The Clinical Entrepreneur Programme is a free programme designed to support NHS professionals and individuals with lived experience who are developing innovative solutions to improve patient care.
Now entering its 10th year, it has supported over 1,500 entrepreneurs—including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, allied health professionals, healthcare scientists, and patients— many of whom have gone on to win awards, secure funding, scale impactful innovations, and advance in their careers.
This year, the programme offers three distinct strands:
- NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP): For NHS staff across the UK—both clinical and non-clinical—who are developing innovations to improve healthcare.
- Patient Entrepreneur Programme (PEP): For patients or carers in England with lived experience of a health condition, who have created an innovation to improve care or outcomes.
- Dementia Innovators Programme: A collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society, for health and social care professionals across the UK working on solutions to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.
Successful applicants will gain access to expert mentoring, tailored education, and a powerful network of healthcare leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors.
You can read more about our clinical entrepreneurs at Newcastle Hospitals and how they benefited from the programme with support from our innovation team.
- Each programme runs for one year and offers a comprehensive package of support designed to help participants turn their ideas into impactful innovations.
- Participants gain access to CPD-accredited Pit Stops—two-day educational events delivered both online and in person across the UK—as well as a range of workshops, webinars, and expert-led clinics.
- The programme includes 1:1 mentoring, tailored business planning support, and opportunities to pitch to industry partners, attend international trips, and take part in company days. A strong emphasis is placed on building a supportive and inclusive community, with access to an online hub and a dedicated support team.
- Bespoke guidance for participants in the Patient and Dementia Innovator cohorts, delivered in collaboration with the Patient and Public Engagement team and Alzheimer’s Society.
Key Dates:
- Applications close: Friday 28th November 2025 at 4pm
- Application results: April 2026
- Programme start: Spring 2026
Apply now at www.nhscep.com Questions? Email: [email protected]
