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.
Check out this year’s awardees!
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.
Meet the 2026 Grantees
The following grantees were selected because they addresses distinct barriers to diabetes care in underserved communities — spanning technology, emergency response, stigma, education and care navigation. All five demonstrate a proven commitment to working where the need is greatest, with scalable solutions and a clear path to measurable impact.
Diabetes Association of Atlanta
The Diabetes Association of Atlanta is bridging the gap between a diabetes diagnosis and actually being able to afford the insulin, technology and specialist care needed to stay healthy. Through their work on an AI Navigator Platform, the DAA is ensuring that financial background is never a barrier to thriving with diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes from Day 1
The only FDA-cleared over-the-counter insulin dose calculator in the U.S., this app gives newly diagnosed patients and parents an accessible alternative to complex manual dosing formulas — without the cost burden of pumps or CGMs.
Lowcate by Daia Diabetes
Lowcate is a community-led safety app designed for severe hypoglycemic emergencies. By reducing response times and building a support network beyond traditional emergency services, Lowcate is building a true life-saving tool.
Sole Survivors by Gary Forbes
Gary Forbes uses superhero-based storytelling to reframe diabetes as a source of resilience rather than limitation. His interactive programs bring that message directly into schools, hospitals and community centers in underserved areas.
Texas State University — Dr. Ny'Nika McFadden
Dr. Ny'Nika McFadden's transition-of-care learning modules help caregivers — especially from underrepresented backgrounds — navigate the complex handoffs between care settings. The modules serve as a clear roadmap through a fragmented medical system.
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.
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:
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Earlier diabetes detection
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Reducing stigma
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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.
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:
