These 3 startups are trying to improve diversity in clinical trials, a challenge experts say will take more than just tech

A host of health tech startups and companies are advertising their apps and platforms as key solutions to improving diversity in clinical trials, promising to help researchers improve their outreach, enrollment, and retention — what one researcher calls a “modern-day gold rush.”

The Power platform focuses on breaking down medical jargon and helping users connect with trial sponsors nearby. Acclinate, meanwhile, touts a trust-building platform just for people of color and a cadre of specialists focused on outreach. Trial Library, among other tactics, pays clinicians to pre-screen patients for oncology trials, whether or not they get referred.