Digital health businesses called on to solve NHS challenges with innovation as popular scheme expands across the country 

From today, SMEs across four UK regions can compete to join innovative regional digital health accelerators, launched for the first time outside of London to help develop and deploy digital solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing the NHS.

The new scheme builds on the success of the London-based DigitalHealth.London Accelerator, and will launch across three additional locations for the first time today: East Midlands, Manchester, and South West England. Each accelerator will select companies with digital innovations that match NHS needs. The accelerators will ensure that thousands of people benefit from latest technologies to improve their health and that high potential companies grow faster, supporting economic growth across the regions.

Previously, the digital health accelerator initiative had only operated in London, where it has supported the growth of technologies including smartphone app that slashes A&E waiting times, a digital lifestyle management platform that can reverse type 2 diabetes, and a “USB port for the body” that can host a bionic limb.

Building on this model, the successful SMEs in each new region will receive:

• One-to-one support from a designated “NHS Navigator”
• Specialist training
• Support with product development
• Opportunities to meet experts from business, clinical, and government backgrounds
• Regular opportunities to showcase their products with NHS decision-makers and influencers

Juliet Bauer, Chief Digital Officer at NHS England, said: “In its 70th year the NHS continues to support the spread of cutting edge innovation, from championing specific innovations to supporting frontline clinicians to develop their services. This NHS initiative has already provided London patients with access to a range of exciting digital innovations, I look forward to seeing patients from across the country benefit as more companies are supported to bring their innovations into the NHS.”

Hannah Harniess, Programme Director at DigitalHealth.London Accelerator, said: “When SMEs with fantastic products can’t access the NHS, it is patients that miss out. We’ve seen time and time again that digital technologies can make a major difference and help the NHS save resource – whether it’s slashing waiting times in A&E or helping people to manage long term conditions and live healthier lives. By taking our successful model to four new locations across the country, we know we’ll meet even more incredible companies with innovative products that can help the NHS.”

Elliott Engers, CEO of DigitalHealth.London company Infinity Health, said: “Being a member of the DigitalHealth.London Accelerator has been an extremely valuable experience for us. As a direct result of the programme we have had the opportunity to meet with senior NHS stakeholders in London. Additionally, we have had the privilege of working with the most experienced health economists and researchers in the country, allowing us to better understand the impact Infinity has on clinical practice and the research methodology necessary to develop a robust evidence-base for our core product.”

The existing London-based programme has worked with 61 companies and provided 600 hours of support, helped secure 27 research collaborations, and supported companies to launch 25 new products. Additionally, alumni have secured more than £15M in funding, and 12 NHS contracts*.

Companies interested in taking part should apply at: www.digitalhealthaccelerator.fluidreview.com

Notes to editors

• For more information, contact Rose de Mendonca, Communications Manager, DigitalHealth.London Accelerator, E: rose.demendonca@nhs.net, T: 07881010213.
• Building on the successes of the DigitalHealth.London Accelerator, four regional digital health accelerators, set up in collaboration between participating Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) – Health Innovation Network, UCLPartners, Imperial College Health Partners, Greater Manchester AHSN, South West AHSN, and East Midlands AHSN – alongside MedCity, and CW+, are aiming to speed up the adoption of technology in the NHS, relieve high pressure on services and empower patients to manage their health.
• There are 15 AHSNs across England, established by NHS England in 2013 to spread innovation at pace and scale – improving health and generating economic growth. Each AHSN works across a distinct geography serving a different population in each region.
• The DigitalHealth.London Accelerator is a partnership between London’s three AHSNs (Health Innovation Network, Imperial College Health Partners, UCLPartners), MedCity, CW+, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity. It is supported by the Mayor of London.

• The DigitalHealth.London Accelerator is receiving up to £1.7 million of funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.  The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding

• *data correct on 15 February 2018.