Health tech accelerator for young people aims to unlock investment

Technology accelerator UP Ventures has revealed its Children and Young People’s HealthTech Accelerator, named Kids UP, with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

It is designed to help businesses deliver innovative medical technologies for children, developed with the input of children and young people.

The programme, which launches on 23 October, has been created in partnership with Sheffield Children’s NHS Trust, VC Par Equity, independent law firm Brabners, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Sheffield City Council.

Additional associate partners include Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, Dell for Start-ups and Nvidia. The programme will be supported by UK venture capital investors and regional angel networks.

Based in Sheffield, the accelerator will support health tech entrepreneurs who want to improve young people’s lives through innovation.

Professor Paul Dimitri, clinical director of technology and innovation at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “By bringing up to 10 companies to South Yorkshire, we can get the best products into the hands of those who need it most to revolutionise children’s healthcare in this region and the rest of the UK.

“It’s an exceptional opportunity to advance children and young people’s health and healthcare for the future.”

Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “I refuse to accept that the life of a baby born in Rotherham today is likely to be five years shorter than that of a baby born in a wealthy part of London.

“The poor health that scars our region affects us all. It stops us from making the most of our talents and enjoying the lives we deserve. It holds back our economy and blights the chances and opportunities for our children and young people.

“Through programmes like the Children’s HealthTech Accelerator programme, we are building a strong foundation for the next generation.”

Working with the Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, UP Ventures will deliver a 12-week accelerator programme, driving market adoption of new health technologies from growth-stage companies, fast tracking them through the NHS and into international markets.

It aims to unlock private sector, national and international investment, and create career opportunities within the region. Par Equity will dedicate support through investment, expertise and its global network of investors.

Each cohort will consist of up to 10 businesses that address national strategic health priorities.

The cohort businesses will be assessed and selected by a Children and Young People’s (CYP) Panel, Par Equity, UP Ventures, and Professor Dimitri.

Robert Higginson, co-founder and partner at Par Equity, said: “The accelerator is pivotal for the growing start-up and technology ecosystem in South Yorkshire.

“Not only is it an extraordinary development for the North of the UK, it is providing a hub for healthcare innovation worldwide – putting Yorkshire on the map as the place to fast track business, money, talent, infrastructure and expertise.”

Danny Meaney, founder and CEO at UP Ventures, added: “We’re pleased to be part of such a ground-breaking venture.

“Having the Children & Young People’s Panel embedded in the accelerator will ensure we will be designing and delivering the programme for children and alongside children.”