Launching on October 23rd, the programme is supported by a range of partners, including venture capital firm Par Equity, independent law firm Brabners, SYMCA, and Sheffield City Council. Additional associate partners include Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, Dell for Startups, and Nvidia. The programme also has backing from UK venture capital investors and regional angel networks.

A Focus on Paediatric Health Innovation

Based in Sheffield, a city renowned for its world-class institutions focused on health and well-being, the Kids UP Accelerator addresses a significant gap in healthcare innovation. Despite the fact that children make up 25% of the UK population, only 5% of national research funding is dedicated to paediatric healthcare. With the UK having the largest population of children in Europe, the need for child-focused medical technologies has never been more pressing.

Professor Paul Dimitri, Clinical Director of Technology and Innovation at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, emphasised the importance of the programme:

“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.”

Addressing Health Inequality in South Yorkshire

The initiative also aims to tackle the stark health inequalities present in the region. South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, expressed his support for the accelerator, highlighting the health disparities in the area:

“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... Through programmes like the Children’s HealthTech Accelerator, we are building a strong foundation for the next generation.”

How the Programme Works

UP Ventures will lead a 12-week immersive programme, directly engaging with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. The accelerator will work with growth-stage companies to fast-track the development of new health technologies, pushing them through the NHS and into international markets. The goal is to unlock private, national, and international investment while creating career opportunities within the region. Par Equity, one of the key partners, will provide investment, expertise, and access to its global network of investors.

The accelerator will focus on businesses addressing national health priorities, especially within the “Super 7” areas: childhood obesity, mental health, prevention and health inequalities, long-term conditions, children’s disability, cancer prevention, and maternal and child health.

Each cohort will include up to 10 companies, selected by a panel that includes children and young people, ensuring that the technologies developed meet the needs and expectations of the younger generation. This is the first HealthTech accelerator to include a Children and Young People’s (CYP) Panel in the selection and advisory process, improving the adoption of these technologies in real-world settings.

The programme will culminate in an Innovation Showcase, where the selected businesses will present their technologies to a panel of judges, including representatives from the CYP Panel, Par Equity, UP Ventures, and Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

Key Supporters Weigh In

Robert Higginson, co-founder and partner at Par Equity, highlighted the importance of the accelerator for the regional startup ecosystem:

“The accelerator is pivotal for the growing startup and technology ecosystem in South Yorkshire. It’s not just an extraordinary development for the North of the UK; it’s a hub for healthcare innovation worldwide.”

Danny Meaney, founder and CEO of UP Ventures, stressed the uniqueness of the programme’s child-centric approach:

“Having the Children & Young People's Panel embedded in the accelerator ensures we are designing and delivering the programme alongside children. I would like to thank SYMCA, Sheffield City Council, and Brabners for their support in bringing this vision to life.”

Looking to the Future

The accelerator’s first event will be the launch on October 23rd, held at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park while the National Centre for Child Health Technology (NCCHT) is under construction. Set to open in 2026, the NCCHT will be a world-class facility dedicated to creating a healthier future for children and young people through innovation, technology, and care.

Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative:

“The impact our future generations will have on society cannot be overstated. This HealthTech Accelerator, along with the NCCHT, will play a fundamental role in improving healthcare for children not just in Yorkshire, but across the country and beyond.”

Sara Ludlam, Partner at Brabners, echoed these sentiments, stating:

“This accelerator embodies the collaborative approach needed to bring forward novel technologies that will improve children’s healthcare for the long term. We’re proud to be part of this transformative initiative that will spur innovation, attract investment, and create new opportunities across the North.”

The Kids UP HealthTech Accelerator is now accepting final applications. Entrepreneurs interested in joining the first cohort can submit their expressions of interest to UP Ventures. Further details and key dates are available at https://www.upventuresgroup.com/news.