2024 Advanced Wellbeing Accelerator Cohort Unveiled by Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre

Introduction

In a testament to its unwavering commitment to fostering innovation in healthcare, Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) proudly launches its 2024 Advanced Wellbeing Accelerator program. This meticulously designed six-month initiative is poised to nurture and empower start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the healthtech industry, providing them with the essential tools and support to refine their products, accelerate growth, and make a tangible impact on the health and well-being of communities worldwide.

The program’s immense popularity is evident in the overwhelming response it received, attracting applications threefold its capacity – a resounding testament to the burgeoning demand for early-stage research and development (R&D) support among healthtech ventures. This surge in interest underscores the critical need for initiatives that foster innovation and support the development of cutting-edge solutions to address the ever-evolving challenges in healthcare.

The Selected Cohort

The AWRC’s rigorous selection process identified ten exceptional companies exhibiting diverse applications of technology to promote health and well-being. These pioneering ventures hail from various regions across the United Kingdom, each contributing unique expertise and innovative solutions to the healthcare landscape. Their inclusion in the program reflects the AWRC’s commitment to supporting a diverse range of ventures that are poised to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Aspedan: Bioanalytics Engine for Personalized Health Plans

Hailing from Chester, Aspedan introduces a groundbreaking Bioanalytics Engine capable of monitoring an extensive range of 165+ biomarkers. This cutting-edge technology empowers users to access personalized and medically validated health plans through a user-friendly smartphone application and clinician portal. The platform incentivizes healthy behaviors, encouraging individuals to take proactive steps towards improving their well-being. With its focus on personalized health management, Aspedan is poised to revolutionize the way individuals approach their health and wellness journeys.

BERRI: Clinical Tools for Children’s Psychological Needs

Based in Matlock, BERRI addresses the crucial aspect of children’s psychological well-being. The company specializes in developing clinical evaluation tools that effectively identify, support, and monitor children’s psychological needs. These tools generate individualized reports for caregivers, providing valuable insights and guidance for fostering children’s mental health. BERRI’s commitment to supporting children’s mental well-being is particularly significant in light of the growing mental health challenges faced by young people today.

FLX Health: Enhancing Movement for Pain Management

FLX Health, originating from Hull, offers a novel approach to pain management and injury prevention. The company leverages proprietary Intrinsic Biomechanics Model algorithms to optimize movement patterns, reducing pain and minimizing the risk of musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. Its innovative solutions empower individuals to take control of their physical health and lead active, pain-free lives. FLX Health’s focus on movement optimization has the potential to significantly impact the lives of individuals suffering from chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions.

Hero of Health: Digital Lifestyle Hubs for Chronic Illness Prevention

Sheffield-based Hero of Health takes a proactive stance in preventing and reversing chronic illnesses. The company provides Digital Lifestyle Hubs to increase GP profitability by establishing clinically proven activated neighborhoods. These hubs empower communities to adopt healthier lifestyles, resulting in enhanced mobility, improved mental health, and sustained weight loss. Hero of Health’s innovative approach to chronic illness prevention has the potential to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of communities, particularly those facing health disparities.

Hytro: Advancing Human Health and Performance

West Byfleet’s Hytro seeks to revolutionize human health and performance through its patented blood flow restriction (BFR) wearables. The company’s innovative products harness the power of BFR technology to enhance blood circulation and promote muscle growth, optimizing physical performance and overall well-being. Hytro’s focus on human health and performance has the potential to benefit a wide range of individuals, from athletes seeking to enhance their performance to individuals recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions.

Ideabatic: Patented Cooling System for Vaccine Transportation

Ideabatic, a Welsh company, addresses the critical need for efficient vaccine transportation and administration. Their patented cooling system ensures the safe and effective delivery of life-saving vaccines, enabling healthcare providers to reach underserved communities and protect vulnerable populations. Ideabatic’s innovative solution has the potential to significantly improve vaccine efficacy and accessibility, particularly in remote or resource-limited areas.

Live More Offline: Digital Wellbeing Consultancy

Yorkshire-based Live More Offline is a digital wellbeing consultancy dedicated to improving productivity and retaining talent through healthier working cultures. The company’s Digital Culture Diagnostic tool offers valuable insights into employees’ digital work experiences, enabling organizations to identify areas for improvement and implement training programs to promote healthier digital work practices. Live More Offline’s focus on digital wellbeing is particularly relevant in today’s digital age, where individuals spend an increasing amount of time engaged with technology.

Prorizon: Personalized Solutions for Mental and Physical Health

Prorizon, a Birmingham-based healthtech start-up, harnesses bio-psycho-social data to develop personalized solutions for optimal mental and physical health and performance. Their science-first approach, coupled with AI-enabled technology, empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards achieving holistic well-being. Prorizon’s commitment to personalized health solutions has the potential to revolutionize the way individuals manage their health and well-being.

Select Research: Body Volume Index for Obesity Management

Select Research, based in Malvern, introduces the Body Volume Index (BVI), a groundbreaking digital measurement system and obesity solution. This innovative technology utilizes digital images and demographic data to provide insightful data outputs, aiding healthcare professionals in effectively managing obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles. Select Research’s focus on obesity management is particularly significant given the rising prevalence of obesity and its associated health risks.

Simply Connect Solutions: Social Prescribing in the Hands of the User

Sheffield’s Simply Connect Solutions empowers individuals to take charge of their mental health and well-being through social prescribing. The company’s user-friendly platform provides easy access to mental health and well-being support services, enabling individuals to get the help they need, when they need it. Simply Connect Solutions’ commitment to making social prescribing more accessible has the potential to significantly improve mental health outcomes and reduce health disparities.

AWRC’s Support for the Accelerator Program

The selected businesses will benefit from Sheffield Hallam’s extensive research expertise, a network of expert mentors, and up to £25,000 of non-dilutive R&D support. This comprehensive package provides access to world-leading facilities and equipment, enabling the companies to refine their products, accelerate their growth, and make a positive impact on the health and well-being of communities. The AWRC’s commitment to supporting these ventures underscores its dedication to fostering innovation and advancing the field of healthtech.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

Ryan Sylvester, Program Manager for the Advanced Wellbeing Accelerator, expressed his enthusiasm for the program’s progress and the exceptional support package it offers to the participating companies. He emphasized the program’s potential for significant impact in addressing health inequalities and promoting physical activity as key factors in improving overall well-being.

Sirinda Bhandal, CEO and founder of Simply Connect Solutions, conveyed her excitement about joining the program and collaborating with the AWRC and Sheffield Hallam to validate their product and achieve their goal of empowering individuals to regain control of their lives and access the right support at the right time.

Jason Brannan, Deputy Director of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, highlighted the importance of focusing on disease prevention and resilience to address health inequalities and productivity gaps. He emphasized the role of advanced wellbeing and physical activity in promoting healthier communities and expressed his confidence in the selected companies’ contributions to this endeavor.

Conclusion

The 2024 cohort of the Advanced Wellbeing Accelerator program signifies Sheffield Hallam University’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and supporting early-stage ventures in the healthtech industry. The program’s tailored support and comprehensive resources empower these companies to bring their groundbreaking solutions to market, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and enhanced well-being for communities worldwide. The AWRC’s leadership in this initiative underscores its dedication to advancing the field of healthtech and making a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities.