Accelerator programme calls for innovations to help the NHS restore, reset and recover

Businesses with digital innovations that can support the NHS with recovery and transformation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic are being invited to take part in the Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network’s (AHSN) digital accelerator, Propel@YH.

Yorkshire & Humber AHSN is looking for a broad range of innovations that can help NHS and social care organisations address health inequalities; support the workforce; enable patients to manage their long-term conditions and support NHS priorities as outlined in its operational planning guidance.

Now in its third year, the Propel@YH digital accelerator programme will provide a six-month course of structured support and advice to SMEs that already have a base in Yorkshire and the Humber or would be willing to establish one. It will help companies accelerate their company growth and increase market presence.

Whilst taking part in the programme, the chosen companies will receive support from several expert partners: Hill Dickinson (legal advice); Nexus, University of Leeds, (networking opportunities); Barclays Eagle Labs (funding guidance) and Leeds City Council will bring networking contacts to the programme.

The Yorkshire & Humber AHSN will also provide mentoring support consisting of 1-2-1 and group sessions.

We are also delighted that mHabitat will continue to curate and run the programme of masterclasses with us.

The AHSN is one of 15 AHSNs set up by NHS England to operate as the key innovation arm of the NHS. It acts as a bridge between health care providers, commissioners, academia and industry and accelerates the spread and adoption of proven innovations across the local healthcare system to improve the health and prosperity of our region.

Digibete was selected for the Propel@YH programme in 2019. It is a multi-award winning, patient-led, clinically approved digital video platform designed to improve the lives of those living with Type 1 Diabetes. Co-Founder, Maddie Julian said: “Propel is not your average accelerator. Propel has delivered a very bespoke package of support tailored to the needs of our business. We needed additional support to look at evidencing our effectiveness and clinical safety and understanding the NHS landscape. The mentoring was also personalised and every hour spent on the programme made a huge difference in the long run to our business. Overall, Propel has provided us with lots of connections and conversations enabling us to fast-track through at least some of the barriers.”

Dr Neville Young, Director of Enterprise and Innovation at the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN said: “We’re excited to launch this programme for a third year. The last 12 months have been extremely difficult for the NHS and we’ve seen it come under increasing pressure. We hope that our programme will enable innovative companies to come forward with a range of solutions so we can support the NHS in reducing the backlog of patients and reset after the pandemic.

“This is also a fantastic opportunity for SMEs to receive expert advice and guidance from the AHSN and our key partners, so they can navigate the NHS market, increase their presence in the region and spread their innovations for the benefit of those living and working in Yorkshire and the Humber.”

Innovators can apply for the programme here: https://www.propel-yh.com/

Deadline for applications is Friday 1st October.