NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme: Cohort 11 Application Dates Announced
Have you identified a problem in the NHS that needs addressing? Do you have an idea you want to develop, test and scale for patient benefit? If so, the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme may be the right next step for you!
From 19th October to 20th November 2026, applications will be open for the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme, designed to help creative thinkers and problem‑solvers transform NHS services and deliver better outcomes for patients.
What is the Clinical Entrepreneur Programme?
The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (NHS CEP), delivered by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), is the largest entrepreneurial workforce development programme of its kind. Launched in 2016, it is a free, award‑winning initiative that supports NHS staff and healthcare professionals to develop, test and scale innovative ideas.
Now in its 11th year, the programme has grown significantly, supporting more than 1,800 innovators across the NHS. As a direct result, over 400 clinicians have been retained in or returned to the NHS, and 691 start-ups have been created, transforming ideas into organisations solving real challenges. These ventures have generated 5,184 jobs across the UK economy and collectively raised more than £1.2 billion in investment.
What do we offer?
The programme lasts one year, with many graduates continuing their journey as Alumni. Throughout the year, participants access learning, opportunities and real‑world experiences that build the commercial skills and knowledge needed to accelerate their innovations and, in turn, improve patient care.
The comprehensive curriculum is delivered through four key pillars:
Learning
- Pitstops: two day events delivering educational content, blended delivery both online and in-person.
- Workshops and webinars: blended delivery where possible.
Mentoring
- Mentoring: online and in person
- 1-2-1 clinics with experts: online and in person
- Business planning: online and in person
Opportunities
- International opportunities and trips
- Company days and pitching opportunities with industry partners.
- Networking
Community
- Supportive and inclusive community
- Access to online community hub
- Dedicated support team
Programme Details
NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme
Who it’s for:
Open to clinical and non-clinical NHS staff, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, managers, and support staff.
What it offers:
Expert mentoring, bespoke training, networking opportunities, and support to develop and scale innovations within the NHS. Enables staff to pursue entrepreneurial ventures without leaving the health service.
Patient Entrepreneur Programme
Who it’s for:
Patients or carers, based in England, with lived experience of a health condition who have developed an innovation to improve care or outcomes.
What it offers:
Access to the full CEP curriculum, plus tailored support from NHS England’s Patient and Public Involvement team to build the skills, confidence, and networks needed to bring ideas to life.
How to apply?
Applications open on 19th October 2026, and a link to the application form will then be available on our website.
If you’re exploring healthcare innovation or considering an application, we invite you to join CEP Innovate Health: The Foundation Series, our free, CPD‑accredited webinar programme designed to equip you with the essential skills to begin your innovation journey.
The series, commencing in September, combines engaging webinars and practical workshops that introduce core concepts in innovation and entrepreneurship. You’ll learn from experienced founders and healthcare professionals, gain insight into the start-up ecosystem, and build the foundational knowledge needed to shape your own healthcare innovation.
Find out more and register your interest here
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