Propel Healthtech West Yorkshire is inviting innovators with ambitious healthtech solutions to apply for the final accelerator cohort of 2026, offering businesses the opportunity to develop, progress and scale innovations within the NHS and wider healthcare system.
Delivered by Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Propel Healthtech West Yorkshire is a fully funded accelerator programme supporting healthtech SMEs at both start-up and scale-up stages through tailored business support, NHS engagement and access to a nationally recognised innovation ecosystem.
Successful applicants will benefit from a comprehensive six-month programme designed to accelerate commercial growth and NHS adoption, including expert business development support, regulatory guidance, one-to-one mentoring, masterclasses and direct access to NHS organisations, investors and industry partners.
The programme launched in November 2025 following £4.5 million through the West Yorkshire Mayor's Investment Zone, part of a wider £160 million Investment Zone, designed to accelerate innovation, attract investment and strengthen the region's health and life sciences sector.
Over the next four years, the programme will support hundreds of innovators, helping businesses grow within West Yorkshire while developing technologies that improve patient care, tackle healthcare challenges and create high-value jobs across the region.
The programme is delivered in collaboration with an extensive network of regional, national and international partners, providing innovators with access to expertise, markets and organisations that understand the realities of developing and scaling health innovations within complex healthcare systems.
Applications are now open to both early-stage innovators and organisations with evidence of NHS traction - applicants must either have an existing presence within West Yorkshire or be willing to establish one.
Each successful organisation receives a bespoke package of support aligned to its stage of development and growth ambitions, ensuring innovators gain practical support that reflects their individual commercial and clinical priorities.
Key programme dates:
• Applications open – Monday 20th July at 9am• Applications close – Friday 25th September at 4pm
• Successful innovators notified – Friday 2nd October
• Cohort launch event – Thursday 15th October
• Programme offboarding – March 2027
Dr Neville Young, Director of Enterprise & Innovation at Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, said: “It's always incredibly exciting to open another round of applications for Propel. So far, we've seen outstanding examples of how this collaborative, innovation-led programme supports companies to start, scale and embed their products and solutions within our local healthcare system.
“As we launch our final cohort of 2026, we're looking forward to welcoming another group of ambitious innovators who share our vision of improving health and care through innovation. The value we can offer participating SMEs continues to grow year on year, and we're proud to deliver Propel Healthtech West Yorkshire alongside partners who help shape a programme that is truly world-leading in its ambition, quality and impact.”
Tim East, Workstream Lead for Start-Ups at Propel Healthtech West Yorkshire, said: “Every cohort brings together founders tackling some of healthcare's biggest challenges with innovative ideas, technologies and solutions. What makes Propel unique is the breadth of expertise available to innovators, from NHS partners and academics to investors, experienced founders and international organisations.
“Whether you're at the beginning of your commercial journey or preparing to scale, Propel is designed to give innovators the knowledge, connections and confidence needed to successfully navigate the healthcare system and accelerate growth.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, shared her thoughts in November 2025 during the launch of a £4.5 million investment for the region as part of the Local Growth Plan.
She said: “The first priority of our Local Growth Plan is to boost our region’s fastest growing business sectors, because we know that’s how we’re going to drive investment, create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets… This will help with access to finance, skills and workspace to bolster collaboration with hospitals and universities, boosting growth and helping us build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”
Propel Healthtech West Yorkshire is committed to building an inclusive innovation ecosystem and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented founders, including female founders, innovators from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Read more about the programme here
