UH Institute for Digital Health Transformation

Transforming Healthcare Delivery
Through Digital Innovation

The University of Houston’s Institute for Digital Healthcare Transformation is pioneering cutting-edge technologies to tackle persistent challenges in healthcare access and delivery, particularly for populations not fully served by the current healthcare system.

  • 15+Partner colleges and institutes across UH
  • 2028New Medical Research Building Opens
  • NewVenture Studio to shepherd projects to commercialization

Vision

The University of Houston Institute for Digital Health Transformation will reshape healthcare access, quality, and delivery through digital innovations that erase barriers to care and position UH at the forefront of data-driven transformations in our health system.

 


Closing Care Gaps Through Technology

The Institute for Digital Health Transformation is pioneering cutting-edge technologies to tackle persistent challenges in healthcare access and delivery, particularly for populations not fully served by the current healthcare system.

Whether due to vision loss, limited mobility, geographic isolation, insurance gaps, or the cost of treatment — we build digital solutions that meet patients where they are. Through human-centered design, we integrate wearable devices, biosensors, mobile health tools, and the power of artificial intelligence and data science.

Aligned with UH Health's mission, the Institute leverages the full strength of the University across health, science, engineering, business, law, public policy, humanities, and social sciences to develop innovations that improve outcomes for all.

What We Do

Research & Innovation
Conducting high-impact research using digital health technologies — including mHealth apps, AI/ML applications, telehealth, and biosensors — to improve healthcare access and delivery.

Education & Training
Delivering micro-credentials, on-demand courses, and inter-professional training programs in digital health, value-based care, and health data science for the next generation of clinicians and technologists.

Commercialization & Community
Translating research into market-ready solutions through a venture studio, VC fund, regulatory support, and deep community partnerships — ensuring innovations reach those who need them most.

 

Our Research Focus

We pursue the most persistent and difficult challenges in healthcare to ensure that the benefits of digital innovation accrue to all persons.

Wearables & Biosensors

Real-time health monitoring for chronic disease management, enabling personalized, proactive care at scale.

Mobile Health & Telehealth

Expanding access to quality care through apps, remote monitoring platforms, and telehealth for geographically isolated and underserved communities.

AI & Data Science

Leveraging machine learning and large health datasets to drive smarter population health strategies and personalized clinical decision support.

Population Health & Equity

Designing technology that addresses social determinants of health and extends high-quality care to communities facing systemic barriers.

 

Welcome from the Chair of the Steering Committee

Advancing Health Through Digital Innovation

Welcome to the University of Houston Institute for Digital Health Transformation! We are proud to be at the intersection of technology and healthcare — a place where cutting-edge research meets the real-world needs of patients and communities across the Greater Houston area and beyond.

Despite the remarkable promise of modern medicine, many individuals face barriers that limit their access to effective care — whether due to vision loss, limited mobility, geographic isolation, or economic constraints. Our Institute was founded to confront these challenges head-on, using the full strength of the University of Houston across health, science, engineering, business, law, and the humanities.

The Institute brings together more than 60 investigators from across the University to develop, test, and deploy digital health technologies that meet patients where they are. From wearable biosensors and AI-driven diagnostics to mobile health platforms and telehealth tools, our work is focused on closing the care gaps that affect real people in Houston and beyond — and on building the infrastructure to bring those solutions to scale.

I invite you to explore our research programs, educational opportunities, and community initiatives. If you have questions or opportunities to discuss, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Jon McCullers, MD
Chair, Steering Committee  ·  Vice President for Health, University of Houston

 

What We Offer

Institute Services

A comprehensive suite of services designed to accelerate digital health research from concept to commercialization.

Seminar Series

Monthly gatherings featuring internal and external speakers sharing breakthrough ideas in digital health research, policy, and innovation.

Annual Conference

A flagship campus event attracting external talent to Houston, enabling deep networking with researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and investors.

Seed Grant Program

Competitive internal funding to stimulate new research collaborations and generate proof-of-concept data for emerging digital health projects.

Venture Studio

A new capability to translate academic insight into investable healthcare businesses, including venture-building, regulatory strategy, and product development support.

Industry Liaison

Dedicated outreach to industry partners, venture capital, and corporate sponsors to facilitate technology transfer, commercialization, and company start-ups.

UH Ecosystem

Our Partners Within UH

The Institute complements and collaborates with a rich network of UH programs — amplifying impact without duplication.

Humana Integrated Health Systems Sciences Institute

Research in health systems science, education, and community engagement

Consortium for Translational and Precision Health

Training, research services, seed grants, and career development

Bauer Human-Centered AI Institute

AI education, seminar series, research, and industry connections

UH Innovation

IP protection, technology transfer, and start-up incubation

Cullen College of Engineering

Industrial relations, innovation, and entrepreneurship programs

Community-Engaged Research Core

In partnership with other UH colleges, the Institute utilizes a dedicated college of medicine research core that acts as a liaison between tech developers and community members.