Shape the future of the NHS – Join TheHill’s 2026 MAA Programme

TheHill is Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) Innovation service which empowers innovation in health and care by supporting new approaches which seek to make the NHS more efficient and effective, empowering staff and benefitting patients.

TheHill run the NHS Market Access Accelerator (MAA) which helps startups gain an in-depth understanding of how the NHS works, accessing world-leading clinical expertise, and build the foundations needed to scale successfully within the UK health system and applications are open for their 2026 programme.

As an accelerator embedded within OUH, TheHill’s programme is designed to support digital health start-ups gain an in-depth understanding of how the NHS works, with access to world-leading clinical expertise to help them build strong foundations for future growth.

Times are changing in the NHS, with the Government announcing three main shifts as part of its 10 Year Health Plan, including delivering more care in local settings and people’s homes, embracing new digital tools and technologies to reduce administrative burden and focusing on proactive interventions by identifying and treating health issues earlier. There’s never been a more exciting time to join the MAA to help shape the future of the health service.

The programme is scheduled across 12 months, with 3-months of intensive workshops and seminars, followed by 9-months of innovation engagement, helping founders validate their value proposition for the NHS with expert insights from our clinical and operational colleagues.

During the programme, participants will receive:

• Real-world guidance on navigating NHS structures, procurement and regulations from senior leaders at OUH.
• Tailored support to refine your value proposition with clinical and operational input.
• Expert mentorship from our pool of highly qualified mentors, who will work with you on a one-to-one basis to help achieve your desired outcomes.

Dr Rowan Mould, Accelerator Manager, says:

‘TheHill’s MAA is an intensive journey for healthtech innovators serious about making an impact on the NHS. We look for solutions that address key needs across the NHS and that have the potential to create positive impact for patients and staff. We work alongside innovators to validate their value proposition in the NHS guided by expert insights into the inner workings of a large NHS trust, whilst supporting founders to build scalable businesses to drive their technology forward. This refreshed programme reflects a step-change in our approach to supporting innovators, meaning a focused journey as we move from content to engagement.”

To find out more about the programme and to apply please visit the TheHill’s website.

Applications close 31 October.