A 2027 program for AI startups in biotech, life sciences and healthcare
Build for a problem someone is already waiting to solve.
We believe founders should know the problem is real before they spend a year on it. So we start with large US companies, learn what they are trying to solve, and bring in startups whose work fits.
The honest risk
Founders already know the odds. This program is built to move them.
3 in 4
venture-backed startups never return their investors' money.
43%
of startup shutdowns trace back to a weak fit with a real market need. Health and biotech see more shutdowns than any other sector.
Much of that risk comes down to one question: is a real buyer waiting for this? That is the question we answer first.
How we lower it
Listen before you prescribe.
Engineers have an old habit called rubber ducking. When you are stuck, you explain the problem out loud, line by line, to a rubber duck on your desk. Somewhere in the telling, the real problem shows up.
Our name comes from a red rubber duck that sat on a mentor's desk. Before anyone offered advice, they had to explain the problem to the duck. Most of the time, the problem they walked in with was not the one they needed solved.
We run this program the same way. We start by asking corporate teams what they are trying to solve, and only then go looking for startups, so every match comes with a reason you can read. Few matches, each one explained.
- 01
We listen to the company first
- 02
We match startups to a stated problem
- 03
Every match gets a written reason, a named owner on the company side, and a next step
Founders
For founders breaking into the US
Online with your cohort from April 22, 2027, then in Boston from September 27, 2027 for one week, with an optional second. For AI startups in biotech, life sciences or healthcare.
What you get
- A US company that has already named the problem you solve
- The reason for each match, in writing, before you meet
- A named owner on their side and a clear next step
- US traction you can show investors
- Less time on cold outreach
Tell us what you built and who it's for.
Apply as a founderTakes about three minutes. Prefer email? Write to kenny@redduck.ai.
Agencies and trade offices
For agencies and trade offices that back startups
Send your startups into meetings with a stated need behind them. You see a written reason for every match, so you know why each startup is in the room.
What you get
- Meetings for your startups with US companies that named a real need
- A written reason behind every match
- A named owner on the company side and a next step
What we ask
A short list of startups you back, and what each one does.
Tell us which startups you back.
Introduce your startupsTakes about three minutes. Prefer email? Write to kenny@redduck.ai.
Corporates
Tell us what you are trying to solve. We'll bring the startups.
We start with your problem. You tell us two or three priorities, we go find AI startups that fit, and every match comes with a short note on why.
What you get
- A short list of vetted international AI startups, picked for your priorities
- A written reason behind every introduction
- Meetings in Boston with a clear owner and next step
- Less time sorting through cold pitches
What we ask
Two or three priorities your team is working on, and a person who can own each one.
Share two or three priorities your team is working to solve.
Share your prioritiesTakes about three minutes. Prefer email? Write to kenny@redduck.ai.
How it works
Online from April. Boston in September.
- 01
Now
Priorities in
Companies tell us two or three problems they want solved. Founders and agencies tell us what they have built.
- 02
Before April
Matching
We read both sides and pick a small number of matches. Each one comes with a written reason.
- 03
April 22, 2027, online
Online kickoff
The program opens online. Startups and company owners prepare together so nobody arrives cold.
- 04
September 27, 2027
Boston
Startups arrive in Boston for one week of meetings, with an optional second week for follow ups.
Biotech Week Boston runs September 20 to 23, 2027, the week before startups arrive.
Who is the program for?
Founders of AI startups in biotech, life sciences and healthcare who want to break into the US, the agencies, accelerators and trade offices that back them, and US companies with problems they want solved.
How much time does it take for a founder?
The online part starts April 22, 2027 and runs alongside your normal work, with regular check ins with your cohort and your matched company. The in-person part is one week in Boston from September 27, 2027, with an optional second week.
What does the in-person part involve?
A week of meetings in Boston with the companies you were matched to, hosted at a Cambridge, Massachusetts innovation hub. Founders who want more time can stay for a second week of follow ups.
How are matches chosen?
We start with the problems companies tell us about, then look for startups whose work fits. Every match comes with a written reason, a named owner on the company side and a next step.
What do agencies and trade offices do?
Send us a short list of the startups you back and what each one does. We tell you which ones fit a stated company need and why, so your startups walk into meetings with a reason behind them.
What does it cost?
We will go over that with you directly. Write to us and we will walk you through it.
Where are startups from?
Anywhere. The program is built for international founders who want to work with US companies.
Start with the problem.
A few lines is plenty. Pick the one that fits you and we will write back.
All three go to kenny@redduck.ai.