UK Accelerator Seeks Innovations in Musculoskeletal Health
researchers across the UK are invited too apply for the next cohort of the MSK Innovation Accelerator, a six-month program designed to help develop and commercialize technologies improving musculoskeletal (MSK) health. The program, co-funded by Orthopaedic Research UK, begins in mid-November 2025, and applications are open until September 28, 2025.
The MSK Innovation Accelerator is unique in the UK as the only accelerator specifically focused on MSK health – encompassing areas like surgical techniques, medical devices, and digital health solutions. It’s run by Imperial SuperConnector, a unit within Imperial College London.
According to Hiten Thakrar, Head of Imperial SuperConnector, the program aims to address a meaningful gap in healthcare innovation. “Musculoskeletal health affects everything from mobility to mental wellbeing, yet it remains one of the most under-innovated areas in healthcare. We’re looking for bold thinkers with early-stage ideas that could change lives, from AI rehab tools to next-gen wearables.”
The accelerator will provide participants – from universities, clinical institutes, and SMEs – with training in startup methodologies, insights into NHS and private sector adoption, and networking opportunities through both remote support and in-person events. A key benefit is the opportunity to pitch to Orthopaedic Research UK’s investment committee, with potential funding of up to £100,000 available for promising ventures.
Previous participants have successfully used the program to develop and register intellectual property, secure funding, and expand their teams. Dr. Arash Angadji, CEO of Orthopaedic Research UK, highlighted the program’s importance: “the MSK Innovation Accelerator occupies a unique and vital 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 perhaps groundbreaking solutions for those suffering from poor MSK health.”
Eligibility requires a solution at Technology Readiness Level 3 – meaning a proof of concept exists, but a fully functional prototype is not yet necessary. Participants can develop IP they personally own or, with employer permission, IP belonging to their institution.
Participation is free, and the MSK Innovation Accelerator does not take equity or ownership of intellectual property from participating companies.
Interested researchers can find more details and apply at https://medtechsuperconnector.com/programme/open-programmes/.
