An innovative physiotherapy platform, a device measuring vital signs and a digital health platform supporting women with chronic gynaecological conditions, are some of the innovations selected for Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network’s digital health accelerator programme, Propel@YH.
Ten SMEs have been selected for the programme who all have 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, Propel@YH will provide SMEs with a six-month course of structured support and advice. The programme is aimed at companies that already have a base in Yorkshire and Humber or would be willing to establish one. It will also help them accelerate their company growth and increase market presence.
This year’s cohort are:
- Chatterbug is a social enterprise that supports children and young people with Speech and Language difficulties.
- Genome is a digital health company, developing advanced quality assurance and improvement software solutions for health and social care organisations.
- BookYourGP by Hummingbird Medical is a tool designed for GPs to organise complex medical care for patients.
- Heyr is a mental health chatbot app designed to make you feel good.
- PhysioBuddie is an innovative online therapy service that provides its users with remote step-by-step progressive rehabilitation.
- SocialRx by Promatica is a complete digital management system for Social Prescribing
- Syrona Health’s app ‘SORA’ is a digital health platform supporting women with chronic gynaecological conditions.
- Vitacam is transforming routine clinical observations from manual contact-based methods to contactless measurements from video, in elderly care and beyond.
- YourMeds is a smart medication management system aimed at helping people take the right medication at the right time.
- Rewire uses data and clinical best practice to deliver personalised stroke therapy
The accelerator started on 4 November and 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.
We are also delighted that Thrive By Design (formerly mHabitat) will continue to curate and run the programme of masterclasses with us.
The Yorkshire & Humber AHSN will provide mentoring support consisting of 1-2-1 and group sessions.
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.
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. All the innovator companies that have been chosen have innovations that can support the NHS post pandemic. We can’t wait to start working with them.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the chosen 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.
“Our work with innovator companies is a central element of our role as we seek to encourage health innovation and stimulate growth in life sciences and industry across our region”
Chantelle Bell, Co-Founder of Synora Health said: “We’re super excited to join the Propel@YH programme. We’re looking forward to understanding the requirements and routes for partnership with the NHS and meeting clinicians within our space.”
