Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Centre Launches MedTech Accelerator for Health Innovators”

Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre is set to launch a groundbreaking early-stage medtech and digital health R&D accelerator programme. Startups chosen for this intensive six-month initiative will gain access to the resources available at the center, unlocking the potential to develop their products and access non-dilutive R&D capital of up to £25,000.

This programme, a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University, Barclays Eagle Labs, and supported by the Government’s Digital Growth Grant, will operate from the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) situated at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park. This mean that I businesses will gain access to facilities and equipment necessary for testing ideas and prototypes, facilitating their progression to the next stage of commercialization.

Now in its third year, the Accelerator has already bolstered 40 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the medtech domain. These have spanned diverse areas, from connected hardware to software functioning as a medical device. Applications are presently being accepted for this highly specialized six-month program, with space for up to 12 companies. The application deadline is November 30, and companies from the UK and around the world are encouraged to apply, building on the success of previous applicants from Denmark, Canada, Turkey, and beyond.

Additionally, the programme offers tailored mentoring from industry professionals, workshops focused on NHS adoption and regulation, compliance assessments for procurement, and a noteworthy Demo Day designed to showcase innovation to potential investors, customers, and partners. This comprehensive support is structured to enable companies to secure follow-on funding, thereby bringing their products and technologies to market.

The AWRC is dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of the population through innovative solutions aimed at promoting physical activity. The programme’s primary objective is to accelerate the development of companies, assist in securing investment, and drive commercial success for participating start-ups and scale-ups.

Jason Brannan, the Deputy Director of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, highlighted the remarkable achievements of previous Wellbeing Accelerator cohorts, which have included substantial follow-on funding, NHS adoption, strategic partnerships, international expansion, and job creation. Brannan emphasized that the Accelerator connects driven founders with a comprehensive range of expertise and facilities, enabling the rapid advancement of innovations and aligning with AWRC’s mission of “Transforming Lives Through Innovations That Help People Move.”

Paul Scully MP, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy, commended the endeavors of health and wellbeing tech start-ups in Sheffield, acknowledging their significant contributions to digital health breakthroughs. Scully expressed enthusiasm for their support, especially through the Digital Growth Grant, which allows Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Accelerator to foster high-potential businesses. This, in turn, further establishes Sheffield’s reputation as a hub for digital health tech innovation.