NHS Innovation Accelerator

NHS Innovation Accelerator operates as a key initiative of NHS England, working collaboratively with 15 Health Innovation Networks and the Accelerated Access Collaborative. With UCLPartners serving as its host organization, the accelerator program focuses on implementing the objectives outlined in the Five Year Forward View by facilitating the adoption of high-impact healthcare innovations. The program not only accelerates the deployment of beneficial technologies and services across the healthcare system but also generates valuable insights on effective scaling strategies that inform national healthcare policy development.

The accelerator supports a community of Fellows who demonstrate shared values and dedication to expanding evidence-based innovations for broader population health benefits. These innovators commit to a collaborative approach, actively sharing their experiences and learnings throughout their scaling journey. This knowledge exchange creates a powerful ecosystem where successful implementation strategies can be replicated across different healthcare settings, maximizing the program's overall impact on patient care and operational efficiency within the NHS.

Since its inception in July 2015, the NIA has achieved remarkable results in healthcare innovation diffusion, with innovations supported by the program being implemented across nearly 3,000 additional NHS sites. The economic impact has been substantial, with Fellows collectively securing over £203 million in external funding and creating more than 1,100 jobs in the healthcare innovation sector. The program's international influence continues to grow, with 57 innovations now being marketed globally, and Fellows receiving recognition through nearly 200 prestigious industry awards.

The tangible impact of NIA-supported innovations is increasingly evident at adopting healthcare sites, with preliminary data demonstrating significant improvements in clinical outcomes and operational efficiency. These innovations have enabled earlier interventions for patients, reduced complications from various conditions, and decreased emergency hospital admissions. Additionally, the financial benefits are becoming apparent, with adopting sites reporting meaningful cost savings while maintaining or improving quality of care. This dual achievement of better health outcomes and economic efficiency exemplifies the NIA's contribution to sustainable healthcare transformation.