The programme looks to build entrepreneurial skills among clinical and non-clinical staff in the NHS, and invites applications from Scottish healthcare innovators to participate. 

Applications open 2 October and will welcome doctors, dentists, healthcare scientists, nurses and midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists, medical students, managers, and administrative or clerical staff who are interested.

The programme offers budding entrepreneurs an opportunity to pursue innovation within their respective fields without leaving the health service. The year-long curriculum gives them a chance to learn about setting up and running a small business through the help of expert mentoring, networking and training. 

While funding for Scottish applicants is being finalised, those interested can complete an expression of interest form. They can also participate in CEP prep sessions until September to gain more insight into the program. 

This is the second successive year Scottish healthcare professionals can enter the programme. So far, 12 NHS staff from across Scotland have been selected to take part. 

Head of project management at InnoScot Health, Gillian Henderson said: “The CEP is the biggest entrepreneurial workforce development programme of its kind and to date has supported over 1000 innovators to develop their ideas to date. Key aims, which we fully support, include allowing entrepreneurs and creative thinkers to pursue their innovation without having to leave the health service.

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“The programme also supports the healthcare workforce to develop and scale innovative ideas for the benefit of patients, staff and the wider NHS, while helping them to hone the skills, knowledge and experience needed to successfully share solutions for the challenges facing the NHS.

“With the arrival of a new cohort soon, our aim will be to make a valuable contribution to the success of Scottish participants by lending our own innovation expertise and support alongside other key organisations. In the meantime, we’d suggest getting application ready by catching up on, and registering for, the online prep sessions.