Anne Trainor, Client Executive, Life & Health Sciences.
Driving innovation | Northern Ireland entrepreneurs at the forefront of healthcare solutions
The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP) continues to be remarkably successful in driving innovation and implementing new initiatives within the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom.
The programme is open to both clinical and non-clinical staff within the NHS and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland (HSCNI). It provides support, skills and financial resources to help healthcare professionals develop innovations to improve processes and enhance patient care.
We work with the Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland (HIRANI) to deliver the CEP here in Northern Ireland. Since 2022 we have funded 19 healthcare entrepreneurs including hospital doctors, general practitioners, nurses, social workers, dentists and clinical psychologists. Many of these professionals have successfully turned their innovative ideas into ground-breaking solutions that are revolutionising patient care.
One standout participant is Dr. Tufayl Hannan. He joined the CEP to improve his entrepreneurial skills and build connections within the NHS. Today he is the co-founder of Gnashers, a sustainable oral care company that produces toothpaste and mouthwash in tablet form, reducing plastic waste in landfill and oceans.
I joined the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme because I believe that innovation is the key to elevating healthcare to new heights. It’s a unique opportunity for those who are passionate about making a difference, and the programme brings those visions to life in a practical and impactful way. Through innovation, we can all make a positive difference to healthcare and the planet, one idea at a time.
Dr. Tufayl Hannan
The CEP is recognised both locally and nationally as a catalyst for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs. Ongoing collaboration aims to inspire even more professionals to develop innovative ideas that could transform healthcare, not only in Northern Ireland but globally.
For more information, please visit Invest NI | NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme
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