A physiotherapy platform, a GP tool and a social prescribing management system are among the Yorkshire-based innovations that have been selected for the Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network’s (YHAHSN) digital health accelerator programme, Propel@YH.
The AHSN, which acts as an innovation arm of the NHS, chose 10 Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which could potentially help the NHS to either recover from COVID-19, support organisations to address health inequalities, assist the workforce, and enable patients to manage long-term conditions, as well as support priorities as outlined in operational planning guidance.
Now in its third year, Propel@YH will provide the 10 selected SMEs with a six-month course of structured support and advice, with the goal of helping them to accelerate their growth and market presence. It’s aimed at companies that already have a base in Yorkshire and Humber or would be willing to establish one, with Hull, Leeds and Sheffield among the cities represented in this latest round.
This year’s chosen SMEs and their innovations are as follows:
- Chatterbug – a social enterprise that supports children and young people with speech and language difficulties.
- Genome – a digital health company which develops advanced quality assurance and improvement software solutions for health and social care organisations.
- BookYourGP by Hummingbird Medical – a tool designed for GPs to organise complex medical care for patients.
- Heyr – a mental health chatbot app designed to make you feel good.
- PhysioBuddie – an innovative online therapy service that provides users with remote step-by-step progressive rehabilitation.
- SocialRx by Promatica – 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 – transforming routine clinical observations from manual contact-based methods to contactless measurements from video, in elderly care and beyond.
- YourMeds – 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 in early November and is set to receive support from partners including the University of Leeds’ Nexus and Leeds City Council, who both offer either networking contacts or opportunities, with Hill Dickinson providing legal advice, and Barclays Eagle Labs delivering funding guidance.
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.”
