Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network has opened its latest accelerator to support innovators with digital and patient solutions spread nationally.
The Propel@YH programme aims to attract innovations across a number of priority areas, including: workforce, waiting lists; mental health; early diagnostics; urgent and emergency care; the Office for Life Sciences healthcare priorities such as dementia, early diagnosis of cancer, prevention of CVD, respiratory, ageing and mental health; patient empowerment; and innovative ways of using AI technology.
With the help of Propel@YH partners including Nexus at the University of Leeds, Leeds City Council, and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Innovation Pop Up, the programme offers health tech innovators a structured course of advice and guidance to help them navigate the NHS, with an aim to support growth and increased market presence.
The programme has so far helped 11 SMEs to establish a base in the region, including Mediwise, the Leeds-based digital health and AI business, which is now looking to expand operations since attracting a £1 million investment.
Another success story from the programme is Digibete, a digital platform to help support self-management of type 1 diabetes, which now plans to expand internationally. Digibete’s chief executive, Maddie Julian, is quoted as praising the Propel@YH programme’s “quick access to valuable support and connections”, calling it a “game-changer”.
Dr Neville Young, director of enterprise and innovation at the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN, said: “The Propel@YH programme is a great 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.”
The deadline for applications is 6pm, 25 August 2023, and innovators can apply via the Propel@YH website here.
