Applications open for the NHS Innovation Accelerator’s 2027 cohort

The NHS Innovation Accelerator is looking for proven healthcare innovations with the  potential to scale their impact across the NHS. Applications are now open for the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) 2027 cohort. 

The NIA is a three-year fellowship programme supporting healthcare innovators to scale proven solutions across the NHS. Fellows benefit from tailored support, expert mentorship, access to NHS and innovation networks, and opportunities to connect with system leaders and decision-makers. 

Who should apply? 

This open call is suitable for innovators with evidence that their solution works in real-world settings and a clear ambition and opportunity to scale.

For this cohort, innovations with a clear, evidence-based case for impact in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply: 

• Access: outpatient transformation, urgent and emergency care routing, digital front door, interoperability, diagnostics and predictive prevention. 

• Productivity: operational and clinical productivity, workforce, technology and digitally enabled care, reducing waste, and prevention and community care. 

• Modern Service Framework priorities: cardiovascular disease, sepsis, severe mental illness, frailty and dementia, palliative and end-of-life care, and children and young people’s health. 

• Women’s Health: menstrual and gynaecological conditions, menopause, pain management, maternity safety, research and clinical trials participation, and bone health and osteoporosis. 

• Dementia: earlier detection and diagnosis, preventing avoidable crises, or improving access to effective treatments and non-pharmacological interventions. 

Why apply? 

• Receive tailored support over three years. 

• Learn from NHS leaders, policymakers, industry experts and experienced innovators. 

• Build your understanding of NHS systems and routes to adoption. 

• Access a national community of Fellows and Alumni. 

• Raise the profile of your innovation and connect with people who can support its scale. 

Applications are open until 27 September 2026. 

Find out more and apply here.