New digital health accelerators and incubators are joining the scene, but many startups are still struggling to get inside those programs. This is despite the fact that accelerators & incubators have raised $4 billion to invest in such companies (though not all of that money is used for digital health startups).

Research2guidance, which is best known for its annual mHealth App Developer Economics study, have decided to look into this and has identified the following 5 reasons.

1. Lack of quality of startup ideas
Simply put, most innovative concepts that startups are proposing just don’t cut it for investors. From an investor’s perspective, many boxes need to be ticked for them to invest their time and money into a company — including the concept, development stage, market traction, the team, market exposure, defining target groups, and more.

2. Lack of vision from accelerators
Not all fault is on the startups’ end, though; some accelerators are lacking creativity, as well as vision when it comes to their programs, and their investments. This is especially true outside of North America (say in Europe) where digital business and business models often lack behind the U.S. and Canada.

3. Small window of mutual benefits
Some accelerators and incubators have clearly defined rules and standards, and because of those rules they refuse to work with companies that are not “covered” by them. For instance, some accelerators have regional reach, some accept only companies founded by American ivy league universities, and some only invest in early-stage companies.

4. Lack of awareness of accelerators
Awareness raising is something that accelerators must commit resources too, especially given this is a booming, fast-paced industry, and considering the growing number of programs that deal with digital health. One could also say that the fight for awareness is a constant uphill battle.

5. Lack of knowledge of benefits
Many startups are not sure about the benefits accelerator/incubator programs provide. Some would rather just take the money instead of going through a few-month-long program. Again, it should be accelerators’ duty to explain and even market all of the benefits it could provide to entrepreneurs.

Research2guidance concludes that the demand from both sides is there — while accelerators/incubators are looking for good (and qualified) business ideas from start-ups, startups crave for the right benefits from a program.

The research firm ends by yet again inviting interested parties to take part in the mHealth Economics 2017 survey. Not only will you receive a free copy of the report upon publication, but could also win an Apple Watch 2. Good luck!