UP Ventures has announced the launch of its Children and Young People’s HealthTech Accelerator, named Kids UP with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.
Kids UP is a bespoke programme designed for innovative businesses to deliver innovative medical technologies for children, developed with the input of children and young people.
The accelerator programme, which launches on October 23, has been created in partnership with Sheffield Children’s NHS Trust, leading VC Par Equity, purpose-led independent law firm Brabners, SYMCA and Sheffield City Council.
Additional associate partners include The Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, Dell for Startups and Nvidia.
The programme will be supported byUK venture capital investors and regional angel networks.
Professor Paul Dimitri, Clinical Director of Technology and Innovation at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The Children and Young People’s HealthTech Accelerator is an exciting start in our mission to create the best and most advanced health technology in the world.
“By bringing up to 10 companies to South Yorkshire, we can get the best products into the hands of those who need it most to revolutionise children’s healthcare in this region and the rest of the UK.
“It’s an exceptional opportunity to advance children and young people’s health and healthcare for the future.”
Based in Sheffield, a rapidly growing campus of world-class institutions focused on improving public health and wellbeing, the accelerator will support healthtech entrepreneurs who want to improve young people’s lives through purpose-driven innovation.
The accelerator was born from the disparities in innovation and investment between adult and child healthcare.
The UK has the largest population of children in Europe, with children and young people currently representing 25 per cent of the nation’s population.
However, most medical research remains dedicated to adults, with only five percent of national research funding assigned to children and young people.
Therefore, there exists a pressing need for bespoke technologies tailored to children, young people and their families.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor, said: “I refuse to accept that the life of a baby born in Rotherham today is likely to be five years shorter than that of a baby born in a
wealthy part of London.
“The poor health that scars our region affects us all. It stops us from making the most of our talents and enjoying the lives we deserve.
“It holds back our economy. And it blights the chances and opportunities for our children and young people.
“Through programmes like the Children’s HealthTech Accelerator programme, we are building a strong foundation for the next generation. I particularly welcome the unique approach of developing these technologies with children and young people.
“It’s not just a question of the life chances of our children and young people.
“We need to address the health inequalities that South Yorkshire faces so we can build a bigger, better economy for everyone.”
Working directly with the Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, UP Ventures will deliver a 12-week immersive accelerator programme, driving market adoption of new health technologies from growth-stage companies, fast tracking them through the NHS and into international markets.
It aims to unlock private sector, national and international investment, and create career opportunities within the region.
Par Equity will also dedicate support through investment, expertise and its global network of investors.
Robert Higginson, co-founder and partner at Par Equity, said: “The accelerator is pivotal for the growing startup and technology ecosystem in South Yorkshire.
“Not only is it an extraordinary development for the North of the UK, it is providing a hub for healthcare innovation worldwide – putting Yorkshire on the map as the place to fast track business, money, talent, infrastructure and expertise.
“I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
