Press Release

Health improvement company’s innovation platform connects entrepreneurs with resources and communities to develop scalable health improvement solutions for underserved areas.

Quality Insights is marking National Entrepreneurship Week (February 14–21) by spotlighting Thinkspace, its comprehensive innovation engine dedicated to developing health improvement solutions for rural and underserved communities. The celebration comes on the heels of a landmark $1.2 million gift to Marshall University's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter), reinforcing Quality Insights' growing commitment to building entrepreneurial ecosystems that drive better health outcomes.

Thinkspace offers three connected tracks — Incubator, Accelerator, and Venture Studio — designed to meet entrepreneurs wherever they are in their journey, from initial concept to scaled enterprise. Unlike conventional startup programs, Thinkspace is rooted in Quality Insights' 50-plus years of health quality improvement experience and deep relationships with rural providers, patients, and payers across multiple states and territories.

 

"For more than five decades, Quality Insights has been committed to improving health in the communities that need it most," said Sven Berg, MD, MPH, CEO of Quality Insights. "National Entrepreneurship Week is an opportunity to recognize that innovation isn't exclusive to major metro areas. Through Thinkspace, we're proving that the next generation of health improvement breakthroughs can — and should — come from the communities they're designed to serve."

 

The Thinkspace model emerged from Quality Insights' direct experience investing in community-driven solutions, including an eight-year partnership with Huntington, West Virginia, during the opioid crisis and a series of community innovation grants that collectively demonstrated the power of sustained, expert-supported incubation.

 

"Entrepreneurs working in rural health face a unique set of challenges — limited infrastructure, workforce shortages, geographic isolation — but those same constraints breed incredible creativity," said Aaron Spurlock, COO of Quality Insights. "Thinkspace gives these innovators a structured pathway, plus the mentorship and network they need to build solutions that actually work in the real world. National Entrepreneurship Week reminds us that supporting these founders is one of the most impactful investments we can make."

 

Quality Insights' recent gift to Marshall University's iCenter further extends this commitment, funding gBETA startup accelerator programming for early-stage founders in West Virginia. The results are already speaking for themselves.

 

"The early success of gBETA at Marshall's iCenter is undeniable," said Tricia Ball, Executive Director of the iCenter. "From our pilot cohort alone, we've seen companies secure their first customers, create jobs, and raise millions in capital — proof that not only is high-growth innovation possible in West Virginia, it's driving real economic impact. Gener8tor's white-glove approach meets founders exactly where they are, coming alongside them with hands-on mentorship, individualized coaching, and direct access to national networks. With the bold vision and generous support of Quality Insights, we can continue building this momentum and ensure our entrepreneurs have the structure, support, and connections they need to scale right here at home."

 

That community-centered philosophy runs through everything Thinkspace does — from early-stage programming to scaled ventures.

 

"That's what we do. We don't parachute solutions into communities. We co-develop them alongside the people who live there," said Biddy Smith, Thinkspace Labs Director. "National Entrepreneurship Week is a great moment to invite more innovators to the table."

 

Entrepreneurs, investors, health organizations, and community leaders interested in learning more about Thinkspace can visit qualityinsights.org/thinkspace.

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About Quality Insights
Quality Insights is dedicated to improving health through dynamic partnerships, evidence-based practices, and a patient-first philosophy. With a track record of driving significant improvements in healthcare outcomes, Quality Insights remains at the forefront of quality innovation and healthcare transformation. Learn more at www.qualityinsights.org.