DigitalHealth.London Accelerator opens for applications

DigitalHealth.London has opened applications to its flagship Accelerator programme, which aims to speed up the adoption of technology within London’s NHS to relieve pressure on services and empower patients to manage their health.

Now in its seventh consecutive year, the NHS-delivered programme has already supported more than one hundred digital innovations that are being used in the NHS.

The programme has seen participation from companies like Juma, DrDoctor, AccuRx, eConsult and Digital Health Rewired Pitchfest 2021 winner, Peppy Health.

Sara Nelson, programme director at DigitalHealth.London, said: “We are extremely proud of the companies we have worked with over the past six years and the impact they’ve had. Today we are excited to accept applications for the next cohort of innovators to join our Accelerator programme.

“With the growing need for safe and effective digital innovations, in areas such as rehabilitation, long-term condition management and virtual monitoring, we are looking to support digital health companies at the forefront of innovation to bring solutions to the NHS staff and patients who need them.”

The DigitalHealth.London programme is open to applications from digital health companies with a product or service that has high potential to meet the challenges facing the NHS and social care today – such as supporting the workforce, addressing health inequalities or delivering a net zero NHS.

The rigorous selection process involves expert NHS and industry panel assessments, interviews and due diligence checks. The suitability for the programme is assessed based on the company’s maturity, the potential of the product or service and the company’s capacity to benefit from the programme.

Companies who are ultimately selected for participation are provided with bespoke support and advice through a team of specialist NHS Navigators; a programme of expert-led workshops and events; and introduced to NHS organisations with a specific challenge the innovator could help with.

Dr Chris Streather, regional medical director and chief clinical information officer for NHS England, London Region, said: “The DigitalHealth.London Accelerator programme provides a fantastic opportunity for companies on the forefront of healthcare innovation to gain insight into the inner workings of the NHS and how best to work with healthcare organisations to bring their products and services to the people that need them.

“The Accelerator works to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems and to support diverse founders to collaborate with the NHS, in turn allowing them to successfully scale and drive economic growth in London and nationally.”