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London businesses called on to solve NHS challenges with digital innovation

26 February 2018

DHL Accelerator logoFrom today, companies across the capital can compete to join an innovative digital health accelerator, launched to help develop and deploy digital solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing London’s NHS.

Now in its third year, the DigitalHealth.London Accelerator programme will work with 25 small and medium sized enterprises across the capital to match their products to NHS needs. By speeding up access to the latest digital technologies, the Accelerator ensures that thousands of Londoners benefit from latest technologies to improve their health, and that high potential companies grow faster, supporting economic growth in London’s vital health tech sector.

Technologies that have grown through the Accelerator to date include a smartphone app that slashes A&E waiting times, a digital lifestyle management platform that can reverse type 2 diabetes, and a “USB port for the body” that can host a bionic limb.

Successful SMEs will receive:

  • One-to-one support from a designated “NHS Navigator”
  • Specialist training
  • Support with product development
  • Opportunities to meet experts from business, clinical, and government backgrounds
  • Regular opportunities to showcase their products with NHS decision-makers and influencers. 

Juliet Bauer, Chief Digital Officer at NHS England, said: “In its 70th year the NHS continues to support the spread of cutting edge innovation, from championing specific innovations to supporting frontline clinicians to develop their services. This NHS initiative has already provided London patients with access to a range of exciting digital innovations, I look forward to seeing patients from across the country benefit as more companies are supported to bring their innovations into the NHS.”

Hannah Harniess, interim Programme Director, said: “When SMEs with fantastic products can’t access the NHS, it’s patients that miss out. We’ve seen time and time again that digital technologies can make a major difference and help the NHS save resource – whether it’s slashing waiting times in A&E or helping people to manage long term conditions and live healthier lives. London is a vibrant hub of innovation. We can’t wait to see the innovations London’s thriving companies put forward this year.”

The London-based programme has worked with 61 companies and provided 600 hours of support, helped secure 27 research collaborations, and supported companies to launch 25 new products. Additionally, alumni have secured more than £15M in funding, and 12 NHS contracts*.

Building on this success, the Accelerator programme will also launch across three additional locations for the first time today: East Midlands, Manchester, and South West England.

Companies interested in taking part should apply at: www.digitalhealth.london/accelerator/apply