Johnson and Johnson allies on health technology accelerator scheme

Johnson and Johnson has announced the formation of a new collaboration with the Plug and Play Tech Center, a global investor and technology accelerator.

The companies will be creating a new health and wellness technology accelerator project aimed at supporting innovative, early-stage companies developing direct-to-consumer solutions to enhance wellness.

Interventions that target nutrition, physical activity, stress, sleep, alcohol and smoking cessation will all be part of the project, with companies selected based on criteria established jointly by Johnson and Johnson and Plug and Play.

The accelerator will target at least 30 percent participation by companies founded by women or minorities, in line with the company's wider efforts to promote diversity. A rigorous three-month programme will be provided for two groups of companies per year.

Len Greer, president of Johnson and Johnson Health and Wellness Solutions, said: "Our collaboration with Plug and Play extends Johnson and Johnson's focus on innovation and investment in a technology-driven healthcare ecosystem that puts people at the centre."