The NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) is now accepting applications for its 2027 Fellowship cohort. The Fellowship is aimed at innovators, clinicians and healthcare professionals who have already developed a solution with measurable, real-world impact and want support to scale it across the NHS.
Who it’s for
The NIA is looking for people whose innovation has demonstrated proven results in a healthcare setting, prioritises patient benefit through better care, outcomes or accessibility, and who are willing to share their knowledge and collaborate with others in the programme.
What you get
Fellows receive expert mentoring from leaders in healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship, support to scale nationally, access to industry connections and communications support, and a network of other innovators working in the same space.
How to apply
Applications open 17 August and close at 23:59 on 27 September 2026. You’ll first complete a short Readiness Check to confirm the programme is a good fit before moving to the full application; outcomes are given within 3 working days. Optional “Meet the NIA” webinars are running on 10 and 21 September for anyone wanting more detail before applying.
Key dates
- Applications open: 17 August 2026
- Applications close: 27 September 2026, 23:59
- Screening and scoring: October to December 2026
- Interviews: 6 to 15 January 2027
- Final selection and due diligence: February 2027
- Fellows onboarded and launched: March 2027
The Fellowship is run by UCLPartners on behalf of NHS England. Full details, the Call for Applications document and the application form are available on the NHS Innovation Accelerator website.
Visit funding web page
(https://nhsaccelerator.com/about-the-nia-programme/apply-for-nia-fellowship/)
