Hardebeck’s Startup Savvy Will Help Guide Healthworx to Foster Healthcare Innovation.

Today, Healthworx announces the hire of Jason Hardebeck as their first Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

Healthworx, the innovation and investment arm of CareFirst, strategically brings together venture capital, corporate development, commercialization and innovation functions that allow the company to create, co-create and invest in critical healthcare solutions.

As Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Healthworx, Hardebeck is responsible for identifying, validating and pursuing opportunities that will lead to the creation of new business opportunities under Healthworx and CareFirst.

“Jason has spent most of his career in the startup space and has an incredible track record,” says Healthworx Vice President Ricardo Johnson. “We saw in Jason the intellectual curiosity Healthworx requires to not only identify and grow startups but to help Healthworx itself operate as a small, agile startup. All Healthworx team members are expected to wear multiple hats, and Jason has spent his career demonstrating his ability to zero in on tactical details while keeping an eye on the ‘big picture.’”

Hardebeck has helped found and grow multiple nascent companies throughout his career. Hardebeck has six U.S. patents that list him as inventor. He created and founded WhoGlue, a social networking company he sold to Facebook in 2011. He co-founded the Foundery, an industrial-grade campus for makers in Baltimore.

Hardebeck also led the Maryland Business Council, a business advocacy group linking corporate partners and investors with tech entrepreneurs. There, he tackled issues such as how to foster innovation in a broader, traditional business world. He guided the Greater Baltimore Business Council’s evolution from a traditional membership model to a resource that focused on the unique opportunities and needs of the Baltimore community. In 2005, Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich appointed Hardebeck to serve as the state’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

Before joining the private sector, Hardebeck graduated from the US Naval Academy and served as a nuclear-qualified Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy.

“By fostering innovation in emerging healthcare technology and ideas, Healthworx has created a real opportunity to change and direct the future of healthcare,” says Hardebeck.

By joining what he calls “Healthworx’s rock star team,” Hardebeck looks forward to forging relationships and links among industry experts, startups, established healthcare businesses and other stakeholders, identifying commercialization opportunities that solve unmet needs.

Hardebeck says: “My role at Healthworx will use all aspects of my prior experiences and allow me to work with a major player in the healthcare ecosystem with a clear commitment to innovation.”

His goal is to “build and turn out healthcare startups that address the issues faced by healthcare today.” Adding, “Healthworx has the potential to be the real catalyst for turning the Baltimore region into a global destination for healthcare innovation.”

About Healthworx

Healthworx operates at the intersection of healthcare and innovation by creating, co-creating and investing in companies that are improving healthcare quality, accessibility and affordability. As the innovation and investment arm of CareFirst, Healthworx envisions a healthier future for all people by changing the way health works. To connect with Healthworx about partnering, media interviews or speaking opportunities, please email comms@healthworx.com.