Introducing the 2026 fellows: Proven innovation, ready to scale
Announced at Digital Health Rewired, our 2026 fellows join the NHS Innovation Accelerator to scale evidence-based solutions aligned to NHS priorities.
We are proud to introduce the 2026 cohort of fellows joining the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA). Announced at Digital Health Rewired, this new group of innovators joins a national community committed to supporting the NHS to adopt and spread solutions that are already demonstrating impact in practice.
As the NHS works to deliver the ambitions of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, the need to move from isolated pilots to sustainable, system-wide adoption has never been clearer. The NIA plays a distinctive role in this landscape. For ten years, we have identified high-impact innovations, supported their development and connected them with the people and systems ready to embed them at scale.
“This year’s fellows join us at a pivotal moment for health and care. Systems are under sustained pressure, but there is also renewed clarity around national priorities and the role innovation must play in delivering them. The 2026 cohort reflects a decade of learning about what it takes to scale in the NHS: strong evidence, system alignment and collaboration. We look forward to working alongside our fellows and partners across the country to ensure proven innovations reach the patients and communities who need them most.”
“This year’s fellows join us at a pivotal moment for health and care. Systems are under sustained pressure, but there is also renewed clarity around national priorities and the role innovation must play in delivering them. The 2026 cohort reflects a decade of learning about what it takes to scale in the NHS: strong evidence, system alignment and collaboration. We look forward to working alongside our fellows and partners across the country to ensure proven innovations reach the patients and communities who need them most.”
“At a time when the NHS is focused on delivering the ambitions of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, the need to adopt and spread proven innovation has never been greater. The NHS Innovation Accelerator continues to identify solutions that are not only evidence-based, but ready to scale. The 2026 fellows represent practical, tested innovations that can support systems to improve outcomes, increase productivity and deliver high-quality care for patients across the country.”
Jack Porter, Co-Director of the NHS Innovation Accelerator
The 2026 fellows bring forward solutions that respond directly to national and local priorities. From prevention and early intervention to elective recovery, mental health, workforce support and long-term condition management. Each innovation has been selected for its potential to improve outcomes, enhance experience and deliver value for the health and care system.
“We know that innovation is essential to meeting rising demand and tackling the backlog in the NHS, but innovation must be grounded in evidence and real-world impact. The NHS Innovation Accelerator plays a vital role in bridging the gap between promising ideas and widespread adoption. I am pleased to see the 2026 cohort bringing forward solutions that support clinicians, strengthen pathways and respond directly to the priorities facing the NHS today.”
“We know that innovation is essential to meeting rising demand and tackling the backlog in the NHS, but innovation must be grounded in evidence and real-world impact. The NHS Innovation Accelerator plays a vital role in bridging the gap between promising ideas and widespread adoption. I am pleased to see the 2026 cohort bringing forward solutions that support clinicians, strengthen pathways and respond directly to the priorities facing the NHS today.”
