Why did you choose to apply for the AWRC’s Wellbeing Accelerator?

We are often approached by accelerators, but all too often they’re providing an off-the-shelf package that didn't align well enough with our strategic objectives. We wanted to add product specific research and clinical validation to our focus on preventative and holistic health and I am very confident the AWRC will support us with this objective.

The AWRC Wellbeing Accelerator approach seemed different straight away; it’s led by experts in the field, routed in sport, and like us they follow the latest research and believe strongly in the link between physical and mental wellbeing, showing clear synergies with the accelerator and my business. The fact that it offers a bespoke service is really what makes the difference. That coupled with the expertise in the University is what makes it so impactful.

Tell me about your journey so far in the programme…

Firstly, the mentors are great. Getting to know them through the coffee socials and other virtual events have been fantastic. The only downside is that you have so many mentors available, it was a little difficult to find the right mentors to support our KPIs. Simon, Ryan, Terry, and the entire support group has been invaluable, and I really like Terry’s approach in helping us find the right fit for our research project. Terry took the time to understand HERO and our needs. He helped us work through realistic KPIs and to define what success would look like for us. 

Overall, it’s clear that the guys in the team really care. Their passion really comes through.

What’s next for HERO?

We are finalising our outcomes (KPIs) with Terry and Alice (one of the researchers working on our project). Then, we will be working together to prioritise where to use the £20k funding. Terry and Alice are also identifying other researchers to support the project, as soon as our KPIs are firmed up. I’m looking forward to that.

In the long term, how will the accelerator benefit HERO?

The accelerator will open new avenues for us to access a wider market. Clinical validation will become unlocked and we will hopefully become a trusted partner of the NHS. We also aim to grow our business across other locations within the UK and internationally.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I’m so grateful to be involved in the Wellbeing Accelerator. I’ve had great experiences so far and I can’t praise the team enough. They’ve all been so approachable and supportive – it’s clear they want the best outcomes for HERO. I’m looking forward to defining our outcomes and seeing how we progress over the coming months. I would recommend the programme to anyone looking to take their wellbeing product to the next level.

About the AWRC Wellbeing Accelerator

The AWRC Wellbeing Accelerator is a rolling programme running from April 2020 to March 2021 that supports startups, academics, and businesses working in wellbeing with mentoring, sector expertise and specialist facilities. 

In phase 1 of the programme, from April to July 2020 we recruited 3 cohorts of 5 startups to the programme. In the second phase, from September, we will recruit a further 9 startups to the programme across 2 cohorts: one in September and one in November.

The Wellbeing Accelerator at the AWRC is one of 20 University Enterprise Zones (UEZs), launched with a £20 million investment delivered by Research England, part of UK Research and Innovation. The Accelerator's aim is to increase the likelihood of, and reduce the timescales for, innovations to be brought to market through a period of intensive testing and development.

The AWRC, which forms the centrepiece of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the population through innovations that help people move. Its mission is to prevent and treat chronic disease through co-designed research into physical activity – whilst also attracting new jobs and investment to the region.

If you are a start-up working on a wellbeing innovation and want to apply to be on the AWRC Wellbeing Accelerator programme please apply here: application form.