A new green accelerator programme has been launched today, 7 April 2021, by the Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network (AHSN), in a bid to support the NHS’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
The initiative – Propel@YH Net Zero – is calling for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with sustainable innovations in West Yorkshire, to apply.
It’s seeking those that have either new sustainable innovations or already existing products that can be adapted to help the NHS lessen its environmental impact, in line with its ambition of having ‘net zero’ emissions by 2040.
Commissioned by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and delivered by Yorkshire & Humber AHSN, the programme is also looking for companies that are already based in, or are working with, an NHS organisation in the West Yorkshire area.
Kathy Scott, Deputy Chief Executive at the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN, said: “The AHSN fully supports the green agenda. Innovation has an important role in helping the NHS to achieve its ambition to be the world’s first ‘net zero’ health service and so we are really excited to launch Propel@YH Net Zero.
“We can help SMEs with a healthcare innovation and an interest in sustainability to have greater visibility in the NHS across West Yorkshire. Our three-month programme will provide up to four organisations with unique and tailored guidance and support and participants will benefit from our connections within the health and care system enable them to bring their innovative green solutions to the region.
Frank Swinton, Climate Change Lead for West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, added: “Bringing low carbon innovations to the market quickly is going to be key to helping us reduce our environmental impact. This is a great way for companies and inventors to get advice and ideas to help their products succeed. I’m really excited to see what change can happen due to this programme, as we move forward to realising our ambition for the Partnership.”
The pilot programme will provide its participants with access to a structured course of support and tailored advice, plus the opportunity to be involved in the ‘next steps’ on the journey to support net zero in the NHS. Benefits are set to include carbon impact assessments, access to funding, and needs identification to support business cases, as well as improved visibility of products to NHS organisations in the West Yorkshire and Harrogate health and care system.
Innovators can apply for the Propel@YH Net Zero Accelerator online. The deadline for applications is 5pm, 7 May 2021.
