The NIA’s mission is to spearhead the national acceleration of innovation and business growth of health and care innovators to help enhance patient experiences and outcomes, improve our NHS and grow employment in the UK. The NIA does this by helping its Fellows solutions to extend their footprint in the NHS and further afield as well as supporting their business growth. 

The NIA places a dual focus on both the innovator (‘Fellow’) and the innovation. The ethos of the accelerator is to provide a range of support in response to the needs of each Fellow and the barriers to uptake their innovation faces within the NHS. This includes a bespoke learning programme, mentorship and networking opportunities to equip Fellows with critical knowledge, relationships and skills to scale innovation in the NHS. 

During their three years on the accelerator, each NIA Fellow is provided with: 

  • Access to a pool of mentors 
  • Networking opportunities with the Health Innovation Network 
  • Quarterly learning events 
  • Peer-to-peer support 
  • Ad hoc specialist information sessions, as required (e.g. procurement, NHS commissioning, health economics, business case development, media training, etc.) 
  • A tailored support package to develop their skills in patient and public involvement and engagement. 
  • A tailored support package to develop their understanding of health inequities and how their innovation can better help to address them. 

At the end of the first year, each Fellow should have the following in place: 

  • A robust diffusion plan: A critically appraised, robust diffusion plan for the NHS, which they have made progress on implementing (e.g. new contracts signed, resources secured). 
  • Expanded networks: Built a network of decision makers, ‘critical friends’ and other key stakeholders. 
  • Navigation of innovation opportunities: The ability to navigate innovation initiatives, support infrastructure and national levers. 
  • Expanded knowledge: Addressed critical knowledge gaps as agreed with their mentors/lead HIN/NIA core team at the programme outset. 

The NIA cannot offer a guaranteed route to widespread adoption across the NHS. Being on the NIA does not offer preferred supplier status.