Herts Healthcare Accelerator

Core (‘must have’) criteria:

• UK-based SME*, registered in Companies House
• Innovative new product/service/technology with the potential to scale-up and generate positive societal impact within the healthcare sector
• Team of at least two entrepreneurs fully committed to making the most of the six-months accelerator programme and support package, including attending regular virtual meetings and occasional in-person activities.

Desirable criteria:

• Company is able to demonstrate that they have already undertaken some initial steps (e.g. technical and/or market research) to validate their idea.

*An SME is defined as a company with less than 250 employees and less than £50 million turnover.

Note: The call is open to both UH researchers and external SMEs.

• Do l need to have an existing business to apply?
  • Yes, you must have a UK registered business (you will need to provide a company registration number). The company should include a team of at least two entrepreneurs fully committed to driving the venture forward and to making the most of the accelerator support package.
• What happens once I submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
  • Your EOI will be reviewed to ensure your company meets the core eligibility criteria. Eligible EOIs will then be independently assessed by the Accelerator’s panel against the selection scoring criteria set out below.
• How will my application be assessed?
  • A panel will independently assess each individual EOI against the selection criteria listed (see below). Scores from all panel members will be added up to generate an average scoring for each applicant across all criteria. Each criterion will be weighed equally, and shortlisted companies will be contacted for a brief interview and presentation.
• What are the selection scoring criteria?
  • Strength and relevance of proposed project: The application clearly articulates the product/service/material/technology that the company is looking to develop, what it’s USP is, and what is the challenge it is looking to address.
  • Market awareness: The application has clearly identified a target market for commercialisation of the proposed product/service/material/technology, and it clearly demonstrates that some preliminary research into the relevant marketplace has been carried out.
  • Innovation/Novelty: The application proposes a novel product/service/material/technology and/or business model.
  • Viability and feasibility: The application has identified clear objectives and milestones for implementation of the proposed venture, and these are realisable within the parameters of the six-months programme, the available funding, and expertise.
  • Programme fit: The application clearly articulates how the support package provided by the Herts Healthcare Accelerator would be beneficial for the development of the proposed venture. Additionally, the knowledge gap and R&D needs identified by the proposed venture need to be a good match for the expertise available within the Herts Healthcare Accelerator.
• How much does it cost?
  • It is free of charge to join the Herts Healthcare Accelerator, however, please note that cash grant support for the selected ventures is limited to £3,500 and the rest of the support is provided in-kind.
• What will be the format of the programme?
  • There will be a mixture of in-person and online meetings and events including workshops taking place where your attendance will be mandatory. All the key dates will be provided at the start of the programme to ensure everyone is able to make the arrangements to attend them. Please note that attendance to the Showcase event in September is also mandatory.
• Where can I read the Terms and Conditions and Eligibility Criteria?
  • Read the Terms and Conditions and Eligibility Criteria for the Herts Accelerator Programme
• Still have some questions?
  • Please email BGE@herts.ac.uk