Governor Healey Celebrates Sheba/ARC’s Expansion to Massachusetts

 Governor Healey Celebrates Sheba/ARC’s Expansion to Massachusetts 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today welcomed the leadership of Sheba Medical Center, the largest and most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East, to celebrate their recent decision to launch their first U.S. health care startup accelerator in Massachusetts. The ARC accelerator will leverage Massachusetts’ world-class health care institutions, clinical research, tech innovation and talent combined with Sheba Medical Center's proven ARC methodology and global platform to address critical health care challenges through digital and AI-powered solutions. 

“It’s great that Sheba/ARC has chosen to expand here in Massachusetts. They had many options to choose from, but our state stood out because we are already a global hub for health care innovation with unmatched talent,” said Governor Healey. “We look forward to the opening of their new accelerator, which will be a valued contribution to our innovation-based economy, and I’m sure it will result in new discoveries that will improve the world and save lives.” 

“Massachusetts is home to the best hospitals, research institutions, and businesses in the world. This new accelerator will make our health care ecosystem even stronger,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We're grateful that Professor Zimlichman and his team chose Massachusetts as the site of this new venture, and we are excited for all of the important work that is to come.” 

“Opportunities for deeper collaboration between Israel and Massachusetts are both real and exciting—especially in biotech and life sciences, where both are global leaders,” said Consul General of Israel to New England Benny Sharoni. “Together, the innovation ecosystems of Israel and the Greater Boston Area can drive breakthroughs in science and medicine for the benefit of all. We are proud to continue working with both ARC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to further strengthen this great relationship” 

“Sheba’s strategic partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will create a hub for startups from our global network,” said Sheba Medical Center’s Chief Transformation Innovation and AI Officer and Founder of ARC, Professor Eyal Zimlichman. “This collaboration will connect digital and AI technology development with clinical needs, enhancing health outcomes and driving economic growth. By integrating startups into real clinical environments, we can validate and scale solutions quickly, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.” 

“Sheba Medical Center has long been at the forefront of medical discovery and healthcare transformation," said Director General of Sheba Medical Center Professor Yitshak Kreiss. "By combining our innovation model with Massachusetts' unparalleled healthcare ecosystem, we can accelerate AI technologies that address the most pressing challenges facing patients and providers globally." 

ARC (Accelerate, Redesign, Collaborate) is the innovation arm of Sheba Medical Center, which was founded and directed by Professor Eyal Zimlichman. ARC is shaping the future of medical innovation by connecting entrepreneurs and clinicians, advancing the development and implementation of new technologies, and creating breakthrough economic frameworks in health care. The methodology of ARC Innovation has already supported more than 100 startup companies, including three unicorns with investments surpassing $1 billion. ARC portfolio companies receive full support through clinical validation programs and regulatory advice, and Sheba Medical Center’s physician network of 1,400+ for mentorship and strategic investor and partner connections. 

The ARC initiative will accelerate the development of digital and AI healthcare solutions, focusing on three key areas: advanced diagnostic tools, digital health platforms, and workforce support technologies. ARC will begin operations in early 2026 and will be part of Sheba’s global innovation network, which includes London, Melbourne, Singapore, Berlin, and New Zealand. 

Governor Healey was joined at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday by Director General of Sheba Medical Center Professor Yitshak Kreiss, Chief Transformation Officer of ARC Sheba Medical Center Professor Eyal Zimlichman, MD, MSc (MHCM), Israeli Consul General Benny Sharoni, Advisor for World Jewry Affairs in the Office of the President of Israel Danya Leshed, Director of Sheba Global Yoel Har-Even (Lieutenant Colonel, Res), Chairman of the Friends of Sheba Medical Center Yoram Tietz, and Board Chair of American Friends of Sheba Medical Center Bill Silbey. Representatives of the Healey-Driscoll Administration included Acting Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment Executive Director Jeevan Ramapriya, and President & CEO of Massachusetts Life Science Center Kirk Taylor.