NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme
Transforming healthcare through innovation
About us
What is the Clinical Entrepreneur Programme?
The Clinical Entrepreneur Programme is an award winning, NHS initiative, delivered by Anglia Ruskin University. Launched in 2016 the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (NHS CEP), is a free entrepreneurial work force development programme aimed at NHS staff and healthcare professionals.
The programme is part of the Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) which brings together industry, government, regulators, patients and the NHS to remove barriers and accelerate the introduction of new ground-breaking treatments and diagnostics which have the potential to transform care.
A Programme for Innovators and Creative Thinkers
The NHS CEP programme aims to empower healthcare staff to develop and learn. We provide a one-year programme of mentoring, events and professional development to help you achieve your goals.
Cohort 10 Applications
Application for cohort 10 are now open until 4pm on the 28th November 2025.
Our aims
Programme Aims
The NHS CEP programme aims to empower healthcare staff to develop and learn. We provide a one year programme, that can fit around your work. The programme includes mentoring, events, workshops and professional development to help you achieve your goals.
From developing your skills and providing networking opportunities. to testing your innovation and industry support, we help you get the most out of your idea.
We allow entrepreneurs and creative thinkers to pursue their innovation without having to leave the health service and support them develop and scale their most innovative ideas for the benefit of patients, staff and the wider NHS.
By fostering skills, knowledge, and experience, we aim to spread innovative solutions to address NHS challenges. Furthermore, our efforts contribute to economic growth through investments in health, social care, and life sciences
Who is it for?
The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme is a free workforce development programme for both clinical and non-clinical NHS staff. This includes Doctors, Dentists, Healthcare Scientists, Nurses and Midwives, Allied Health Professionals (all 14 groups) and Pharmacists, Managers, and Administrative/ Clerical Staff.
It also includes those who provide a service into the NHS, locums, academic clinicals who work in universities, NHS healthcare and projects manager. A full list can be found on our FAQ section
What is the Offer?
The NHS CEP is a free programme that lasts 12 months. The curriculum covers all aspects of setting up and running a small business or delivering a project, including: attracting investors, applying for funding, and ensuring appropriate corporate governance.
The core programme is delivered as a series of CPD Accredited educational events.
The programme is designed to fit around your work commitments, with events offered at the weekends and evenings. If you can’t attend a session, we provide resources and recording of our pit stops and webinars.
What is included?
Learning
- CPD Accredited Pit Stops – 2-day events delivering educational content – blended delivery both online and in person.
- Workshops and webinars – blended delivery where possible
Mentoring
- Mentoring – online and in person.
- 1-2-1 clinics with experts –online and in person.
- Business planning sessions – online and in person
Opportunities
- International opportunities and trips.
- Company days and pitching opportunities with industry partners.
- Invitation to conference and events
- Invitation to networking and planning sessions with industry leaders
Community
- Supportive and inclusive community
- Access to online community hub.
- Support from the dedicated CEP team.
- Sign posting to funding and opportunities
- Access to alumni network.
Core Curriculum
Module one:
NHS and Healthcare systems
There are multiple different systems and processes for providing healthcare across the world, using the NHS as an exemplar, this module will provide you with an overview of healthcare systems and the way in which they operate, and deeper dives into systems like the NHS and American healthcare systems.
Module two:
Starting up
To provide essential learning around key business skills and principles that Clinical Entrepreneurs can utilise to develop and accelerate their innovations and ideas.
From lean canvas and customer validation cycles; to legal, finance and regulatory masterclasses.
Module three:
Communications
This module will provide Clinical Entrepreneurs with tools to help them communicate their ideas to different audiences.
From branding to social media to pitching and articulating your innovation or project.
Module four:
Funding
Gain a comprehensive understanding of how to propel your innovation forward by tapping into diverse funding streams.
Dive into in-depth sessions covering Angel investment, seed funding, and venture capital (VC) financing.
Module five:
Teams and leadership
In this module, participants will delve into the intricate world of team dynamics, exploring the core components that contribute to successful teams and effective leadership. Through practical exercises and team profiling using tools like Belbin, learners will gain insights into building cohesive and high-performing teams. Additionally, the module will equip participants with essential leadership skills, empowering them to lead with confidence and impact.
Module six:
Healthcare Technology
By the end of this module, participants will be able to understand the concept of digital health, explore its various components (including telemedicine, wearable devices, health apps, and electronic health records), examine real-world examples of digital health initiatives within the NHS, and consider data privacy, integration with existing systems, and adherence to clinical and ethical guidelines
Why choose the CEP
The programme offers excellent learning and professional development opportunities for yourself and any innovation you are currently working on. The programme provides access to a network of fellow entrepreneur’s, industry experts and mentors.
1500+
Innovators supported
£1.1B
Worth of funding raised by CE’s
34,896
Hours of mentoring delivered
66,911
CPD points awarded
Reviews
Laura Tan
Doctor
“from the very first event you’re surrounded by this amazing energy for improvement and innovation in the NHS..“
Ibrahim I.
Doctor
“It’s been incredible in terms of education.. we have learnt a lot about pitching and communication. I’ve built up a lot of confidence”
Bernadette Porter.
Consultant Nurse
“The CEP Programme is a fantastic opportunity to learn in a wonderfully supportive environment”
Further information
Key Dates
Applications for Cohort 10 are currently open, and will close at 4pm on the 28th November 2025.
Applications
Interested in applying? Take a look at our application page for eligibility, guidance, and support.
Meet the Team
Meet the CEP team based at Anglia Ruskin University, our Clinical Leads and Ambassadors.