DigitalHealth.London opens applications for accelerator programme

DigitalHealth.London has opened applications for its flagship accelerator programme for the next generation of digital health companies to transform health and care.

Now in its fifth consecutive year, the NHS delivered programme, funded in part by the European Regional Development Fund, has supported some of the biggest and most effective digital innovations now being used by the NHS in London. Companies including LIVI, Patchwork Health, Echo, Sweatcoin, Health Navigator and Perfect Ward have all been through the DigitalHealth.London accelerator programme. 

Many of the digital products and services currently providing vital innovation, support and capacity to the NHS during the response to COVID-19 have come through the accelerator programme. From enabling remote GP appointments, to transforming NHS temporary staffing and patient facing self-management apps, the accelerator has supported some of the best digital innovations now being widely used. Whilst the health and care system is under pressure like never before, the need for innovations to solve problems both today and in the future, remains vital.  

To date the accelerator has supported 105 innovative digital health companies, with 160 additional NHS contracts signed by those companies. For every £1 spent on the programme it is estimated over £14 is saved for the NHS.

Sara Nelson, programme director, DigitalHealth.London Accelerator, said: “Never before has the need for the right digital innovations to be delivering for our NHS and patients been so profound. Digital health products are introducing new ways of doing things and enabling key services to continue where they might otherwise have been cancelled or postponed. We are extremely proud of the companies and NHS organisations we have worked with over the past five years. Today we are excited to accept applications for the next cohort of innovators. With the growing need for safe and effective digital innovations, we are looking forward to working with innovators and the many NHS staff and patients across London’s health and care sector who have recently been inspired by technology and its potential.”

DigitalHealth.London’s accelerator aims to speed up the adoption of technology in London’s NHS, relieving high pressure on services and empowering patients to manage their health. It works with up to 20 SMEs over a 12-month period, giving support and advice, a programme of workshops and events and brokering meaningful connections between innovators and NHS organisations with specific challenges. The companies that are successful in getting onto the accelerator programme are chosen through a selection process involving expert NHS and industry panel assessments, interviews and due diligence checks.

Through-out the 12 months the programme focuses on engagement with different elements of the health and care system. Company suitability is assessed based both on product maturity (meaning products that are ready to be trailed or bought that have high potential to meet NHS challenges) and on the company's capacity to benefit from the programme (meaning companies have enough time and staff to engage).

Tara Donnelly, chief digital officer, NHSX, said: “The DigitalHealth.London Accelerator is part of a digital revolution in the NHS that continues rapidly to develop, and we will continue to support innovative organisations delivering ground-breaking work.

“This programme has established itself as an important player in supporting the NHS and social care to make the most of the opportunities digital healthtech offers.”