Entrepreneurs selected to tackle Liverpool health challenges
Eight entrepreneurs have been chosen to develop health innovation ventures in Liverpool through Citizen First LCR, a new scheme supporting so-called hidden entrepreneurs.
Projects include hospital robots, AI-guided sleep support and a mobile hair salon.
The programme is the first time Public Life’s Citizen Incubator model has been brought to Liverpool, as part of the city region’s Health and Life Sciences Innovation Zone.
Professor Iain Buchan is W.H. Duncan chair in public health systems, associate pro vice chancellor for innovation and director of the Civic Health Innovation Labs at the University of Liverpool.
He said: “These entrepreneurs will use their lived experience and understanding of their communities to develop practical responses to health and care challenges.
“We were struck by the commitment shown during the process. Over the next year, they will work with scientists, engineers, health professionals and industry partners to take their ideas forward.
“This work epitomises our University’s civic mission – to push boundaries in science and technology while addressing the real needs of our communities.”
More than 200 people from across the Liverpool City Region applied to take part. Following a CV-free application process and pitching workshops, the chosen entrepreneurs announced their plans this week.
Each will receive a Real Living Wage salary, seed funding and year-long support to grow their venture.
Those selected include Sean Bailey from Runcorn, who is developing MySleepHealth, an AI-guided digital platform for people with autism, ADHD, insomnia and shift work disorder.
From south Liverpool, Faye Boswell is creating Sensified Spaces, a Tripadvisor-style tool to help neurodivergent people navigate sensory experiences in public places.
Ceara Byrne from Formby is leading Laurel’s Wood CIC, which manages a 16-acre woodland providing nature-based activities to improve mental health.
Also selected is Lorcan McGuinness from Childwall who is working on Guided Robotics, systems designed for hospital use that reduce contagion and biohazard exposure while improving patient outcomes.
The programme launched at Central Tech, a new innovation hub where participants will be based.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Liverpool City Region cabinet member for innovation, said: “The Life Sciences Innovation Zone was set up to drive the sector and the city region economy in a way that not only creates jobs, training and prosperity but also embraces the creativity and innovation of our residents, while improving health and care outcomes.
“I’m excited to see how these projects develop over the next year and how they will benefit the communities that these entrepreneurs are part of.”
Participants will receive support from the University of Liverpool’s Civic Health Innovation Labs and Virtual Engineering Centre, as well as guidance from dedicated business advisors.
They will be able to test assumptions with potential buyers, build their brand, integrate technology and connect with investors.
Unsuccessful applicants will be offered lighter support, with a networking event planned for October 2025.
