Industry Innovators

Springboard for Female Innovators in Health

As part of our ‘Women in Health Innovation and Technology’ campaign, we are launching the ‘Springboard for Female Innovators on Health’, which is sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Nexus at the University of Leeds.

This initiative is a dynamic support programme designed to help early-stage female innovators in health who are passionate about solving real-world health and care challenges.

We’re looking for ten women  from Yorkshire and the Humber with bold ideas, even if you’re right at the beginning of your journey. This initiative is about giving you the tools, connections, and confidence to take your idea from concept to credible.

Who is it for?

This programme is for you if:

  • You identify as a woman
  • You have an early-stage health innovation idea#
  • You’ve clearly identified a problem worth solving
  • You can evidence need and potential impact
  • Your idea supports at least one of the NHS’s three shifts:
    1. Hospital to community
    2. Analogue to digital
    3. Sickness to prevention

You don’t need a full business plan or polished product, just a strong problem statement, and a commitment to making a difference.

Why are we doing this?

Women are still underrepresented in health innovation and entrepreneurship, not because of a lack of talent, but due to systemic barriers, limited networks, and unequal access to support. At Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, we believe equity drives innovation.

By launching this springboard programme, we’re making a bold step to change the face of innovation, putting women’s insights, experiences, and leadership at the heart of future health solutions.

What are the benefits?

If selected, you’ll join a cohort of 10 exceptional innovators and receive:

  • Intensive, expert-led support workshops focused on developing your idea, impact story, and business case
  • Mentorship and 1:1 guidance from experienced leaders across the sector
  • Access to a thriving innovation network at Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, AWS, Nexus, and the wider Women in Health Innovation and Technology community
  • Tailored content and resources to build confidence and clarity
  • The opportunity to pitch your idea to a panel of health and care leaders and industry partners

Applications for the programme have now closed.

Please reach out to Kimberley Frost, our Lead for Women in Health Innovation & Technology, if you have any questions.