-changing diabetes care.
Terms + Conditions
To view Terms + Conditions of the 2026 Innovation Accelerator Grant program, please view the attached resource.
Sponsors
Beyond Barriers, a Beyond Type 1 program, is supported by the following sponsors:
