Worcester, MA — Auxilium Worcester is pleased to announce the launch of its first Accelerator cohort, welcoming three high-impact startups with ties to Central Massachusetts. Each company will receive a $250,000 investment, along with curated workshops, dedicated mentorship, and workspace inside Auxilium’s innovation hub at 311 Main Street, Worcester.
The three-month Accelerator has launched in a newly renovated 2,300 sq. ft. suite, part of Auxilium’s larger 14,000 sq. ft. facility, set to fully open in Fall 2025.
“This first class of companies reflects the type of innovation we’re here to champion - technologies that are advancing healthcare, improving operational efficiency, and applying AI to solve real-world problems,” said Zak Dutton, Executive Director of Auxilium Worcester. “These founders are all connected to this region, and we’re proud to support their growth right here in downtown Worcester.”
The Auxilium Accelerator is a fast-paced, founder-first program designed to support scalable startups with capital, community, and strategic support. It complements Auxilium’s Innovation Studio, a 12-month venture studio launching this fall to support early-stage companies through hands-on programming, professional services, and investment.
Meet the inaugural Accelerator cohort:
Akeyna | Karen Cronholm, CEO & Co-founder
Akeyna is revolutionizing safety in aesthetic medicine with a proprietary smart needle designed to prevent serious complications during dermal filler injections. The device is a fully integrated, handheld, sterile, and inexpensive attachment that fits onto any standard syringe. It uses a proprietary algorithm to detect blood vessels in real time and alerts the injector with a flashing light if the needle tip enters a vessel, helping prevent injuries such as blindness, necrosis, and scarring, which are rising at alarming rates. Akeyna’s technology provides a scalable, easy-to-use safety solution for one of the most performed aesthetic procedures worldwide.
Splice Histology | Thomas Schofield, CEO
Splice Histology was founded in Worcester and provides histology slide preparation and digitization services to hospitals, research institutions, veterinary pathology labs, and AI pathology firms. Addressing the national shortage of histotechnologists and the lack of automation in the field, Splice is modernizing a labor-intensive process through innovative lab workflows.
MiComp Solutions | Keith Ledoux, CEO
MiComp Solutions is transforming operations for healthcare payers and insurance brokers with a comprehensive digital platform that automates and streamlines essential functions, including payment integrity, book of business management, accounts receivable, compliance, licensing, and certifications. With AI-driven insights, MiComp helps clients achieve significant growth through greater efficiency and profitability. The company has strong ties to Central Massachusetts, has employed local talent, and plans to continue hiring in the region as it scales nationally.
About Auxilium Worcester
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 a 12-month Innovation Studio for earlier-stage ventures seeking to build and validate.
