Ten startups launch into Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator powered by Techstars in Kansas City

World-class accelerator program tackles wellness, chronic illness, animal health and big data

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), March 12, 2014 – Ten mobile health-related startup teams from across the country and Australia have arrived in Kansas City to build and strengthen their businesses in the inaugural Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator powered by Techstars. The three-month intensive mentor-driven program, located in Kansas City’s Crossroads District, officially kicks off this week.

Sprint (NYSE:S, news, filings) has partnered with Techstars to bring the world-class accelerator program to Kansas City as part of its ongoing activities to help grow the region’s already vibrant startup community.

The Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator powered by Techstars will provide entrepreneurs in this field an amazing advantage to hone their business strategies and structure and be mentored by leading technology experts from Sprint, regional health care leaders and successful entrepreneurs from around the country. Each startup receives up to $120,000 in funding. The program culminates in June when the 10 companies will pitch to an audience of investors and business leaders from around the U.S. and the Kansas City community.

“The quality of the companies in our Sprint Accelerator program is outstanding,” said Kevin McGinnis, vice president-Pinsight Media+, a division of Sprint, who has taken a leadership role in expanding and strengthening the company’s work with startups. “Sprint is proud to be part of the innovation movement in the healthcare space. The impact these companies can have on so many people in both the technology and healthcare industries is tremendous. On behalf of Sprint, the life sciences and entrepreneurial communities in the region, I welcome the teams!”

Teams participating in the Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator powered by Techstars are developing solutions that encompass hardware, software platforms, transformative services, big data and mobile applications. The teams are:

“The Sprint Accelerator is the first mobile health-focused accelerator for Techstars, and we are thrilled to be in Kansas City bringing together these 10 startups to collaborate and grow over the course of the next three months,” said David Cohen, founder and CEO of Techstars. “The mix of entrepreneurs and the strong roster of mentors – Techstars, Sprint and the health care community – promise to make this a truly great program. We believe that these companies have a chance to make a positive impact on the lives of so many.”

About Sprint

Sprint (NYSE: S) offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint served more than 55 million customers at the end of 2013 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint as the most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all 47 industries, during the last five years. Sprint has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DSJI) North America in 2011, 2012 and 2013. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

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