Cohort announced for sixth Propel@YH accelerator programme

Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber has announced the latest cohort for its Propel@YH digital health accelerator programme.

The programme supports UK based innovators developing digital health solutions with access to a six-month course of structured support and advice aimed at enabling accelerated company growth and increased market presence.

Last year, the accelerator welcomed 11 innovators, but for the latest edition, which begins on 26 September 2024, 19 companies have been selected to take part, several of which are based in Yorkshire.

Innovations include a device supporting those with endometriosis, a platform that uses technology to predict heart failure, a support tool helping autistic children and a digital health coach empowering older adults to self-care at home.

Dr Neville Young, director of enterprise and innovation at Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber said: “We’re delighted to welcome the 19 SMEs and are really excited to launch the programme for a sixth year. We hope to see them grow and join our thriving health ecosystem.

“We’d like to thank all our partners for their ongoing brilliant support but in particular this year Leeds City Council for the additional funding they have provided to Propel@YH. This contribution has meant we are able to support an extra eight innovators.”

The 19 companies selected for the 2024-25 Propel@YH programme are: Aire Innovate Ltd, Fix Your Future Ltd, MiiCare, Healthlinx, Med Frontier, Asclepius MedTech Ltd, ibox Healthcare, PD2X, Accessercise, OSHI, Third Age Therapeutics, Spectrum Tailored Technologies, Agenly AI, Get into Gear, Strolll, My Amber, Carly Walter Wellbeing, ASAP Analgesia, and QDR Health.

Propel@YH is being part-funded by the UK Government through Leeds City Council’s Innovation@Leeds programme, which is supporting innovation-driven businesses through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “Our support for this year’s Propel@YH programme underlines our commitment to the city’s wider vision for stimulating innovation in a way that drives and delivers measurable impact towards a healthier, greener and inclusive future for Leeds and the world.

“Leeds is already recognised as a leading light for health technology innovation and research, with institutions such as the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Leeds’ Nexus hub blazing a trail alongside a huge range of brilliant businesses.

“The benefits that new digital health solutions can deliver – both for patient care and the well-being of the population as a whole – mean it is vitally important that we keep pushing ahead and giving our backing to the brightest and best innovators in this field”.