Digital health accelerator opens for applications
Posted: 19th July 2023
Yorkshire & Humber Academic Health Science Network’s (AHSN) digital health accelerator, Propel@YH, is back for its fifth year and is looking to support innovations that help the NHS whilst boosting the region’s economy. 
Propel@YH provides HealthTech innovators with a structured course of advice and guidance to help them navigate the NHS, whilst enabling accelerated company growth and increased market presence.
This year, the programme is looking for innovations in the following areas:
- Workforce
- Waiting lists
- Mental health
- Early diagnostics
- Urgent and emergency care(UEC)
- Supporting the Office for Life Sciences healthcare priorities (dementia, early diagnosis of cancer, prevention of CVD, respiratory, ageing and mental health).
- Patient empowerment
- Innovative ways of using AI technology.
Successful organisations will take part in a series of masterclasses, digital innovator surgeries, events and 1-2-1 mentoring sessions during the six months of the programme. Innovators will also have access to Propel@YH partners who bring specific expertise to the programme, including:
- Hill Dickinson (legal advice)
- Nexus, University of Leeds, (networking opportunities)
- Barclays Eagle Labs (growth support)
- Leeds City Council (networking contacts across the city).
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals Innovation Pop Up will provide NHS insight and strategy, amongst other support.
Dr Neville Young, Director of Enterprise and Innovation at the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN said:
“We’re excited to launch this programme for a fifth year. Since the start of the programme, we’ve seen some incredible innovations that have supported the NHS including a multi-award-winning digital platform designed to improve the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes and an online therapy service that provides its users with remote step-by-step progressive rehabilitation. Over the last year, the programme has supported 44 innovators, facilitating 36 hours of networking time between innovator companies and national or local NHS stakeholders and this has resulted in 32 collaborations with the NHS.
“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 programme also enables companies to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders from the wider HealthTech ecosystem across the UK and facilitates networking with other innovators and our colleagues from across the life sciences sector.”
Apply for Propel@YH
Closing Date for applications is 6pm, Friday 25 August.