Applications open for Scaling Health Innovation through Funding and Transformation
Health Innovation Wessex (HIW) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for their SHIFT Programme – Scaling Health Innovation through Funding and Transformation.
SHIFT is a fully funded five-day in-person accelerator for health innovators to become investment ready.
HIW is one of the fifteen health innovation networks across England who are commissioned by NHS England and the Office for Life Sciences to provide support to local health and care teams, and health innovators, to deliver innovation to the NHS, creating improved health outcomes and economic growth in all communities.
Over the past eight years HIW has offered accelerator courses to innovators, with delegates demonstrating over £17million reported in economic growth – achieved through sales from adoption and implementation, successful grant applications and investment.
“[It] was a well delivered programme that has created further opportunities as a direct result…I have no doubt that their guidance and expertise will have a lasting impact on what we can achieve, and I believe that many more can benefit from the programmes and services they offer.” – David Armitage, Medicue. SHIFT Delegate, Winter 2025
With applications now open for their SHIFT Programme – you could be next to benefit from their support.
HIW understands that scaling breakthrough ideas takes serious resources—and they’re here to help you secure the funding that fuels sustainability and growth.
In the SHIFT Programme you will gain insider insights from innovation specialists, legal experts, investors, and business strategists. From asset protection to venture capital, grant funding to business development, SHIFT arms you with the tools to attract investment and take your innovation to the next level.
“A course like this brings together [several] different companies…Health Innovation Wessex was instrumental in putting [some inter-company relationships] together and in providing very generous and impactful expert advice to support us in a way that I’ve not seen anywhere else.” – Patrice Archer, MySenLife, SHIFT Delegate, Winter 2025
Course days for the summer cohort 2026 are across June and July, and the course is held in-person in the Bournemouth area.
Applications close at 9am on Monday 13 April.
There will be a two-stage application process, with successful applicants being asked to interview – these will be held on Monday 20 April, with those successful at interview being invited onto the course.
A requirement of the course is that delegates attend all five days of the programme.
During the five days delegates will learn how to navigate the intricacies of the complex network that is the UK health system and NHS in addition to how to build the foundations to a solid business. They will learn about the different routes of funding, including hearing from venture capitalist investors, angel investors and banking representatives about how to optimise opportunities and negotiating the best option for your current need.
“The programme stands out for its ability to blend expert insight, practical guidance, and real-world innovator experiences in a way that is genuinely impactful…The requirement to produce a final presentation provides real value, giving participants something concrete they can refine and reuse beyond the course.” Craig Spring, Portsmouth Aviation, SHIFT Delegate, Winter 2025
To find out more about the programme, the eligibility criteria and how to apply click here.
