UK companies enter next stage of ABHI US Accelerator programme

Following its launch in 2017, the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) US Accelerator will be expanded in order to support 30 companies to drive their operations in the United States (US). This is a significant increase from the 16 companies the programme currently assists.

ABHI, industry association specialist for health technology (HealthTech) offers advice, expertise and connections for businesses in order to help strengthen and grow their US activities.

The ABHI US Accelerator has to date led over 25 international research collaborations and generated new business for the UK industry. The accelerator allows organisations to access in-market specialists who can provide guidance on issues such as regulation, reimbursement and technology appraisal. The programme also enables companies to contact decision makers about their products and service directly through introducing them to hospitals, clinical champions and supply chain leaders. Companies are also entitled to use ABHI’s dedicated workspace and office at the Dell Medical in Austin.

ABHI’s managing director, international, Paul Benton said: “When we first launched the initiative two years ago, the majority of our work was focused on Texas and its tremendous HealthTech capabilities. Building on these foundations, our expanded offer now delivers a springboard to other states, with numerous activities planned across the wider US over the coming year.”

Clay Johnston, dean of Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, commented: “By co-locating with us, ABHI members have an opportunity to work directly with our physicians and researchers to develop meaningful solutions to real unmet health needs, all in one of the world’s hottest cities for innovation.”

“The work that ABHI are doing through their US Accelerator will not just deliver benefits to patients on both sides of the Atlantic, but also generate tax revenues and employment in the UK. I am wholly committed to ensuring that the NHS plays its full part in supporting ABHI and the HealthTech industry”, added Lord Prior of Brampton, chair, NHS England.

Professor the lord Darzi of Denham, chair, Accelerated Access Collaborative said: “Technology is one of our greatest allies when looking to drive changes in health care systems, and international adoption is often a key mechanism for ensuring the spread of innovations to patients globally. Initiatives that enable this are critical and I commend the work of ABHI and their US Accelerator Programme in supporting this aim.”

“The UK’s HealthTech sector carries a global reputation for quality. I therefore applaud organisations like ABHI who have taken proactive steps to support companies with their export journey and to showcase UK technology on the global stage. Their US Accelerator programme is designed to do just that, and I am pleased to support its continued success”, concluded Noel Gordon, chair, healthcare UK advisory board & chair, NHS digital.

The closing date for joining the 2020 cohort is 5th August 2019. There are currently 25 places still available on the programme.