Sheffield Hallam launches new accelerator with the Government and Barclays

Sheffield Hallam University has launched its latest Wellbeing Accelerator programme, with the application window now open for both UK-based and international businesses to join the next cohort.

Now in its third year, the Accelerator has supported 40 SMEs to date and provides dedicated innovation, investment, growth and R&D support for high-potential startups and scaleups across advanced health and wellbeing.

The programme, which is match-funded by Sheffield Hallam University and Barclays Eagle Labs via the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology-funded Digital Growth Grant, will be delivered through the University’s world-leading Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.

The Accelerator aims to advance development, secure investment and drive commercial success for participating startups and scaleups, while embedding companies within South Yorkshire’s rapidly growing cluster in digital health and wellbeing.

Paul Scully MP, minister for tech and the digital economy, said: “Health and wellbeing tech start-ups in Sheffield are paving the way to breakthroughs in digital health, and we’re excited to be able to help out.

“The Digital Growth Grant will allow Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Accelerator to nurture high-potential businesses, solidifying Sheffield’s emerging status as a hub for digital health tech innovation.”

Jason Brannan, deputy director of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, said: “The University has seen fantastic outcomes from previous Wellbeing Accelerator cohorts, including millions raised in follow-on funding, NHS adoption, strategic partnerships, international expansion and jobs growth.

“The Accelerator connects ambitious founders with the full breadth of expertise and facilities needed to rapidly progress their innovations and really does underpin the AWRC’s mission of Transforming Lives Through Innovations That Help People Move.”

With South Yorkshire set to become the UK’s first Investment Zone, creating an expected 8,000 new jobs and bringing £1.2bn of private investment by 2030, the Accelerator is well-timed to build on momentum within the region’s fast-evolving cluster of digital health and wellbeing companies.

Brannan added: “We are seeing major investment into new facilities and infrastructure focused on child health, sports innovation, advanced diagnostics, business incubation and inward investment.”

Matt Corbidge, director of Barclays Eagle Labs said: “The opportunity to match-fund this programme with Sheffield Hallam University will help start-ups and scale-ups in the health sector continue the development of their research, and ultimately support future advancements in the NHS.

“The programme is an exciting chance for selected businesses to gain access to bespoke mentoring, funding and curated workshops – all whilst accessing the state-of-the-art facilities situated at the world-leading Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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