An accelerator programme has launched in South Yorkshire to support innovative children's health and healthcare businesses.
Technology accelerator UP Ventures has announced the launch of its Children and Young People's HealthTech Accelerator, named Kids UP with Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust.
The accelerator programme, which launches on 23 October, has been created in partnership with Sheffield Children's NHS Trust, venture capital firm Par Equity, law firm Brabners, SYMCA and Sheffield City Council.
Additional associate partners include The Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, Dell for Startups and Nvidia. The programme will be supported by UK venture capital investors and regional angel networks.
Based in Sheffield, the accelerator will support healthtech entrepreneurs who want to improve young people's lives through purpose-driven innovation.
Professor Paul Dimitri, clinical director of technology and innovation at Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The Children and Young People's HealthTech Accelerator is an exciting start in our mission to create the best and most advanced health technology in the world.
"By bringing up to ten companies to South Yorkshire, we can get the best products into the hands of those who need it most to revolutionise children's healthcare in this region and the rest of the UK. It's an exceptional opportunity to advance children and young people's health and healthcare for the future."
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire's mayor, added: "I refuse to accept that the life of a baby born in Rotherham today is likely to be five years shorter than that of a baby born in a wealthy part of London. The poor health that scars our region affects us all. It stops us from making the most of our talents and enjoying the lives we deserve. It holds back our economy. And it blights the chances and opportunities for our children and young people.
"Through programmes like the Children's HealthTech Accelerator programme, we are building a strong foundation for the next generation. I particularly welcome the unique approach of developing these technologies with children and young people.
"It's not just a question of the life chances of our children and young people. We need to address the health inequalities that South Yorkshire faces so we can build a bigger, better economy for everyone."
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