Solent: Health entrepreneurs invited to free SETsquared training programme

Health entrepreneurs across Hampshire, Dorset, Isle of Wight and South Wiltshire have just under a week left to apply for a new free training programme which will help them turn their ideas into businesses.

Applications for SETsquared and Wessex AHSN’s Health Innovation Programme close on March 30 and those behind the course are urging entrepreneurs and university researchers to apply.

Hampshire has a history of developing hugely successful health businesses. Among them is Primerdesign, which started life at SETsquared’s Innovation Centre at Southampton Science Park. Having already developed the world’s first swine flu testing kit, it has been instrumental in the fight against Ebola with its technology which can test for Ebola in just 90 minutes.

At the University of Southampton, an allied health research team led by professor of restorative neuroscience Jane Burridge, has made significant advances in developing and evaluating technologies to aid the recovery of movement and independence in stroke patients.

This has directly translated into clinical practice and home use, benefiting many patients both in this country and abroad. In particular, the team has conducted a series of studies into combining electrical stimulation with robot therapy, demonstrating measurable improvement in stroke patients, as well as financial feasibility.

Simon Bond, innovation director at SETsquared, which is running the course, said: “The University of Southampton, with its exceptional specialism in health research and education, makes Hampshire a breeding ground for innovation in this sector. Everyday researchers are developing incredible new technologies and ideas that could change lives and have huge commercial potential.

“This free programme will help people to progress those ideas and develop their entrepreneurial skills, which will help them to make that potential a reality.”

Stewart Dunn, CEO of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “The launch of this programme is fantastic news for Hampshire’s economy. There is a wealth of important research and development being done on our doorstep and if we are able to provide the people behind it with the skills to commercialise their ideas we could see an increase in the number of successful start-ups contributing to the local economy.”

To apply for a free place visit the SETsquared website.