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Applications for the 2027 cohort are now open!
Find out more about how to apply and useful resources below.
Applications close on Sunday 27 September.

Process

Application process

Apply now

Summer 2026
Meet the NIA – virtual webinars

Sign up here

You can register to attend one of the following online Meet the NIA sessions:

  • Tuesday, 18 August 2026: 13:00 – 14:00
  • Thursday 10 September 2026: 12:00 – 13:00
  • Monday, 21 September 2026: 13:00 – 14:00
17 August to 27 September 2026
Applications open

Applications for the NIA Fellowship Programme open 17 August and close at 23:59 on 27 September 2026. This is your time to submit your innovation and make your case for joining the Fellowship. Apply here.

Please note that you will first be invited to complete a Readiness Check. This short assessment helps us determine whether the programme is a good fit for you and your innovation before you invest time in completing the full application. We aim to let you know the outcome of your Readiness Check within 3 working days.

October to December
Applications screened, scored & filtered

Once applications are received, they are carefully screened, scored, and filtered. This ensures that only the most impactful and promising innovations progress to the next stage of the selection process.

January
Interview

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview on 25 November 2026. Interviews will then be held between 6-15 January 2027. This is an opportunity for you to present your innovation in more detail and discuss its potential impact within the NHS.

February to March
Final selection, due diligence & onboarding

The NIA Board makes final decisions in February, followed by due diligence checks. Successful candidates are then onboarded and officially launched as NIA Fellows in March, beginning their journey of support and national impact.

Resources

Resource Library

Call for Applications
This document provides essential information about the 2027 Intake, including eligibility criteria, to assist you with your application.
Key Dates
This document contains key dates for the 2027 recruitment call, and key dates for the duration of the Fellowship which you will need to commit to once on the Programme.
FAQs
This document includes FAQs tailored to this year’s intake. Have questions about your application? You might find the answers here.
Fellow Contract
This document contains key details of your contract with the NIA, and stipulates all terms and conditions of being an NIA Fellow. Please note the terms within the document are subject to change.
Readiness Check Offline
An overview of all the questions you will be asked to respond to during your readiness check. Please note that in order to submit this, applicants must complete the online version through the portal.
Application Form Offline
An overview of all the questions you will be asked to respond to during your application. Please note that in order to submit an application, applicants must complete the online version through the portal.
Expectations

Who should apply?

The NIA Fellowship is for innovators, clinicians, and healthcare professionals who have developed a validated solution that can improve patient care and transform the NHS.

Proven impact

We want individuals whose innovations have already demonstrated measurable, real-world results in a healthcare setting.

Patient benefit

We want innovators who prioritise patient benefit in their work by enhancing care, improving outcomes, or increasing accessibility.

Insights & values

We value individuals who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experiences. We want you to be committed to collaborating, exchanging insights, and promoting values that improve healthcare.

Advantages

Why apply?

National impact

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 our mentors who are top leaders in healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship. They 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 network of innovators and thought leaders committed to advancing healthcare.