DigitalHealth.London UK Shared Prosperity Fund evaluation 2023/25
Overview
Since its inception in 2016, DigitalHealth.
London has driven the development, launch
and adoption of high potential digital health
companies and innovations in London’s health
and social care system. The organisation’s
cross-sector programmes have empowered
digital health companies, entrepreneurial
innovators and social entrepreneurs across
London, and supported the spread and adoption
of innovations to improve health and social care.
The funding from the UK Shared Prosperity
Fund (UKSPF) between April 2023 and
March 2025 has supported the broader
expansion of the DigitalHealth.London Business
Support for London programme into new
areas of focus. This includes the flagship
Accelerator, Launchpad, Evidence Generation
Bootcamp, Leap, Net Zero and Social Enterprise
programmes. DigitalHealth.London has also
grown its network of companies and advisors,
enhancing the impact of its programmes
for innovators.
This evaluation reviews the DigitalHealth.London Business Support for London programme to better understand the experiences of participants across the six programmes. It aims to identify key themes on benefits and what works well, the impact of the programme and areas for growth to help inform and strengthen programme delivery in the future.
At a pan-London level, the findings provide assurance around the programme’s performance linked to the contract and the ability to deliver high-value programmes for future regional and national funding cycles, contributing to economic growth.
Programme impact
A number of benefits were identified through participant feedback, including the impact of face-to-face sessions for building knowledge, gaining new contacts and understanding the NHS. The role and skills of NHS Navigators and subject matter experts were valued the most, with their connections, knowledge and support pivotal to the success of the programme.
Many of the innovators described how these sessions had a long-term impact on their innovations, including building new relationships with stakeholders, securing partnerships and pilots, and collaborating to develop their products and services.
Another clear benefit from the programme was the opportunity for connection. This included peer support within programmes, across cohorts and with DigitalHealth.London’s network of alumni. A mix of in-person networking opportunities, roundtables and virtual workshops facilitated these exchanges and collaborations.
NPS: Great
average
category for
Accelerator
160
companies supported14000
hours of tailored support provided32
new products launched to market46
companies adopting new or improved products or services49
female founded enterprises supported52
jobs created
Areas for growth
This evaluation highlighted three key areas to further strengthen the DigitalHealth.London Business Support for London programme:
1. Commercial focus
Expand support to include a greater commercial focus, integrating commercial specialists with health and social care expertise into the team.
2. Alumni and peer knowledge exchange
Increase opportunities for face-to-face, practical examples and workshops with alumni and peers to further facilitate knowledge exchange, networking and opportunities for collaboration.
3. Partnerships
Replicate the CW+ partnership with other London health and care organisations to bring added value.
It has been a privilege to support over 220 digital health companies, early-stage entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs through the DigitalHealth.London Business Support for London programme.
Over the last two years, we’ve seen ideas blossom into tangible solutions, all with the potential to improve the health of people across London and beyond. The ambition and dedication of everyone who was part of this programme, including our innovators, partners and stakeholders, has been truly inspiring. Together, we’ve built a powerful community, forged vital networks and accelerated the spread and adoption of digital health technologies.
By carrying forward the knowledge, connections and spirit of collaboration fostered through this programme, our innovators have been equipped to advance the NHS and social care. We’re excited to see how their innovations will drive economic growth and improve population health into the future, as we continue to support the innovation ecosystem in London, the UK and internationally.
Sara Nelson, Programme Director
Next steps
In a period of significant change for the NHS, social care and wider society, the role of innovation has never been more critical.
The innovators we work with today will be those who help us to finally overcome long-term challenges such as ever-growing waiting lists for mental health services, while others will act as vital enablers for implementing new models of care such as neighbourhood-based health.
The continuation of the DigitalHealth.London Business Support for London programme offers a chance to accelerate the highest-potential of these innovations, while also contributing to economic growth and population health in London, the UK, and eventually, internationally. Sign up to our newsletter to learn more about our programmes and be alerted when applications open.
