RSVP for Tomorrow’s Fifth-Annual Firefly Innovations Showcase Featuring Top Public Health Startups and Launch of Global Health Equity Startup Hub

NEW YORK CITY (July 31, 2024) — The Fifth-Annual Firefly Innovations Showcase is scheduled for this Thursday, August 1st, from 11 AM to 1 PM ET. The virtual event, open to the public, will feature the 12 groundbreaking public health ventures selected to participate in the 2024 KPMG-sponsored CUNY Public Health Innovation Accelerator at the City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy.

To RSVP and receive a link for the live stream of the 2024 KPMG-sponsored Firefly Innovations Showcase, click here to access the 2024 Showcase event page and then click the RSVP button. Please note that an RSVP is required to access the live stream.

In 2023, the Firefly Innovations Showcase attracted over 100 participants, including public health experts, funders, researchers, practitioners, and companies interested in partnering with participating ventures.

Introducing 12 of the Worlds’ Top Public Health Startups

• Clinispan Health enhances diversity in clinical research by connecting underrepresented communities to medical studies through its innovative platform. By leveraging social media and influencers, CliniSpan Health ensures that clinical trials are more inclusive, leading to better and more equitable healthcare outcomes. This approach addresses public health challenges by improving the representation in medical research, ultimately enhancing the safety and efficacy of treatments for diverse populations.
• CancerFree Biotech is at the forefront of personalized cancer treatment, utilizing advanced ex vivo avatar (E.V.A.) technology to create patient-specific tumor organoids. This innovative approach allows for precise drug screening and therapy recommendations tailored to each patient’s unique cancer profile. By integrating organoid culture systems with AI-driven analysis, CancerFree Biotech significantly enhances the accuracy of clinical treatments and accelerates the development of new cancer therapies, addressing critical public health challenges through personalized medicine.
• FlowIntell is revolutionizing women's health with its non-invasive, at-home testing kit and innovative web platform for endometriosis. Utilizing a biomarker detection process, FlowIntell provides a convenient and accurate screening method, addressing a critical gap in women's health diagnostics. By facilitating early and precise diagnosis, FlowIntell tackles public health challenges by reducing misdiagnosis and improving treatment pathways for millions of women suffering from endometriosis.
• Ommo Technologies is at the forefront of motion tracking technology, leveraging advanced 3D tracking powered by permanent magnets. This innovative technology provides unparalleled precision and efficiency in various applications, including surgical operations and physical therapy. By significantly improving the accuracy of motion tracking, Ommo addresses public health challenges by enhancing surgical precision, reducing recovery times, and improving overall patient outcomes. This next-generation solution is set to revolutionize the medical landscape, making significant strides in patient care and recovery.
• Breakthru enhances organizational trust-building through an innovative platform combining gamification, incentives, and educational content. By engaging users with interactive and rewarding experiences, Breakthru addresses public health challenges by promoting community engagement and fostering long-lasting trust. This approach is particularly effective in creating informed and engaged communities, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and stronger societal bonds.
• Digibiomics utilizes advanced AI and machine learning technologies to enhance precision diagnosis, personalized treatment, and early disease detection. By integrating extensive genomic, socioeconomic, and environmental data, Digibiomics improves public health outcomes through accurate predictions and tailored therapeutic interventions. Their innovative approach addresses public health challenges by expediting drug discovery, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and providing targeted treatments, ultimately contributing to more effective and efficient healthcare solutions.
• Savyn is pioneering digital therapy solutions for PTSD and trauma using evidence-based protocols such as EMDR and Written Exposure Therapy. By offering accessible and effective digital therapies, Savyn addresses critical public health challenges, particularly for underserved populations like immigrants and refugees. Their innovative approach enhances mental health care accessibility, promotes social equity, and improves mental health outcomes.
• Parrots is transforming care for individuals with neurological disorders through its AI-enhanced assistive platform, Polly. By offering cognitive assistance, enhancing communication, and providing telecare solutions, Parrots empowers users and caregivers alike. This innovative technology addresses public health challenges by improving independence and quality of life for those with physical and neurological challenges, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and enhancing overall well-being.
• Vocadian is a pioneering health tech startup leveraging AI-powered voice analysis to manage workforce fatigue and enhance productivity. By providing proactive monitoring and predictive insights, Vocadian helps reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents and improve overall workplace safety. This innovative approach addresses public health challenges by mitigating the adverse effects of worker fatigue, thereby enhancing safety, health, and productivity across various industries.
• Transition is bridging the gap between healthcare education and employment through advanced role-based simulations. By equipping students with practical skills and connecting them with employers, Transition ensures job readiness and enhances workforce capabilities. This platform addresses public health challenges by fostering a highly qualified healthcare workforce, improving patient care, and meeting the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
• Greens Health leverages AI technology to assist teens with diabetes in managing their glucose levels. By using real-time photo analysis of meals, the Greens app calculates carbohydrate content and predicts glucose responses, simplifying diabetes management. This innovative approach addresses public health challenges by reducing the cognitive burden on patients, improving glycemic control, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.
• EZSpeech by MIla4AI offers a revolutionary platform for enhancing speech and communication skills through virtual speech therapy for individuals with speech impairments, such as those recovering from strokes or living with conditions like autism, improve their communication skills. By providing personalized exercises and real-time feedback, EZSpeech makes speech therapy accessible and effective for individuals of all ages. This approach addresses public health challenges by improving communication abilities, supporting those with speech disorders, and promoting better social integration and quality of life.

Firefly Innovations Comprehensive Expansion

Firefly Innovations is the flagship public health entrepreneurship platform of the City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy and operates the annual CUNY Public Health Innovation Accelerator. Distinguished as the first platform of its kind to be launched within an accredited graduate school of public health in the United States, Firefly Innovations is currently engaged in a comprehensive multi-year expansion initiative under the leadership of W. Michael Short , Managing Director of Firefly Innovations and Senior Director at the CUNY Center for Systems & Community Design.?

“The growing momentum of Firefly Innovations is made possible by the exceptional leadership of Dr. Ayman El-Mohandes , Dean of CUNY SPH,” said W. Michael Short . “Under his guidance, the graduate school has achieved significant milestones in advancing public health education and research with CUNY SPH now recognized in the top 10% of all schools and programs of public health nationwide and as the #1 public school of public health in New York City, New York State, and the tri-state area .“

The Firefly Innovations Comprehensive Expansion is in response to the rapidly growing demand for platform’s signature annual accelerator, which received the most applications this year in the program’s five-year history from 230 entrepreneurs working on over 130 public health ventures across 35 countries. With the support of partners like KPMG, the 2024 Accelerator expanded the number of accepted ventures by 50% (12 ventures in 2024, up from 8 in 2023) and the number of individual entrepreneurs supported by 190% (29 entrepreneurs in 2024, up from 10 in 2023).

"As we implement the multi-year Firefly Innovations Comprehensive Expansion, our continued and growing success and impact is a direct result of the visionary leadership of my colleague and friend Dr. Terry Huang , Founder of both Firefly Innovations and the CUNY Center for Systems & Community Design ,” said W. Michael Short. “As a Distinguished Professor and Chair of the CUNY SPH Department of Health Policy and Management, Terry’s pioneering efforts have been instrumental in making Firefly Innovations the nation’s premier public health entrepreneurship platform.“

Firefly Innovations also announced a significant 54% increase in the number of world-class mentors supporting ventures during the 2024 CUNY Public Health Innovation Accelerator. This year, 34 subject matter experts are providing approximately 544 hours of pro-bono consulting and mentorship support to participating public health ventures, up from 22 mentors providing 352 hours in 2023. These mentors are a vital component of the Firefly network and annual accelerator, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the team. Each mentor's unique background in public health, entrepreneurship, and innovation provides invaluable guidance to startups. By offering expert advice, fostering connections, and sharing best practices, mentors play a crucial role in shaping the success of ventures. Their dedication to nurturing the next generation of public health leaders ensures that startups are well-equipped to tackle the most pressing health challenges.

Firefly Innovations also acknowledged the world-class speakers who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the annual accelerator. This year, the accelerator had a 171% increase in the number of speakers participating with 19 speakers presenting in 2024, up from 7 in 2023. These experts, hailing from diverse backgrounds in public health, innovation, and entrepreneurship, play a crucial role in enriching the program each year. Their insights and guidance provide invaluable learning opportunities for the participating ventures, helping them navigate the complexities of public health challenges. The contributions of accelerator speakers ensure that participants are equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices, empowering them to create impactful solutions for global health equity. Their dedication and expertise significantly enhance the quality and success of the accelerator, further establishing Firefly Innovations as the nation’s premier platform for public health entrepreneurship.

Recognizing KPMG as the 2024 Firefly Public Health Leadership Champion

KPMG , serving as the principal sponsor of the annual accelerator for the second consecutive year, has been instrumental in the accelerator’s rapid expansion and success in 2024. KPMG’s financial and in-kind support are playing a crucial role in scaling the accelerator and amplifying the impact of participating ventures. Specifically, KPMG is providing a team of seven internationally-recognized consultants to the accelerator, dedicating over 170 hours of professional services and support to participating startups. KPMG brings deep expertise and strategic insights, offering ventures the guidance needed to overcome challenges, refine business models, and scale innovations and impact.

“Support from the incredible team at KPMG is transformative for Firefly Innovations and the CUNY Public Health Innovation Accelerator, significantly enhancing our the ability to support emerging public health leaders,” said W. Michael Short. “KPMG’s commitment exemplifies the type of public-private partnership that drives real-world change, empowering ventures to solve pressing health challenges with innovative solutions.”

Acknowledging the firm’s significant contributions to the annual accelerator and commitment to health equity, Firefly Innovations named KPMG the “2024 Firefly Public Health Leadership Champion .”

In addition, Firefly Innovations also recognized Sachs Policy Group and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP as “2024 Firefly Public Health Community Leaders ” for the significant in-kind support provided to the annual accelerator.

Launch of Firefly Collective: The Global Health Equity Startup Hub

With the growing support of a diverse array of partners, Firefly Innovations also recently announced the launch of a new Firefly Web Portal, designed to serve as a Global Health Equity Startup Hub. This portal, known as Firefly Collective , will facilitate connections, provide resources, and streamline registration and engagement for all Firefly events and programs. It will offer year-round support and assistance to Firefly’s entire network of partners and all of the inspiring applicants to the annual accelerator. Firefly Collective will be an invaluable resource for public health innovators worldwide, ensuring that even those not directly participating in the accelerator can benefit from the network and resources. To join the Firefly Collective Global Health Equity Startup Hub, click here .

About CUNY Public Health Innovation Accelerator

Originally launched in 2020 by Firefly Innovations, the CUNY Public Health Innovation Accelerator has provided over 3,544 hours of pro-bono professional services, coaching, and consulting support to 101 entrepreneurs from 42 ventures — 90% minority-led and 50% women-led — working to solve public health crises in 17 countries. Post-accelerator, these innovative ventures have expanded, launched pilot projects, created jobs, developed new partnerships, and secured millions in funding to scale their public health impact globally. To learn more about the ventures supported by Firefly, click here .

2024 Mentors & Speakers: Greg Corlis , Roland Poirier , Jaclyn Pierce, MPH , Dov Shamir, Ph.D. , Dr. Taya Jackson Scott , Dr. Todd Ellis , David Becker , Marie O. , Dan Lawrence , Laura Schulte , lucia egea (She/Her) , Anita Adkins , Ananya Bhattacharya , Jacqueline M. Baker , Tom Briggs, MPA, PMP, SA , Hannah Wang , Gail Yancosek , Neha Sachdeva , Rachel Pratt , Camille Fremont , Sushant Pednekar , Kiran Suryadevara, PharmD , Yong S. Wong , Jeff Solomon , Alice WenChi C. , Gregor Hoffman , Aly Noureldin , Seth Milstein , CDR Michael Banyas, USPHS, MPA , Elizabeth Senko, CFA , Jake Ornstein , Shayne Veramallay , Tirsit Makonnen , Paul C. Amajor, MD MS-HSM , Jordan Lowmark, MPH , Navgeet King Zed , Andoni Mourdoukoutas , Angela Radcliffe , Terry Huang PhD MPH MBA , John L. , Beatrice Aladin, Olivia Elee, and others.

2024 Ventures: Breakthru , FlowIntell , Vocadian , Greens Health , CliniSpan Health , Transition , CancerFree Biotech , Savyn , EZSpeech by Mila4AI , DigiBiomics , Parrots AI

2024 Entrepreneurs: Kyul Ko , Firouza Eshonova , Sean Pitterson , Dr. Mohammad Firoz Khan, PhD , Jessica Ellen King , Arkady Nektalov , Rashaad Galloway , Dezbee McDaniel , Isis Ashford-Swain , 刘亦浚 , Gean Martinez , Aleen S. , Kaisar Parvez. , Suki Liang , Meraj Khan, PhD , Kayla Wright-Jackson, MHA , Alexander Miles , Po Chen , David Hojah , Melody Shiau , VSC Chiang , Yujie Wang (王宇杰) , Amber Wu , Kevin Chao , Corey Shaw , Kehlin Swain , Sakeena Mihar

Special thanks also to: CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy , Ayman El-Mohandes, MBBCh, MD,MPH,FAAP , Sumana Chandra, MPH , Evan Lehman , Amy Pesa , Lily R. Gilbert , Besnik Berisha , Peter Hong , Annie Dunlap , and others who we look forward to highlighting for their contributions and support.