Hundreds of healthtech firms in West Yorkshire will benefit from new support to accelerate their growth, create jobs and develop lifechanging new technologies for patients.
£4.5 million of new funding will see up to 240 businesses receive intensive support and masterclasses over the next four years, helping them to navigate regulations, break into new markets, and overcome barriers to growth.
Funded by the West Yorkshire Mayor, the support will be targeted at small and medium-sized businesses working in the health technology sector, to help them navigate the funding, expertise and markets that are needed to innovate and grow. Companies with a commitment to growing in the region, creating good local jobs and benefitting local patients, will be chief among those eligible.
The support will be delivered in partnership with Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, opening up a peer-to-peer network of hundreds of companies which can offer guidance, mentorship and knowledge-sharing. This builds on the model pioneered by the successful Propel programme, which has been running in Leeds since 2019.
The flagship support scheme was announced by Mayor Tracy Brabin to an audience of businesses and scientists at the Yorkshire Bio-Partnering 2025 conference, co-hosted by the University of Bradford and the North’s leading life sciences non-profit membership organisation, Bionow.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“The first priority of our Local Growth Plan is to boost our region’s fastest growing business sectors, because we know that’s how we’re going to drive investment, create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.
“Today, we’re launching £4.5 million of new support for our world-leading health technology firms, which already generate £3 billion for our economy but could go even further with the right backing.
“This will help with access to finance, skills and workspace to bolster collaboration with hospitals and universities, boosting growth and helping us build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire.”
Richard Stubbs, Chief Executive of Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, said:
“This landmark investment recognises the incredible potential of West Yorkshire’s healthtech sector to drive innovation, improve patient care, and stimulate our regional economy. We are excited to collaborate with the West Yorkshire Mayor to foster a thriving health innovation ecosystem that supports businesses and delivers long-term impact across the region.
“We understand that there is a clear and vital link between good health and economic productivity, and this investment recognises that connection. It will support businesses developing innovations that address health and care system needs and enable people to stay healthier for longer, aligning perfectly with our mission to drive the spread of innovations that benefit patients and support inclusive economic growth.
“Our Propel@YH accelerator has a proven track record in scaling healthtech start-ups and scale-ups, and it is the ideal platform to deliver the Healthtech Accelerator scheme. By offering tailored business support, we will help innovators scale their solutions into the NHS, attract investment, and contribute to inclusive economic growth throughout the region.”
