The University of Notre Dame, Parkview Health and the 1842 Fund are working together to co-create new digital health startups focused on rural communities.
The initiative aims to launch up to two venture-backed startups in 2026, with an initial investment from the 1842 Fund for each startup.
The partnership builds on Notre Dame’s recent R.I.S.E. (Responsible, Inclusive, Safe and Ethical) AI Conference and Health AI Forum, which explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and rural health.
“The R.I.S.E. AI Conference brought together researchers, clinicians, community leaders and entrepreneurs to identify real problems and explore innovative solutions,” said Jeffrey Rhoads, professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering, in a press release. “This partnership with Parkview Health and the 1842 Fund creates a powerful pathway to transform those insights into actionable ventures that can create lasting impact in rural communities across Indiana and beyond.”
Rural communities face unique health care challenges, including provider shortages, longer travel distances to care and higher rates of chronic disease. This collaboration aims to develop AI-enabled solutions that can help bridge these gaps and improve health outcomes.
“This partnership with the 1842 Fund represents an innovative approach to addressing health care access and outcomes in rural areas,” Dr. Sarah GiaQuinta, Parkview Health, senior vice president of community impact, said. “By combining our deep clinical expertise and understanding of community needs with Notre Dame’s research capabilities and the 1842 Fund’s venture-building model, we can develop scalable solutions that make a real difference for patients in underserved areas.”
The 1842 Fund is an inception, pre-seed and seed venture capital fund anchored by the University of Notre Dame and managed by Alloy Partners.
“The 1842 Fund exists to create and fund startups that align with Notre Dame’s mission while generating meaningful impact in communities,” Mike Joslin, Alloy Partners director, said. “By working together, we can build ventures that are not only commercially viable but also serve as a force for good.”
