The Advanced Wellbeing Accelerator works with start-ups and SMEs to support their research and develop and test innovative health and wellbeing products

The cutting-edge facility, based at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC), offers state-of-the-art laboratories, business support packages and specialist facilities. These are all designed to help bring products to market much more quickly and improve the quality of life for people in Sheffield and beyond.

In 2019, the government invested £20 million in 20 University Enterprise Zones (UEZs) delivered by Research England, part of UK Research and Innovation. The UEZs will help universities stimulate growth in their local economies, providing vital support for innovative new companies and creating jobs in emerging industries.

The Wellbeing Accelerator

The Wellbeing Accelerator is Sheffield Hallam’s £900,000 UEZ, based at the AWRC. It will help strengthen Sheffield Hallam’s role as a strategic partner for local businesses and the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Wellbeing Accelerator houses over 3,000 square meters of specialist facilities including 3D printers and laser cutters for development and rapid prototyping, laboratories for product testing, a clinical research centre and support networks.

It provides incubator space for start-ups and SMEs to intensively develop their medical devices and applications. It will speed up the research, development and testing process of products, bringing them to market quickly and linking them with collaborators.

The Wellbeing Accelerator, located in Darnall, east of Sheffield, is already having a positive impact on the community, with occupants and students from local schools, businesses and community organisations taking part in product development, testing and evaluation activities.