Deadline: 04-Mar-2026
Innovate UK is inviting experienced providers to deliver high-quality accelerator programmes for innovative UK-registered micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The competition focuses on biomedical, health, and life sciences innovation, supporting 10–15 SMEs per programme with total delivery costs of up to £500,000.
Innovate UK Accelerator Programme Provider Call Overview
Innovate UK has opened a competitive call for organisations to design and deliver structured accelerator programmes that support innovative UK-registered SMEs. The programme aligns with the Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator Programme and aims to strengthen the UK’s biomedical and health innovation ecosystem.
Purpose and Strategic Goals
The purpose of this call is to identify capable delivery partners that can provide end-to-end accelerator support to high-potential SMEs. The strategic goals include accelerating research and development, strengthening commercial readiness, and improving the translation of biomedical and healthcare innovation into real-world impact.
Key Focus Areas and Themes
Accelerator programmes must align with one or more of the following areas:
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Biomedical Catalyst accelerator themes
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Wider health and life sciences innovation
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Biomedical and healthcare research and development across diverse topics
Each approved programme must:
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Support between 10 and 15 SME participants
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Deliver tailored, cohort-based accelerator support
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Operate within a total programme cost of up to £500,000
Accelerator Programme Design Requirements
Applicants must clearly explain how they will design and deliver a structured, high-quality accelerator programme. Proposals should include:
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A description of the accelerator programme and the specific strand being applied for
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Programme format, intensity, and duration
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Delivery methods for tailored SME support
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Governance structures and quality assurance processes
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Continuous improvement mechanisms to maintain delivery standards
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
Applicants must demonstrate robust systems to track and report performance, including:
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Defined outputs and outcomes aligned with programme objectives
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Monitoring and evaluation frameworks
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Clear reporting processes to Innovate UK over the programme lifecycle
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Be a single organisation, as consortia applications are not permitted
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Have a proven track record of designing and delivering structured accelerator programmes
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Demonstrate experience supporting innovative micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises
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Be capable of delivering a Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator Programme if selected
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Operate at arm’s length from Innovate UK and UK Research and Innovation
Provider Capacity and Experience Expectations
Applicants must provide evidence of:
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Previous accelerator programme delivery, including scale, duration, and measurable outcomes
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Capacity to deliver services throughout the lifetime of the approved provider pool
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Delivery activities carried out primarily in the UK
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Ongoing support for UK-registered innovative SMEs across accelerator cohorts
Why This Opportunity Matters
This call enables Innovate UK to partner with expert delivery organisations to expand access to accelerator support for UK innovators. The initiative contributes to:
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Faster development of biomedical and healthcare innovations
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Stronger SME growth, resilience, and investment readiness
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Increased competitiveness of the UK health and life sciences sector
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps to submit a strong proposal:
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Confirm eligibility as a single-organisation applicant
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Define the accelerator strand and thematic focus clearly
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Develop a detailed programme design covering structure, delivery, and governance
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Compile evidence of prior accelerator delivery and measurable SME outcomes
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Submit the completed application through the Innovate UK application system by the stated deadline
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting applications as a consortium
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Providing unclear or incomplete programme structures
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Failing to demonstrate measurable outcomes from past accelerator delivery
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Weak monitoring, evaluation, or reporting frameworks
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Proposing delivery models not primarily based in the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Innovate UK seeking through this competition?
Innovate UK is seeking experienced providers to deliver structured accelerator programmes for innovative UK-registered SMEs.
Which sectors must the accelerator programmes focus on?
Programmes must focus on biomedical, health, and life sciences innovation aligned with the Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator Programme.
How many SMEs will each programme support?
Each accelerator programme must support between 10 and 15 SME participants.
What is the maximum programme budget?
The total programme cost per accelerator programme is capped at £500,000.
Can consortia apply for this call?
No. Only single-organisation applications are permitted.
Where must programme delivery take place?
Delivery activities should be carried out primarily in the UK.
Conclusion
The Innovate UK Accelerator Programme Provider Call is a significant opportunity for experienced organisations to support high-potential UK SMEs in the biomedical and health sectors. By delivering structured, high-quality accelerator programmes, selected providers will help accelerate innovation, strengthen SME capabilities, and advance the UK’s life sciences ecosystem.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
