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Building a Science-Driven Business: How National Institutes of Health Funding Enabled an Evidence-Based Approach to Maternal Mental Health Innovation

Jennifer Huberty; Lara Baez; Kelsey McAlister; Marianna Kerppola · 2026 · JMIR Formative Research

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“AbstractThe digital mental health (DMH) industry has grown drastically over the last decade; yet, many DMH products have failed to demonstrate meaningful clinical outcomes, in large part due to lack of scientific evidence.”

Abstract

AbstractThe digital mental health (DMH) industry has grown drastically over the last decade; yet, many DMH products have failed to demonstrate meaningful clinical outcomes, in large part due to lack of scientific evidence. This viewpoint paper highlights an example of how early-stage DMH companies can prioritize science as a strategic advantage. We discuss Moment for Parents, an artificial intelligence–driven maternal mental health app built entirely with support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. We illustrate the advantages and cha

Abstract by Jennifer Huberty; Lara Baez; Kelsey McAlister; Marianna Kerppola, JMIR Formative Research (2026) — licensed CC BY 4.0.

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