Parkview Health, based in Fort Wayne, Ind., the University of Notre Dame and the 1842 Fund are partnering to launch AI-driven digital health startups focused on improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities.
The collaboration aims to co-create up to two venture-backed startups in 2026. Each company will receive significant initial investment from the 1842 Fund, according to a Dec. 16 news release.
The 1842 Fund is a venture capital fund anchored by the University of Notre Dame and managed by Indianapolis-based Alloy Partners. It invests in inception, pre-seed and seed-stage companies. Through its 1842 Studio, the fund works with Notre Dame faculty, researchers and industry partners to build startups from the ground up.
Alloy Partners has co-created more than 35 companies and seven venture studios, including 12 in healthcare or life sciences.
Rural communities often face persistent barriers to care, including provider shortages, long travel distances and high rates of chronic disease. In response to these challenges, the collaboration will focus on developing AI-enabled tools designed to close gaps in care and improve patient outcomes.
