Researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs are being invited to apply for a fully funded innovation programme aimed at tackling one of the UK’s most urgent yet underserved health challenges: musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
MSK conditions affect 20 million people in the UK, one third of the population, and account for 1 in 7 GP appointments. They are the biggest cause of physical disability, represent the largest group on NHS waiting lists, and cost the NHS £5 billion annually. Furthermore, lost working days due to MSK issues equate to an estimated £7 billion cost to the UK economy.
In a bid to address this, the Innovation Accelerator, run by Imperial College’s MedTech SuperConnector (MTSC) in partnership with Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK), is now open for applications (closing on 28th September 2025).
The programme supports early-stage innovators working on solutions to improve bone, muscle and joint health, whether through physical devices, digital tools, rehabilitation aids or novel therapies.
“Musculoskeletal health affects everything from mobility to mental wellbeing, yet it remains one of the most under-innovated areas in healthcare,” said Hiten Thakrar, Head of Imperial SuperConnector, Imperial College London “We’re looking for bold thinkers with early-stage ideas that could change lives, from AI rehab tools to next-gen wearables.”
The six-month programme offers over £80,000 worth of support, including mentorship, commercial strategy, regulatory guidance and access to specialist networks. Participants will also have the opportunity to pitch for up to £100,000 in investment from ORUK.
The 2025 programme builds on the proven success of the MedTech SuperConnector initiative, which has helped over 100 early-career innovators develop breakthrough technologies, including a bone implant designed to cushion pressure for amputees using prosthetics, and a spinal fusion prototype aimed at improving outcomes for patients undergoing vertebral surgery.
It has facilitated the formation of 20 spinout companies and helped ventures raise over £24 million in combined grant and venture funding.
Dylan Ashton, a 2024 participant, credits the programme with giving him the tools and confidence to commercialise his research: “As a scientist, I always believed in my product designed to help amputees, but I had no idea how to take it further. The Accelerator gave me clarity, commercial know-how, and the confidence to pitch,” said Ashton. “Even more valuable was the network. The support doesn’t stop when the programme ends. Everyone involved wants you to succeed and genuinely cares about making your innovation count.”
Orthopaedic Research UK, which funds the programme, sees this Accelerator as a vital step in shifting the future of MSK care
Arash Angadji, CEO of Orthopaedic Research UK commented: “The MSK Innovation Accelerator occupies a unique and important place within the MSK innovation ecosystem. It has proven its value in developing the entrepreneurial skills of a new generation of MSK innovators and helped create a pipeline of potentially groundbreaking solutions for those suffering from poor MSK health”.
Hiten Thakrar added: “We want applicants from all walks of life, not just medtech insiders. If your idea can help patients improve bone, muscle or joint health in any way, this programme is for you. It’s equity-free, fully funded and offers the kind of support that most early-stage innovators never get access to.”
Applications are now open at https://medtechsuperconnector.com/programme/open-programmes/.
Image: Canva
