A Spoke Member’s Guide to Network Engagement
Spoke members of the ARPA-H Investor Catalyst Hub work collectively to advance the commercialization of groundbreaking healthcare innovations. Once accepted, members gain immediate access to research and development (R&D) funding opportunities, potential engagements with ARPA-H leaders, members-only events, and so much more.
Our network of hundreds of spokes includes experts from government, industry, finance, healthcare, and academia based across the U.S. and around the globe.
Below, we’ll explore how spokes can engage with the network and support ARPA-H program development.
Virtual Panels and Information Sessions
We host virtual panels and information sessions to introduce new ARPA-H programs, discuss key topics in the health innovation space, share announcements, and promote networking opportunities for spokes. These meetings vary in format, ranging from fireside conversations and panel discussions to small-group breakout sessions.
For example, we brought together a panel of investor and venture capital spoke organizations to share their goals for investing in innovative health solutions, discuss common challenges, and identify the criteria they use when considering new investment opportunities.
We also host virtual information sessions for new ARPA-H programs and initiatives. These sessions provide spokes with an overview of program goals, solicitation opportunities, technical areas of focus, and other pertinent information—often shared directly by the ARPA-H Program Manager.
In January 2025, ARPA-H Program Manager Ileana Hancu, Ph.D., led an information session for INDEX—a program informed by the findings of the medical imaging data marketplace network survey. This is a prime example of how our network supports the ARPA-H program lifecycle.
The member portal will list upcoming members-only events and information sessions. The IC Hub also promotes relevant events and opportunities offered by spoke members. To submit your event for publication consideration, please complete this form.
In-Person Meetings and Convenings
We host in-person meetings and convenings to create opportunities for spokes aligned by region, service area, or ARPA-H programs to network and collaborate. In October 2024, we hosted our first in-person regional spoke meetup in Atlanta, Georgia, co-hosted by the Georgia Tech Center for MedTech Excellence. We welcomed spokes from 11 states in the Southeastern U.S. for a day of health innovation networking and community building.
From keynote speeches and panel discussions to a networking lunch and pitch competition, this convening provided spokes with opportunities to connect with other members, share common challenges, and consider ways to highlight the unique value of the Southeastern health tech innovation ecosystem among other major health tech hubs in the U.S.
“It was great to connect with other spoke members, investors, inventors, and entrepreneurs, fostering partnerships and other stakeholders in advancing innovative solutions in healthcare. There are so many passionate individuals dedicated to innovation and collaboration in our region. The energy was palpable, and insights and networking opportunities were truly exceptional.”—Cynthia Unuigbe, founder of Sleep & Cradle® Solutions
Stay tuned for future events by signing up to receive Investor Catalyst Hub news and bookmarking out Events page within the member portal.
Proposers’ Days
Spoke members are invited to participate in ARPA-H Proposers’ Days. Hosted by ARPA-H Program Managers, Proposers’ Days provide spokes with an opportunity to learn more about new programs or initiatives, their technical areas of focus, and teaming opportunities. While the locations for Proposers’ Days vary, many include options for participating remotely.
View the calendar for upcoming Proposers’ Days, and visit ARPA-H’s YouTube Channel to view recordings from past sessions.
Expert Advisement and Roundtables
ARPA-H and the IC Hub may call upon our spokes to provide expertise and insight into certain topic areas to help inform the agency’s programs, initiatives, and network surveys.
For example, in January 2025, we hosted a closed round table discussion with medical technology developers and manufacturers. This provided spoke members with an opportunity to discuss the commercialization journey, navigating common regulatory and reimbursement processes, and how we can work together to shorten the time from idea to impact.
Hear about new opportunities by signing up to receive Investor Catalyst Hub news and bookmarking our Opportunities page.
Join Our Network!
Our network is at the forefront of innovative health solutions—and you could be, too. If you’re not yet a member, we encourage you to apply now! We support new members throughout the onboarding process to ensure spokes get the most out of their membership from the start.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Spoke membership does not expire, and there are no application fees or recurring membership dues. If you have any additional questions about spoke membership, please review our FAQs and read our Consortium Membership Agreement.