Programme launched to accelerate innovation in the East Midlands
Medilink Midlands and Health Innovation East Midlands (formerly East Midlands Academic Health Science Network - EMAHSN) have joined forces to launch a new programme designed to support and accelerate health innovations in the region.
The Health Innovation Fund offers support of between £5,000 and £10,000 to enable East Midlands-based SMEs or businesses working with East Midlands healthcare system partners to further advance disruptive innovations that are ripe for NHS uptake and have significant potential for rapid economic return for the region.
Launching on 1 January 2024, the Fund is seeking late-stage innovations that are market ready but require an injection of funding to overcome barriers to market entry for successful deployment and scale with the potential for rapid economic return for the region.
Applications can come from any area of technology relevant to the health and care sector but must demonstrate system interest and how the business is approaching net zero and patient and public involvement.
Commenting on the launch of the Health Innovation Fund, Jo Maltby, head of innovation at Medilink Midlands said: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Health Innovation East Midlands on this exciting new programme that gives eligible SMEs, an opportunity to accelerate their health innovations.
“Medilink Midlands has established a longstanding and impactful working relationship with Health Innovation East Midlands (formerly EMAHSN) that continues to evolve through new and ongoing collaborative projects. The HIEM was a key strategic partner for Medilink’s ERDF-funded business support projects from its inception in 2014 through to its completion in June 2023. Through this collaboration, we helped to create 208 jobs, delivered over 8,000 hours of business support, facilitated 79 university collaborations, supported 391 businesses on a 1:1 basis, and delivered 180 events."
Applications are open from 1 January 2024 and will close on 1 March 2024. To find out more and how to apply, click here.