A six-month health tech accelerator offering direct NHS access has opened applications for its final 2026 cohort in West Yorkshire.
Propel Healthtech West Yorkshire is inviting early-stage and scaling businesses with technologies for the NHS and wider healthcare system to apply.
The fully funded programme is delivered by Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
It supports health tech small and medium-sized enterprises, known as SMEs, at both start-up and scale-up stages through tailored business support, NHS engagement and access to an established innovation network.
Successful applicants will receive business development support, regulatory guidance, one-to-one mentoring and masterclasses.
Participants will also gain direct access to NHS organisations, investors and industry partners to support commercial growth and NHS adoption.
Dr Neville Young, director of enterprise and 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.”
Propel Healthtech West Yorkshire launched in November 2025 after receiving £4.5m through the West Yorkshire Mayor’s Investment Zone.
The funding forms part of a wider £160m Investment Zone intended to encourage innovation, attract investment and strengthen West Yorkshire’s health and life sciences sector.
Organisers plan to support hundreds of innovators over four years, helping businesses grow in West Yorkshire while developing technologies that improve patient care, address healthcare challenges and create high-value jobs.
The programme works with regional, national and international partners to give innovators access to expertise, markets and organisations familiar with developing and scaling technology in complex healthcare systems.
Applications are open to early-stage innovators and organisations that already have evidence of NHS traction.
Applicants must either have an existing presence in West Yorkshire or be willing to establish one in the region.
Each selected organisation will receive a bespoke package of support aligned with its stage of development and growth ambitions, as well as its commercial and clinical priorities.
Applications opened at 9am on Monday 20 July and will close at 4pm on Friday 25 September.
Successful applicants are due to be notified on Friday 2 October, before the cohort launches on Thursday 15 October.
Programme offboarding is scheduled for March 2027.
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, commented during the launch of the £4.5m investment in November 2025 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.”
The programme says it 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.
