Accelerating solutions for public and planetary health
"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."​ ~Arthur Ashe
H2A is a resource for all the student changemakers out there with a passion for making a positive social impact. We offer tailored mentorship, networking events, exciting opportunities to pitch your venture idea to funding sources, and co-curricular entrepreneurship education with an emphasis on building a better, healthier world.
About Harvard HealthLab Accelerator (H2A)
H2A is an accelerator for social impact ventures. We accept 10 student teams working on ventures designed to advance public or planetary health. Teams receive modest seed funding, 1-1 mentoring from academic and industry experts, access to targeted workshops, guest speakers, and networking events. We aim to provide a “family-like” environment and encourage cohort mingling through in-person and virtual planned events throughout the year.
During the academic year, teams will also have the opportunity to appear before the H2A Venture Board, a group of influential players from public, private, and academic spheres to gain invaluable feedback.
Who is eligible?
The program is open to current students and postdocs from across the University. Teams must be led by at least one current Harvard student but may include staff, faculty, and alumni and individuals from beyond the University as well. Priority will be given to multidisciplinary teams that draw heavily on the expertise of students enrolled in Harvard College or Harvard graduate schools. Applicants must be early-stage ventures with less than ~ $25,000 in funding.
What ventures may apply?
Any idea or venture that offers a sustainable and empathetic solution to an intractable societal problem related to public or planetary health.
Can I apply solo, or do I need a team?
While we encourage at least two members on your founding team, you are still eligible to apply as a single founder. At least one team leader must be a Harvard student during this current academic year.
When is the deadline and how do I apply?
Applications are now closed! Stay tuned for next years application coming Sept 2026.
I have more questions!
You can find more by emailing Leslie Coles at lcoles@g.harvard.edu.
What's happening at H2A
H2A cohort draws from across campus and beyond
Our new campus cohort of social entrepreneurs is tackling public and planetary health with ambitious ventures that draw from multiple disciplines. We have strong representation from Harvard College, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Harvard Graduate School of Design. It also includes students earning advanced degrees in arts and sciences, business, education, government, law, and medicine. We invite you to learn more about our talented 2025 cohort!
Lexie Takes Grand Prize Social Enterprise Track at the
HBS New Venture Competition
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Lexie was built out of the belief that every patient deserves to be heard, understood, and cared for, no matter the language they speak. Recently, Lexie won the Grand Prize in the Social Enterprise Track at the HBS New Venture Competition, receiving $75,000 in non-dilutive funding!
MabLab awarded 1st Place at the
2025 Tulane Business Model Competition
MabLab, a team from our 2024 cohort, took the 1st place award at the 2025 Tulane Business Model Competition during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW)! Their mission is simple to produces accurate, affordable, and easy-to-use rapid tests to screen for the five deadliest lacing agents with unparalleled accuracy.
H2A Representation at
Presidents Innovation Challege
The President’s Innovation Challenge is an annual competition for Harvard students and select alumni pursuing ventures that are redefining what’s possible in their fields. Participants receive mentorship from the Harvard Innovation Labs, working toward the Awards Ceremony on May 7 at Klarman Hall. During the competition, five ventures will receive grand prizes of $75,000, and five others will receive $25,000. We are happy to announce that H2A will be present at this years challenge. We wish all the best and congratulate our finalist, Vocadian (2023 cohort), Laptis (2025 cohort), Lexi (2025 cohort) and SAMI+ (2025 cohort).
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