From 3rd to 28th November 2025, applications are open for three transformative programmes designed to support innovation in healthcare:
- NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP)
- Patient Entrepreneur Programme (PEP)
- Dementia Innovators Programme
Delivered by the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme, the largest entrepreneurial workforce development initiative of its kind, these programmes empower individuals with bold ideas to improve patient care, health outcomes, and system efficiency.
Programme Structure
Participants benefit from a comprehensive curriculum delivered through four key pillars:
Learning
- CPD-accredited Pit Stops – immersive 2-day educational events delivered in a blended format (online and in person).
- Workshops and webinars – covering key topics in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Mentoring
- Mentoring – access to experienced mentors across clinical, academic, commercial, and public sectors.
- 1-to-1 clinics with experts – tailored guidance to support individual innovation journeys.
- Business planning support – practical advice to help shape and scale ideas.
Opportunities
- International trips and exposure to global innovation ecosystems.
- Company days and pitching opportunities with industry partners.
- Networking – facilitated connections with peers, experts, and stakeholders.
Community
- Supportive and inclusive community of healthcare professionals, patients, and entrepreneurs.
- Access to an online community hub for collaboration and resources.
- Dedicated support team throughout the programme.
Programme Details
NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme
Who it’s for:
Open to clinical and non-clinical NHS staff—including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, managers, and support staff.
What it offers:
Expert mentoring, bespoke training, networking opportunities, and support to develop and scale innovations within the NHS. Enables staff to pursue entrepreneurial ventures without leaving the health service.
Patient Entrepreneur Programme
Who it’s for:
Patients or carers, based in England, with lived experience of a health condition who have developed an innovation to improve care or outcomes.
What it offers:
Access to the full CEP curriculum, plus tailored support from NHS England’s Patient and Public Involvement team to build the skills, confidence, and networks needed to bring ideas to life.
Dementia Innovators Programme
Who it’s for:
Health and social care professionals, across the UK working on solutions to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.
What it offers:
Delivered in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, this programme supports dementia-focused innovation through mentorship, education, and a collaborative network of experts and stakeholders.
Key Dates
- Applications open: Monday 3rd November 2025
- Applications close: Thursday 28th November 2025
- Application results: April 2026
- Programme start: Spring 2026
Whether you’re a frontline NHS worker, a patient with a powerful idea, or a dementia care innovator, these programmes offer a unique opportunity to turn your vision into impact.
Apply now and be part of the next wave of healthcare transformation.
Visit http://www.nhscep.com to learn more and apply
Applications close at 4pm on Friday 28th November 2025, and the programme will commence in Spring 2026. Applicants will be notified in April 2026.