NCL Technology Ventures (NCL) launched a a three-year programme that will look to encourage medical innovation within the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) area in partnership with Maidstone Borough Council (MBC).

The South-East Innovation programme (SE-IP) will assist early stage companies with pioneering technologies that aim to make a significant impact to people’s lives. The South-East Innovation Programme is part funded by the European Union Regional Development Fund 2014 – 2020.

Over 150 companies will be given the opportunity to receive a package of specialist training from NCL, that will help to prepare them for entering the healthcare market. Training will be free of charge and include all aspects of developing a commercially viable business, from concept through to investment and market entry. NCL will be supported by a number of regional and national specialists, including local academic and public health institutions.

Companies must either be located within the SELEP covering Kent, Medway, Essex, East Sussex, Southend and Thurrock or consider moving to the area prior to the programme. Each company will need to demonstrate that they have a viable technology or service proposition. Companies can focus on any part of the healthcare market including health, life science and MedTech.

The programme will coincide with the planned opening of the Maidstone Innovation Centre in Autumn 2021. MBC are aiming to attract a number of SMEs to the new site as a result of the SE-IP and as part of a plan to see the site become a centre of excellence for medical innovation.  The programme is expected to create 270 new jobs and generate £120m of gross value added to the local economy over the next decade, also part funded by the European Union Regional Development Fund 2014 – 2020.

NCL Technology Ventures is a specialist health technology investor, with UK offices in both London and Kent. NCL has backed some of the most promising health technology companies and has a wealth of experience in developing market leading businesses. SMEs that complete the SE-IP programme will be considered for investment from NCLs Health Technology Fund.

The programme is open for entry on a first come first served basis. Interested companies should contact Graham Hutchins at se-ip@ncltv.co.uk