News

New programme to turbo-charge digital health innovation

Digital health innovators across the region are invited to access a pioneering support programme.

The announcement of Propel@YH, Yorkshire and Humber’s first digital health accelerator programme, follows the publication of the NHS Long Term Plan earlier this week. The Plan re-establishes the importance of using the latest technological advances to improve outcomes for patients and the need to speed up the digital innovation pipeline to help to sustain the NHS in the future.

Propel@YH has been set up by Yorkshire & Humber AHSN (Academic Health Science Network) to provide innovative organisations developing digital health solutions with access to a structured course of support and advice aimed at enabling accelerated company growth and increased market presence.

The pioneering programme is open to all SMEs that can demonstrate innovative digital
and patient solutions and have either an existing presence in the region or are willing to
establish one.

It will provide a unique and tailored set of advisory, guidance and support services to
enable global organisations to bring innovative digital health and patient solutions to the
region’s population and the wider health economy.

Six organisations will be chosen to take part in a six-month programme of masterclasses,
digital innovator surgeries and events focused on human-related design, clinical safety by
design and understanding NHS procurement.

They will also have access to expert partners – including NHS providers and
commissioners, academic organisations and primary care representatives – and receive
expert mentorship and dedicated one-to-one support on topics including marketing, law
and finance.

Meanwhile, a further six organisations will receive an associate support package, including
access to selected courses and sessions.

The accelerator programme, which will be based in Leeds, has been commissioned by
Yorkshire & Humber AHSN (Academic Health Science Network) and will be delivered by
mHabitat, an NHS-owned co-design specialist and expert in the application of digital to
health and care.

Neville Young, Director of Enterprise & Innovation for the Yorkshire & Humber AHSN said:
“Digital health technology is an extremely important business sector, but SMEs often face
a number of challenges and barriers that restrict their growth.

“This is a great opportunity for innovative companies to access a raft of support specifically
tailored to their needs, and equip them with the knowledge and contacts to drive their
businesses forward.

“The benefits of providing this support will not only enable citizens to have quicker access
to innovative products that help to improve healthcare in the region, it will also bring
economic growth and jobs into the Yorkshire and Humber area.