image: New incubator will focus on advancing the development of digestive disease startups.
Credit: AGA
Aug. 14, 2025, BETHESDA, MD and CHICAGO, IL — The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the nonprofit medical society dedicated to advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology, and MATTER, the premier health care incubator and innovation hub, announce the launch of the inaugural AGA Incubator: Improving GI Care, focused on advancing the development of digestive disease startups.
Ten startups will be selected to participate in a six-month incubator, engaging in monthly workshops and receiving personalized support from an executive-in-residence and access to MATTER’s network of mentors and other strategic resources to accelerate their growth.
The program will culminate in a formalized pitch day to a large audience of stakeholders and connect with potential customers, mentors, stakeholders, investors and more, with an opportunity to gain investment from the AGA GI Opportunity Fund.
We’re looking for individuals and teams from across the innovation ecosystem — from community researchers, practitioners, students, and entrepreneurs to existing early-to-mid stage startups. Solutions can range from early-stage concepts to marketed solutions in the GI and hepatology space.
This six-month program is conducted fully virtually, culminating in a live, in-person pitch event in Chicago, IL, from May 2-6, during Digestive Disease Week®. Participants must be available approximately five hours each month from Nov. 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. For more information and to apply, please visit the AGA Incubator website.
Incubator Timeline:
- Aug. 5, 2025: Applications open
- Sept. 21, 2025: Applications close
- Oct. 17, 2025: Cohort announced
- Nov. 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026: Six-month incubator
- May 2-6, 2026: Final event in-person in Chicago, IL (exact date TBD)
###
Media Contacts:
Rachel Shubert, senior director, Communications, AGA media@gastro.org
Colleen Wisniewski, marketing director, MATTER, colleen@matter.health
About the AGA Institute
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, AGA represents members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice, and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research, and educational programs of the organization.
About MATTER
At MATTER, we believe collaboration is the best way to improve health care. The MATTER collaborative includes more than 1,000 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 health care. Together we are accelerating innovation, advancing care, and improving lives. For more information, visit matter.health and follow @MATTERhealth.