Innovation programme supports over 1000 healthcare entrepreneurs.

The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme welcomes one of its largest cohorts following its latest round of applications.??

The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme was founded in 2016 and has become the world’s largest entrepreneurial training programme in healthcare, helping to transform patient care across the NHS. Open to all NHS staff, the programme aims to nurture healthcare innovators from across the country and help them gain the commercial skills, knowledge, and experience to make their ideas become a reality.?

Examples of innovations through the programme include communications solutions to help reduce health inequalities in maternity care, dementia care app, mental health support programmes, cancer diagnostics tests, smartphone otoscopes to look inside the ear and AI training solutions.??

The programme is part of the?NHS’s Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC)?which brings together industry, government, regulators, patients, and the NHS to remove barriers and accelerate the introduction of new ground-breaking treatments and diagnostics which have the potential to transform care.??

Professor Tony Young, Director of Medical Innovation at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and National Clinical Lead for Innovation at NHS England said:??

“We have been thrilled by the number, quality, and diversity of applications this year. From doctors, dentists and nurses to AHP’s, clinical scientists, pharmacists, support staff and managers, it is truly remarkable how the NHS frontline has stepped forward to improve patient care through innovation. They have done this at a time during which the NHS has faced its greatest challenge since it was founded 75 years ago. There are some stunning ideas and remarkable individuals, and I am looking forward to getting started with the new cohort.??

The Programme plays a pivotal role in embedding innovation, creative thinking and entrepreneurship into the NHS. Along with our colleagues from the Accelerate Access Collaborative (AAC) our aim is to nurture and grow our brightest talent, to support the delivery of high quality, sustainable healthcare for all and address the challenges currently facing the NHS”?

The programme is once again welcoming entrepreneur from Scotland and Northern Ireland, plus a pilot scheme with the Republic of Ireland.??

James Currell, National Programme Director said:??

“Last year we were proud to pilot the CEP in both Scotland and Northern Ireland. Following a successful first year, the partnership with HIRANI, Invest Northern Ireland and DHI has been extended for cohort 7. Partnering with key healthcare organisations across the UK has provide great opportunities for our innovators. From exposure to different healthcare networks to meeting with industry partners. This year we are also delighted to announce a pilot scheme with Health Innovation Hub Ireland at the University of Galway and welcome three innovators from the Republic of Ireland.”?

The yearlong programme officially launched on the 22nd February with the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme Big Pitch Event.

The event, held at the Royal Institute in London, provided an opportunity to welcome cohort 7 to the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme and celebrate the successes of the last 12 months.??