Apply for NHS Innovation Accelerator
Unlock the Future of Healthcare: Apply for the NHS Innovation Accelerator 2025 Cohort.
We’re thrilled to announce that applications for the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) 2025 cohort are NOW OPEN! This is your chance to join a transformative programme that is dedicated to scaling high-impact innovations and driving meaningful change in healthcare.
Why Apply?
National Impact: Engage in a groundbreaking programme with the potential to transform healthcare across the nation. Your innovation will have the opportunity to reach a broader audience, enhance patient outcomes, and set new benchmarks in healthcare delivery.
Invaluable Resources: Access a wealth of resources, including essential tools, industry connections, and communications support, designed to propel your innovation forward and maximise its impact.
World-Class Mentorship: Receive expert guidance from top leaders in healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship. Our dedicated mentors will help you navigate the challenges of scaling your solution and achieving your vision with personalised support and strategic insights.
Collaborative Community: Connect with a vibrant network of innovators and thought leaders committed to advancing healthcare. Collaborate, share insights, and work together to drive significant progress and innovation in the field.
Who Should Apply?
We’re seeking healthcare innovators with proven solutions that are already making a difference. If you have a validated innovation and are ready to scale its impact, this programme is designed for you. Learn more about eligibility on via our Resource Library.
How to Apply
Applying is easy! Click the link below to access the application portal and start your journey towards transforming healthcare. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
For more Information
If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you during the application process and provide any guidance you might need. Consider joining one of our virtual Q&A sessions to learn more about the NHS Innovation Accelerator and get answers to your questions. Secure your place today!
Selection process
Application screening and assessment
Applicants are asked to submit an application form detailing information about themselves and their skills; experience and competencies to spread an innovation; as well as their innovation, the problem it addresses, the evidence as to its effectiveness and their strategy for scaling in the NHS.
Shortlisting
Application forms are shortlisted by a minimum of five assessors drawn from a range of perspectives including clinical, patient, commercial and implementation. Applications are assessed on the basis of the applicant, the innovation, and confirmation that there is no straightforward or obvious local mechanism for scaling; in other words, there needs to be a clear reason as to why the applicant needs the support of the NIA.
Those put forward at this stage are informally reviewed by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Interview
Shortlisted applicants are invited to a panel interview, which is comprised of a range of expertise, including clinical, commercial and patient.
Selection
After the interviews, a final decision panel chaired by Professor Stephen Powis, National Medical Director for NHS England and NHS Improvement, and Chair of the NIA Programme Board, reviews the recommendations from the assessment process (application, NICE review and interview) to agree which applicants will be offered a conditional place on the NIA.
Diligence
Successful applicants are offered a conditional place on the NIA subject to a due diligence process.
Two references are requested for each potential Fellow – one of whom needs to be a senior representative from the Fellow’s employing organisation; the other should be from a healthcare provider/ commissioner site where your innovation is currently in use (this does not need to be an NHS site). Additionally at this stage, the NIA requests – where relevant – two years of annual accounts, a list of company directors and published annual reports.