Accessing the UK health market

The HIC International Accelerator (HIA) provides healthcare innovators with support to access the NHS. The programme has been created in collaboration with UK-based organisations rooted in supporting the NHS. We aim to support best of breed international solutions to work with the NHS, improving patient care, supporting staff, and driving digital transformation across the system.

 

Led by NHS Market experts

HIC is dedicated to bringing cutting-edge technology from around the world to the UK, with the goal of becoming a beacon of innovation while facilitating international trade. Our team of health sector specialists with NHS experience, including implementing proven technology at scale, work alongside technical architects, business analysts, and developers, to provide a bespoke package of support. We understand the opportunities and barriers for innovators and can help you get NHS-ready.

 

Programme Principles

Our philosophy revolves around understanding the true potential of your solution. To achieve this, we embark on a journey to work with you to identify the precise problems you are trying to solve and, the associated pain points in the UK Healthcare sector to and showcase discover where your solution could drive meaningful change.  

We are committed to providing you with a comprehensive approach to success. 

Our programme is built on three core principles: 

  • Knowledge and Discovery: We‘re here to help you dive deep into the UK healthcare landscape, uncovering unique opportunities for your healthcare technology. Your journey begins with a solid foundation of understanding.
  • Education and Enhancement: We understand that your solution needs to work for the UK market. With our expert guidance, you’ll fine-tune your approach to align with the specific needs and intricacies of the UK NHS, ensuring your success.
  • Mentorship and Support: Navigating the complexities of the UK healthcare market can be challenging. That’s why we offer ongoing mentorship and support to foster the growth and success of your innovation. We’re here with you every step of the way. 

Three-Stage Programme 

We have structured the Accelerator into three comprehensive stages, designed to empower you with the knowledge, education, mentorship, and unwavering support needed to optimise your success: 

  • Discovery: Delve deep into the UK healthcare landscape, identifying personalized opportunities for engagement.
  • Regulatory and Compliance: Equip yourself with a comprehensive understanding of UK regulatory and compliance requirements, ensuring readiness for the UK market.
  • Market Engagement: Craft a clear use case tailored to the current needs of your solution within the UK healthcare setting. Receive validation from the NHS and gain exposure to key NHS stakeholders at prominent engagement events. 

Apply Now

Application Form
Partner with us to navigate the complex healthcare ecosystem in the UK. Our expertise and support ensure a smooth journey for international health innovators, helping you unlock opportunities and establish a strong presence in the market.

Submit your application

FAQs

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the HIC International Accelerator

What is the HIC International Accelerator (HIA) for?

The HIC International Accelerator is a structured service that has been uniquely designed to provide an efficient route to the United Kingdom (UK) healthcare market for international innovators of healthcare technologies not currently operating in the UK.

Who is it designed for?

It is specifically for international innovators of healthcare technologies not currently operating in the UK. Cohort 1 focused on enrolling international suppliers within Telemedicine, Electronic Health Records, Artificial Intelligence and Remote Monitoring.

For Cohort 2, we have broadened out the search to any health solutions that are looking for a tailored route to the UK market and need support with testing and positioning their products and services.

How do I apply?

Applications are open year-round. To apply, please fill out our online application form or for more information, please request our brochure.

What support do innovators receive?

During the 12-month programme, each innovator will have access to the following:

  • Our bank of Subject Matter Experts
  • A four-week Discovery programme that deep dives into your vision, values, and current materials. It involves an analysis of the UK NHS market landscape, aimed at identifying the most promising routes for engagement and potential opportunities
  • An engaging modular approach to UK healthcare regulation and compliance
    that provides you with the essential components of establishing your presence in the UK. You’ll cover key areas like Compliance, Regulation, Frameworks, and Procurement, gaining the confidence to establish your presence in the UK healthcare landscape
  • An opportunity to showcase your solution to a targeted audience at a
    UK conference, with marketing support from HIC. This will gain you visibility, insights into the UK health market, and networking opportunities for lead generation and partnerships
  • Ongoing mentorship and support to foster the growth and success of your innovation.

The Accelerator cannot offer a guaranteed route to widespread adoption across the NHS. Being on the accelerator does not offer preferred supplier status.

How long is the Accelerator and how long do innovators get access to support?

The Accelerator is structured around three stages:

  • Discovery – a four-week discovery programme to understand your current position and needs
  • Regulatory and Compliance – self-paced, with a number of supporting sessions, to provide you with the essential components of establishing your presence in the UK
  • NHS Market engagement – taking part in an eight-week marketing campaign around a high-profile, targeted event in the UK

When you choose to enrol on this programme with us, you will be establishing a long-term relationship with HIC, to support towards the success of your innovation.

Is there ever a circumstance innovators would not complete the programme?

If a circumstance surfaces during the programme where both parties identify business development issues that hinders the innovator to move on with the programme, we will freeze their programme. An agreement will conclude that their place on the programme remains, whilst given a defined period of time to work on the business development gaps identified. Once the gaps have been addressed, the innovator re-enters the programme and continues with their roadmap.

What is the assessment process?

The first stage of the application process is for innovators to complete an online application form
The second stage involves them being invited to an interview with colleagues from the HIC team and partner organisations.
The final stage will conclude with a decision being made and upon successful completion of the contract, the innovator will start the programme at a mutually beneficial date.

Applications are open throughout the year.

What is the cost of joining HIA?

The cost of the programme is a phased payment plan based on three key milestones – please request the brochure for further information. 

I do not think the Accelerator is right for me. Where else can I go for support for my innovation?

HIC work with a number of clients supporting NHS and private sector organisations, if this programme isn’t for you, we have a whole suite of services to support your needs.
If you would like to discover our core services please visit here.
If you would like to contact us to discuss how we can support your innovations please visit here.