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Propel Healthtech West Yorkshire has opened applications for its final 2026 healthtech cohort, offering innovators support to scale solutions for the NHS and wider healthcare system.
The accelerator is inviting healthtech innovators with ambitious solutions to join its last cohort of the year.
Propel Healthtech West Yorkshire supports small and medium-sized businesses at start-up and scale-up stages as they develop, progress and scale healthcare innovations.
The fully funded programme is delivered by Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
It provides tailored business support, NHS engagement and access to a nationally recognised innovation network.
Successful applicants will join a six-month programme designed to accelerate commercial growth and NHS adoption.
Support includes business development, regulatory guidance, one-to-one mentoring, masterclasses and direct access to NHS organisations, investors and industry partners.
Regulatory guidance helps companies understand the rules they must follow before healthcare products can be safely adopted.
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.”
The programme launched in November 2025 following £4.5m through the West Yorkshire Mayor’s Investment Zone, part of a wider £160m Investment Zone.
It aims to accelerate innovation, attract investment and strengthen the region’s health and life sciences sector.
Over four years, the programme plans to support hundreds of innovators, helping businesses grow in West Yorkshire while developing technologies intended to improve patient care, tackle healthcare challenges and create high-value jobs across the region.
The programme is delivered with a network of regional, national and international partners, giving innovators access to expertise, markets and organisations familiar with developing and scaling healthcare innovations.
Applications are open to early-stage innovators and organisations that can show evidence of NHS traction.
Applicants must already have a presence in West Yorkshire or be willing to establish one.
Each successful organisation will receive support tailored to its stage of development and growth ambitions, reflecting its individual commercial and clinical priorities.
Applications opened at 9am on Monday 20 July and close at 4pm on Friday 25 September.
Successful innovators are due to be notified on Friday 2 October, ahead of the cohort launch event 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, spoke in November 2025 during the launch of the £4.5m investment 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.”
She added: “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 says it is committed to building an inclusive innovation ecosystem and is encouraging applications from underrepresented founders, including female founders, innovators from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and entrepreneurs with disabilities.
