Unique 12-week accelerator programme dedicated to the next-generation of consumer health management solutions opens
Elmwood, the world’s most effective brand design consultancy, has today [Monday April 16th] opened applications for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) entrepreneurs innovating in consumer health to join Elmwood LaunchPod, a 12-week accelerator programme starting in June 2018 at the organisation’s HQ in Leeds, UK.
With the shift in focus on healthcare, in particular, the move away from diagnosis and treatment to prevention is placing ever-increasing emphasis on individuals to proactively manage their health, Elmwood LaunchPod is seeking to collaborate with innovators across the STEAM disciplines to create solutions that will connect individuals with their health and change the dynamics of how they engage the healthcare system.
Elmwood LaunchPod is an accelerator programme like no other. Utilising Elmwood’s power of design knowledge, it will bring together start-ups to create human-centred solutions. Elmwood is looking for start-ups that apply creative or design-thinking to deliver consumer-centred solutions, as well as those that apply emerging technologies such as AI, automation, robotics and Augmented Reality to improve consumer health. By bringing multi-disciplinary businesses into one community, the programme aims to create a unique environment where design and systems thinking will shape how people connect with their health and improve their quality of life.
Participants will benefit from a dedicated programme, receiving insight, mentoring and management support from a world-class community of specialists. Access to large corporate clients in the area of consumer health management will also be available.
The programme will cover areas designed to explore how consumers can better understand their health and engage with healthcare professionals, along with the opportunity to develop and test consumer facing health solutions in a real setting. This will result in a refined market offer built on the principles of systems and design centred thinking, a sharpened business plan, and a business ready to take its next step.
Potential applicants are invited to attend an open event at 1 pm on Friday 27th April where they will receive an overview of the programme and a tour of the studio space in which Elmwood LaunchPod will be hosted. Attendees can sign up for this information event here.
Steve Gatfield, chairman at Elmwood, Elmwood LaunchPod mentor, and serial entrepreneur: “This accelerator programme arrives at a pivotal moment in the evolution of the digital economy, one where the potential of health data is self-evident and one where consumer trust is under considerable threat. In this next phase of the digital economy, how trust is designed in as an integral component of a product or service will be of utmost importance. Applying design- and systems-thinking, as well as designing trust into the essentials of the innovations we sponsor and support will be at the very heart of the Elmwood LaunchPod.”
Sarah Dear, managing partner at Elmwood and managing director of Elmwood LaunchPod, commented: “We’re proud to be supporting the aspirations of health-focused entrepreneurs and investing in the economic prospects of the region.
“This is fantastic opportunity to shape the future of consumer health experiences, improving people’s lives propelled by the power of design. We’re looking forward to helping start-ups in a creative and innovative environment to realise their aspirations, so they can develop into successful businesses and are excited to see the range of applications from health-focused entrepreneurs.”
Interested applicants can learn more and apply at launchpod.elmwood.com. The deadline to apply for the June 2018 programme is Friday 11th May.