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.
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.
Hiten Thakrar is Head of Imperial SuperConnector, Imperial College London.
Thakrar said: “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 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 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.
Arash Angadji, CEO of Orthopaedic Research UK said: “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”.
Applications are now open at https://medtechsuperconnector.com/programme/open-programmes/
