WORCESTER, MA— Auxilium and Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI) today announced the inaugural cohort of the Auxilium-MBI Accelerator, investing $1 million across four life sciences and healthcare startups as part of an effort to accelerate startup growth and strengthen the Central Massachusetts ecosystem. Through the program, Auxilium will invest a total of $1 million across the cohort, with each company receiving a $250,000 investment to help accelerate growth beyond early validation.
The inaugural cohort will bring SilkMed, Predictive Healthcare, CPR Therapeutics, and Microvitality to Worcester for the program starting June 16, 2026.
SilkMed is developing a patented sprayable silk-based wound dressing designed to improve burn care and support regenerative healing.
Predictive Healthcare is advancing AI-powered postoperative monitoring technology that helps clinicians identify complications earlier and improve patient recovery.
CPR Therapeutics is developing a next-generation automated CPR device designed to improve survival outcomes and reduce the risk of CPR related injuries.
Microvitality is creating the first non-invasive small intestine sampling tool to enable more accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases.
Selected through a competitive application process, the companies represent innovations spanning medical devices, diagnostics, AI-enabled healthcare solutions, and advanced life sciences technologies. Drawing founders from across the New England region, the cohort highlights Worcester's growing role as a destination for life science and healthcare innovation.
"The quality of applications we received exceeded our expectations and reflects the strength of innovation happening across the life science and healthcare ecosystem," said Zachary Dutton, Executive Director of Auxilium. "These founders have already demonstrated significant progress and are now focused on advancing their technologies, validating their markets, and preparing their companies for growth. Through this partnership with MBI, we are able to combine investment, mentorship and industry expertise to help founders navigate the next stage of growth."
The Auxilium–MBI Accelerator is a partnership between Auxilium and MBI designed to support early-stage life science and healthcare startups. The program combines Auxilium's investment and founder support platform with MBI's life sciences expertise, mentor network and longstanding leadership within the Central Massachusetts innovation ecosystem. The Accelerator launches as Central Massachusetts continues to expand its role within the life sciences industry, supported by growing investments in biomanufacturing, workforce development, and startup infrastructure.
Throughout the three-month program, founders will participate in weekly workshops, one-on-one mentorship, strategic planning sessions, fundraising preparation and pitch development. The program is designed to help companies sharpen product and company strategy, refine go-to-market plans, build strong operational foundations and prepare for future growth.
"The future of Worcester's life sciences ecosystem will be built by founders who are creating the next generation of breakthrough technologies, and programs like this help ensure those companies can grow here," said Jon Weaver, President and CEO of MBI. " The Rucker family's investment into the cluster will help recruit, retain and scale startups while providing the capital they need to grow. By combining capital, mentorship and deep ecosystem support, the Auxilium–MBI Accelerator creates a powerful platform for startup growth and adds even more momentum to the innovation happening across Central Massachusetts."
The inaugural cohort marks the beginning of a partnership between Auxilium and MBI to support the next generation of life science and healthcare founders. By combining capital, mentorship and industry connections, the partnership aims to help innovative companies grow while strengthening Central Massachusetts' position within the broader life sciences ecosystem.
About Auxilium
Auxilium is a new accelerator and innovation studio located in downtown Worcester, MA, committed to empowering scalable startups through capital, mentorship, and community. Backed by Rucker Investments, Auxilium supports visionary founders working to grow transformative businesses. The organization offers two programs, a 3-month Accelerator for companies ready to scale, and an Innovation Studio that provides up to 12-months of residency and support for earlier-stage founders to focus on building and validating their ideas. Learn more at auxiliumworcester.com.
About MBI
MBI is a non-profit focused on building the Central Massachusetts bio-cluster. MBI’s mission is to be a partner for fostering innovation in the life sciences and achieves that goal through its small business incubator system, workforce development efforts, and regional economic development initiatives. It is estimated that since 2000, MBI has assisted over197 companies that have created over 1,800 jobs resulting in a $2 billion economic impact. Learn more at mbi.bio.
