Propel@YH Net Zero is calling for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to apply that either have new innovations or existing products that can support the NHS in reducing its environmental impact and achieving its ambition of having ‘net zero’ emissions by 2040, set out in its report ‘Delivering a Net Zero National Health Service’.

Commissioned by West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and delivered by Yorkshire & Humber Health Innovation Network, the Propel@YH Net Zero pilot programme will provide its 2021 participants with access to a structured course of support and advice tailored to their needs.

The Yorkshire & Humber Health Innovation Network is looking for companies that:

·       Support the net zero ambitions of the NHS with innovations that have a positive impact on environmental sustainability and/or,

·       Have an innovation looking to improve its green impact, that can be adopted into our health and care system

·       Are already based in or are working with an NHS organisation in the West Yorkshire region.

Kathy Scott, Deputy Chief Executive at the Yorkshire & Humber Health Innovation Network, said: “The Health Innovation Network fully supports the green agenda. Innovation has an important role in helping the NHS to achieve its ambition to be the world’s first ‘net zero’ health service and so we are really excited to launch Propel@YH Net Zero”.

“We can help SMEs with a healthcare innovation and an interest in sustainability to have greater visibility in the NHS across West Yorkshire. Our three-month programme will provide up to four organisations with unique and tailored guidance and support and participants will benefit from our connections within the health and care system to enable them to bring their innovative green solutions to the region.”

Frank Swinton, Climate Change Lead for West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership said ‘Bringing low carbon innovations to the market quickly is going to be key to helping us reduce our environmental impact. This is a great way for companies and inventors to get advice and ideas to help their products succeed. I’m really excited to see what change can happen due to this programme, as we move forward to realising our ambition for the Partnership.

Benefits for participants include:

·       Expert support and guidance tailored to the needs of the participant including: carbon impact assessments, access to funding, and needs identification to support business cases

·       Improved visibility of products to NHS organisations in West Yorkshire and Harrogate health and care system

·       Development of next steps on the journey to support net zero in the NHS

Innovators can apply for the Propel@YH Net Zero Accelerator here. Deadline for applications is 5pm 7th May 2021.