The NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) Alumni launches today for Fellows who have previously been supported by this national programme.

This month marks the culmination of three years of support offered to the first cohort of NIA Fellows, selected to join the accelerator when it launched in 2015. During this period, these 17 individuals have benefitted from bespoke, personalised support to spread their high impact, evidence-based health innovations across the NHS in England. Over 1,100 NHS sites are now using these innovations, £35 million has been raised in external funding, and nine of the innovations are being sold internationally. The collective impact of these innovations resulted in £12 million savings for England’s health and care system in their first year.

The launch of the NIA Alumni recognises Fellows’ continued engagement and commitment to the NIA. In a survey circulated to current Fellows earlier this year, 100 per cent of respondents indicated that they would be interested in joining an Alumni group. An invitation to join the Alumni will be extended to all Fellows who successfully complete up to three years on the NIA.

Insight and learning generated by this Alumni group will continue to be shared via the NIA and its partner organisations – NHS England and the 15 Academic Health Science Networks – for the benefit of the wider healthcare system. New Fellows selected for future cohorts of the NIA will also benefit from the practical advice and real-world experiences of the Alumni.

The NIA Alumni will have access to a range of benefits through their continued engagement. This includes opportunities to present at selected events; access to an annual Alumni event, featuring inspirational speakers and networking; and use of Alumni branding to promote their association with the NIA.

Amanda Begley, National Director for the NIA, commented:

“The NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) selects exceptional individuals with a dedication to spread innovation for greater patient and NHS benefit. The launch of the NIA Alumni is testament to this continued commitment and engagement, even after Fellows’ time on the accelerator has ended.

“The NIA is unique in its commitment to share real-world knowledge, as we learn from Fellows’ experiences and expertise on how to spread new solutions across the NHS. Through the Alumni, we can continue to capture even more learning and insight, using these examples to highlight enablers to innovation spread and inform national debate on this critical challenge.”

Maryanne Mariyaselvam, who joined the NIA as a Fellow in 2015, and now belongs to the Alumni, said:

“The NHS Innovation Accelerator has been such a fantastic experience. I have learned so much from my peers. Their emotional support and knowing that others have trodden the same path, has helped me to persevere with the implementation and spread of my innovations. As part of the NIA Alumni, I am in a position to do the same for new Fellows joining the accelerator, and to share my learning and expertise with other entrepreneurs.”

For more information about the NIA Alumni, visit www.nhsaccelerator.com/fellows-and-innovations/alumni