The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP) will soon be inviting applications from Scotland’s healthcare innovators to join up and reap the enduring career benefits

Award-winning CEP — the largest entrepreneurial workforce development and training initiative of its kind — will be open to applications from Monday 19 October, “supporting creative thinkers and problem‑solvers to turn ideas and innovations into real‑world solutions,” say organisers.

It is fully funded and helps NHS Scotland staff to develop, test, and scale their innovative ideas while honing their entrepreneurial skills and assisting them in making important connections, including healthcare leaders, collaborators, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs.

InnoScot Health is part of a collaborative group of organisations supporting Scottish participation in CEP and believes the programme’s tailored learnings, expert mentoring, and readymade network are vital catalysts for ambitious healthcare staff who are keen to make their entrepreneurial mark.

InnoScot Health’s Head of Innovation Commercialisation, Gillian Henderson said: “The programme will soon be inviting Scotland-based applications with online preparation sessions already underway, so I’d urge interested parties to investigate the opportunity.

“Cohort 11 will run for one year, but the benefits to Scotland’s healthcare entrepreneurs are long-lasting with many graduates continuing their journey as part of our alumni community — a testament to the programme’s impact.

“CEP has a strong track record of moulding Scotland-based healthcare innovators through its learning programme, representing a crucial step towards a more self-sustaining health service that is empowered to innovate from within.

“We are in no doubt that the next cohort will extend the legacy of Scottish success within the programme so please do explore the opportunity and consider joining preparation sessions which are specifically aimed at those who are considering applying from 19 October.”

The sessions have commenced online via Zoom, taking place from 5-6.30pm, with registration now invited for each:

• Monday 28 September — ‘Get Application Ready — Perfect Your Pitch’

This interactive webinar is designed to help you prepare, structure and deliver a compelling one-minute video pitch that showcases both you and your innovation. Organisers believe this session “will provide practical guidance to help you submit your strongest application”.

• Tuesday 13 October — ‘Get Application Ready — Q&A Session’

The CEP team says, “Whether you're still deciding whether to apply or are currently completing your application, this is an opportunity to get clarity directly from the team and hear practical advice on what makes a successful submission.”

CEP is further delivering a Scottish ‘pit stop’ — an immersive, CPD-accredited two-day educational event — at Glasgow’s Clayton Hotel on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 November, a week before the application window for the next cohort closes.

InnoScot Health considers this to be an opportunity to inspire and encourage Scotland’s prospective applicants as well as those who have already signed up and are keen to meet their mentors and peers.

Sessions across the two days will focus on core topics including starting up, leadership, teams, legal/intellectual property (IP), finance, and commercialisation, with highlights including expert ‘Founder Stories’ which feature healthcare professionals who successfully launched startups.

Full details of the pit stop programme, along with how to get involved, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

InnoScot Health works alongside The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), NHS Education for Scotland (NES), Techscaler, Scottish Enterprise, and Chief Scientist Office (CSO) to support participation.