Applications open for the NHS Innovation Accelerator’s 2027 cohort

The NHS Innovation Accelerator is looking for proven healthcare innovations with the
potential to scale their impact across the NHS.

Applications are now open for the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) 2027 cohort.

The NIA is a three-year fellowship programme supporting healthcare innovators to scale
proven solutions across the NHS. Fellows benefit from tailored support, expert mentorship,
access to NHS and innovation networks, and opportunities to connect with system leaders
and decision-makers.

Who should apply?

This open call is suitable for innovators with evidence that their solution works in real-world
settings and a clear ambition and opportunity to scale.

For this cohort, innovations with a clear, evidenced case for impact in one or more of the
following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

• Access: outpatient transformation, urgent and emergency care routing, digital front
  door, interoperability, diagnostics and predictive prevention.
• Productivity: operational and clinical productivity, workforce, technology and digitally
  enabled care, reducing waste, and prevention and community care.
• Modern Service Framework priorities: cardiovascular disease, sepsis, severe mental
  illness, frailty and dementia, palliative and end-of-life care, and children and young
  people’s health.
• Women’s Health: menstrual and gynaecological conditions, menopause, pain
  management, maternity safety, research and clinical trials participation, and bone
  health and osteoporosis.
• Dementia: earlier detection and diagnosis, prevent avoidable crises, or improve
  access to effective treatments and non-pharmacological interventions.

Why apply?

• Receive tailored support over three years.
• Learn from NHS leaders, policy makers, industry experts and experienced
  innovators.
• Build your understanding of NHS systems and routes to adoption.
• Access a national community of Fellows and Alumni.
• Raise the profile of your innovation and connect with people who can support its
  scale.

Applications are open until 27 September 2026.

We’re proud to deliver the NIA in partnership with the other Health Innovation Networks, helping proven innovations navigate the NHS and achieve impact at scale.

Find out more and apply.