DigitalHealth.London to support delivery of new health accelerator matching Israeli startups with NHS
The UK Israel Tech Hub, based at the British Embassy in Israel, has announced the launch of a new health accelerator programme – the UK Israel Dangoor Health Initiative – aimed at connecting Israeli startups in the digital health field with the UK NHS.
DigitalHealth.London, which specialises in matching innovators with NHS need, and supporting them to navigate the UK health environment, is to play a key role in delivering this exciting venture.
The programme will take place within the IBM Alpha Zone programme, where each semester, 2-3 digital health companies will be chosen together by IBM and DigitalHealth.London to participate. This means that in addition to receiving the usual tech support from IBM, they will also receive mentorship and guidance on the NHS, its operations and market penetration.
Participation will also include a business trip to the UK where the companies will be hosted by UCLPartners and given more in-depth information and introductions. The programme will run for four semesters over two years.
The programme is backed by British-Jewish philanthropist David Dangoor, son of Sir Naim Dangoor, and is named after the family.
David Dangoor, the sponsor of the initiative, said: “We are in the midst of a bio-health revolution, and Israel is in a supreme position to take advantage and carve a lead in this. So, it is vital that we pool the best minds and energies for the benefit of patients.”
“With all this new computer power and greater understanding and the breakthrough in genetics, we are absolutely at the threshold of a healthcare revolution and I’m hoping that Israel and the UK will be at the forefront of that, hand in-hand.”
“The UK and Israel both share a dynamic history of blue sky thinking as evidenced by the number of Nobel Prize winners both countries have. Both are very inventive countries with exceptional pools of talent. Hand in hand they could make a powerful combination.”
Dr Charlie Davie, UCLPartners Managing Director, who spoke at the launch said: “It’s great to be involved in this exciting new programme that will equip Israeli innovators with the tools they need to navigate the NHS. Ultimately this initiative is about saving lives and using innovation to adopt, adjust and streamline healthcare.”
DigitalHealth.London is a collaborative programme delivered by MedCity, UCLPartners, Imperial College Health Partners, and the Health Innovation Network.