Nick Culbertson is the Managing Director of Techstars AI Health Baltimore powered by Johns Hopkins University and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.

01. What are you looking for in startups for the Techstars AI Health Baltimore powered by Johns Hopkins University and CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield Accelerator?

We're looking for the game changers. Startups tackling real, pressing problems in healthcare using AI. That means innovative solutions, strong teams with a deep understanding of both the problem and the technology, and a clear vision for how they'll improve patient care and the healthcare experience. I'm particularly interested in companies that are addressing issues like access, affordability, and quality of care, and those that are thinking about the ethical implications of AI in healthcare from day one.  Bonus points for companies that are already demonstrating traction and have a clear path to scalability.

02. What are some of the biggest learnings from your career and entrepreneurial journey that you bring to being a Techstars MD?

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is the importance of relentless focus. Building a successful company requires laser focus on your core value proposition and your target market. Another is the power of building a strong team. Surround yourself with talented, passionate people who share your vision, and empower them to do their best work. Finally, I've learned the importance of resilience. The startup journey is a rollercoaster, and you're going to face setbacks.The key is to learn from your mistakes, adapt quickly, and keep pushing forward. I bring all of these experiences, the highs and the lows, to the Techstars program to help guide and mentor the founders.

03. What is your favorite thing about the Baltimore startup scene?

Baltimore's startup scene is hungry and collaborative. There's a real sense of community here, with everyone supporting each other and working together to build something special. We have world-class institutions like The Johns Hopkins University & CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, a growing pool of talent, and a supportive ecosystem that's really starting to take off. It's an exciting time to be a part of the Baltimore tech scene, and I'm thrilled to see the innovation that's coming out of this city.

04. What do our partners bring to the Techstars AI Health Baltimore powered by Johns Hopkins University and CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield accelerator?

Our partners are essential to the success of this program. Johns Hopkins brings world-class medical expertise and access to a vast network of healthcare professionals. CareFirst provides invaluable insights into the payer landscape and the challenges facing the healthcare system. Together, they offer the participating startups unparalleled resources, mentorship, and connections, giving them a significant advantage in the market. Their involvement demonstrates a true commitment to fostering innovation in healthcare.

05. How can we ensure that AI in healthcare is developed and deployed equitably, addressing potential biases and disparities in access and outcomes?

This is a crucial question. We need to be proactive in addressing the potential for bias in AI algorithms. That means building diverse teams, using diverse datasets, and rigorously testing AI systems for fairness and equity.  We also need to be transparent about how these systems work and hold them accountable for their outcomes.  Furthermore, we need to ensure that AI-powered healthcare solutions are accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location. This requires collaboration between technology developers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to ensure that AI is used to improve health equity, not exacerbate existing disparities.

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