Calaris Diagnostics Selected for Two National Health Innovation Accelerators
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - September 15, 2026
Calaris Diagnostics, Inc., a medical diagnostics company developing saliva-based point-of-care tests for the early detection of fatty liver disease and head & neck cancer, today announced its selection into two health innovation accelerator programs: Health Wildcatters' Cohort 14 in Dallas, Texas, and the LifeX Fall 2026 Accelerator in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Both programs support early-stage healthcare companies through structured mentorship, clinical and commercial expertise, and access to regional health systems and investor networks.
Calaris is developing SALCheck™ Liver, a saliva-based point-of-care test designed to identify clinically significant liver fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Roughly one in three American adults is estimated to have MASLD, yet the great majority remain unidentified, largely because current screening depends on specialist referral, dedicated equipment, and trained interpretation that many patients never reach.
"Fatty liver is not hard to find because the science is missing. It’s hard to find because testing never reaches the patient" said Jim Chen, MD, MPH, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Calaris Diagnostics. "Both of these programs put us closer to the health systems and primary care settings where that gap actually exists. Dallas and Pittsburgh each serve populations carrying a heavy metabolic disease burden, and the people who run care in those communities are exactly who we need to learn from.”
“We are excited to welcome Calaris Diagnostics to our 14th accelerator cohort,” said Dr. Hubert Zajicek, CEO and Co-Founder of Health Wildcatters. “Their innovative approach to saliva-based diagnostics has the potential to make chronic disease detection simpler and more accessible.”
“LifeX is thrilled to welcome Calaris Diagnostics to our Fall 2026 Accelerator cohort,” said Megan Butler, Program Manager of LifeX Accelerator. “We are excited to work with Calaris as they refine their commercialization strategy, prepare for investment, and build meaningful connections across Pittsburgh’s life sciences ecosystem.”
Calaris's technology is built on peer-reviewed salivary biomarker research licensed from an Australian academic partner institution, with development underway with a UK-based contract development and manufacturing partner.
About Calaris Diagnostics
Calaris Diagnostics is developing saliva-based point-of-care diagnostics designed to bring clinical-grade screening into the settings where patients are most likely to be seen. The company's lead program, SALCheck™ Liver, targets the detection and risk stratification of clinically significant liver fibrosis in MASLD. A second program, SALCheck™ Oral, addresses head and neck cancer. Calaris is headquartered in South San Francisco, California. Learn more at https://calarisdx.com
About Health Wildcatters
Health Wildcatters is a Dallas-based seed accelerator and investment firm, consistently recognized among the nation’s top healthcare accelerators. Over the past thirteen years, it has built a portfolio of 140 companies driving innovation in digital health, medical devices, diagnostics, and biotech. Collectively, these startups have raised more than $350 million to advance healthcare solutions worldwide. Through its flagship accelerator program, Health Wildcatters provides early-stage capital, expert mentorship, and access to a robust network of investors and industry leaders. To learn more, visit www.healthwildcatters.com
About LifeX Accelerator
The LifeX Accelerator is a highly selective, cohort-based program for early-stage life science ventures, designed to refine business models, pressure-test assumptions, and build a clear pathway to investor
readiness. The three-month virtual program is limited to a small group of high-potential companies, ensuring deep engagement with industry experts, investors, and mentors. Participants gain access to a peer network, hands-on guidance, and an in-person bootcamp in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they refine their commercialization strategy. The program is open to founders across the United States with no geographic restrictions. For more, visit https://lifexglobal.com/accelerator/
Media contact
Jim Chen, MD, MPH
Founder & CEO
jim@calarisdx.com
SALCheck™ products are investigational and not currently available for diagnostic use. SALCheck™ is a trademark of Calaris Diagnostics, Inc.