Celebrating 10 years of innovation
Since 2015, 3,000+ NHS sites have adopted NIA-supported innovations. In 2025, we were named a top European startup hub by the Financial Times and Sifted, scaling impactful solutions across health and care.
The NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) exists to accelerate the uptake of high-impact, evidence-based innovations across the NHS and wider health and care system.
Sitting at the intersection of health, innovation, and systems, we connect innovators with NHS stakeholders, patients, and decision-makers to unlock scalable solutions. Through tailored support, expert mentoring, and shared learning, we help overcome barriers to adoption and embed innovation where it’s needed most.
Our mission is to drive meaningful change by improving patient outcomes, supporting workforce sustainability, and enabling a more efficient, collaborative system that learns from what works and scales it effectively.
Launched in 2015, the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) was established to support the spread of high-impact innovations across the NHS.
It was created to address the challenges of scaling solutions that improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and support system sustainability. Initially supporting a small cohort of Fellows, the programme has grown significantly, fostering a diverse range of innovations and partnerships.
Hosted by UCLPartners, and delivered in collaboration with NHS England and the 15 Health Innovation Networks, the NIA continues to connect the right people, share learning, and accelerate adoption of proven innovations across the health and care system.
The NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) is governed by a Programme Board and Operational Board, ensuring strategic oversight and day-to-day delivery.
Both boards include representatives from the NHS, academia, patient and public voices, and the innovation community. This governance structure ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with national health priorities.
The NIA is jointly delivered by UCLPartners in partnership with NHS England and the 15 Health Innovation Networks. It is funded by NHS England’s Accelerated Access Collaborative, enabling us to support innovators and drive meaningful change across the health and care system.
At the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA), we embed patient and public involvement throughout the innovation journey to ensure lived experience shapes development and adoption.
Patient representatives sit on both our Programme and Operational Boards, influencing strategy and delivery. All applicants must show how public input informed their innovation. Patients also help shortlist and interview new Fellows.
Since 2023, all new Fellows receive a tailored support package, including one-to-one guidance from a specialist to develop a patient and public involvement plan, with ongoing advice available in subsequent years to strengthen their engagement and impact.
Meet the NIA Team
The NIA team brings together expertise in innovation, healthcare, and system change. We work behind the scenes to support Fellows & Alumni, connect mentors and partners, and help scale solutions that benefit NHS patients and workforce.
The NIA drives the national acceleration of health and care innovation by working strategically with partners to achieve more together than any could alone.
We are proud to collaborate with organisations that share our ambition and contribute diverse expertise and perspectives.
Together, we improve patient outcomes, support the NHS workforce, and boost the UK economy.
Enabling impactful innovations to scale across the NHS
The NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) exists to accelerate the uptake of proven, impactful innovations that address key NHS priorities. It supports exceptional innovators through tailored guidance, mentorship, and access to national networks.
By helping to overcome barriers to adoption, the NIA enables innovations to scale across the health system. It also fosters collaboration and learning, sharing insights from real-world implementation. Ultimately, the programme aims to deliver lasting, inclusive improvements for patients, staff, and the wider NHS.
Enhance patient outcomes
We spotlight innovations making meaningful improvements in patient experience and outcomes – whether through earlier diagnosis, better treatment, increased access, or more personalised care. Our goal is to ensure every patient benefits from the best solutions available.
Support NHS staff
We champion innovations that enhance clinical, operational, and commercial effectiveness across the NHS – reducing pressure on staff, improving workflows, and enabling scalable, sustainable solutions that deliver long-term value for patients and the health system.
Grow the economy
We back innovations that not only benefit the NHS but also contribute to economic growth – supporting job creation, attracting investment, and helping UK-based health innovations scale nationally and internationally.
Let’s explore how we can work together
We’re always open to connecting with organisations who share our commitment to innovation, inclusion and impact. Whether through ideas, insight or resources, your contribution can support solutions make a real difference.