Startup support for clinicians, healthcare professionals, and medtech innovators
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Techscaler is partnering with the Chief Scientist Office to support the development of skills that will fast-track ideation and growth of innovative health solutions.
Suitable for:
>> Medical and care workers
>> NHS and private healthcare professionals
>> Academic and industry health professionals
>> Medtech and Healthtech founding teams
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What are the CSO Regional Innovation Hubs?
NHS Scotland has three Regional Innovation Hubs located in the North, West, and South East regions. These Regional Innovation Hubs play a vital role in connecting and supporting the "triple helix model" for innovation opportunities as part of the national innovation network in NHS Scotland.
The Chief Scientist Office (CSO) is an integral part of the Scottish Government's Health and Social Care directorate. Its primary responsibility is to guide health research, innovation, and progress in Scotland. The CSO takes a lead role in bringing together NHS Scotland Boards to function collectively in an effort to make Scotland a hub for health research, development, and innovation. Additionally, the CSO works in partnership with academia and the life sciences sector to ensure the growth and prosperity of Scotland's life sciences industry.
If you apply and join Techscaler as a business operating in the health and medical industry, you may be invited to receive additional support from your local CSO Regional Innovation Hub. Please note that the support offered by the CSO Regional Innovation Hubs is at their discretion.
"Transformational innovations for the NHS"
“I welcome this collaboration, which will result in transformative innovations for the NHS and help to ensure that Scotland is the best location for life sciences companies.”
Anna Dominiczak
Chief Scientific Advisor for Health
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If you're curious about startups and how to turn an innovative idea into a solution that can help solve a problem for patients, and / or the NHS, then the Techscaler Community is for you.
Meetups & events
Hosted meetups, events, common spaces, and in-person gatherings allow you to surround yourself with fellow founders in a startup environment. Connections made along the startup journey give you a network of like-minded people to learn from and lean on.
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If you are a founder of an existing healthtech or medtech spinout or viable company, or if you are currently collaborating with the Regional Innovation Hubs, Techscaler has tailored support, education, and flexible workspace to help you grow and scale your tech startup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Startup First Steps sessions will be highly collaborative, balancing lectures from industry experts, founders at different stages of the startup journey, as well as practical activities and group discussions to apply session teachings.
I’m not based in Scotland or Scottish, can I access the NHS Test Beds?
Techscaler and its education offerings have been funded as part of the Scottish Government's commitment to creating, developing and scaling tech startups in Scotland. Techscaler welcomes participants from all nationalities, however, they must be based in Scotland to be eligible.
When is the Startup First Steps Cohort?
First cohort begins 19th April 2023, and runs for 10 weeks until 21st June 2023. There will also be an onboarding event before the course commences on the 12th April 2023. Applications close at midday on Wednesday, 5th April 2023. Eligible applicants will need to enrol by midnight on Sunday 9th April 2023.
What does the course cost, will I have to give up some equity?
The courses is completely free. You will not be asked for any equity in your business.
I don’t have a business idea yet, can I take part or should I wait until I have an idea?
Startup First Steps is most suited for prospective founders who already have an idea as to a sector/market/problem that they could build a startup in. Techscaler offers another self-paced online course, Startup Basics, which covers fundamental ideas and topics relevant for both current and prospective founders.
How much time per week should I expect to dedicate to this programme?
The programme’s 10 sessions take place on a weekly basis, every Wednesday, from 1pm to 4pm. Additionally, participants should also set aside appropriate time per week (around 2h-5h) to apply session learnings to their own startup idea.
Are there mentorship opportunities for programme participants?
You don’t need to be on one of our courses to get access to mentorship. There are fully funded mentorship opportunities available through Techscaler membership, providing guidance and support from experts, including industry operators, educators, founders and investors.
What accessibility accommodations are made for participants with additional requirements?
- If you are unable to access one of our Hubs to attend in person, you are able to attend online. Zoom Closed Captions (CC) will be available for live sessions.
- All session recordings will include subtitles, and any other videos shared before and after sessions will have subtitles available too.
- Slides will be available to download via the programme page after each session.
- Speakers are briefed on relevant accessibility points in advance of each session e.g. if we have a deaf participant, speakers will use the participant’s portable microphone if they have one.
- Access to Techscaler sites varies, but once you have applied we would be happy to discuss any further access requirements you have with you.
If you have specific accessibility needs, please flag this in your application and share as much detail as you are comfortable. Our education programmes team is committed to extending the opportunity for all participants with accessibility requirements to have a conversation with a member of our team to assess how we can best support you in advance.
Is this limited only to companies who intend to seek investment?
Our programmes welcome any eligible founders, including bootstrappers, regardless of their investment intentions.
Do I have to be a Techscaler member to take part?
Yes, in order to access any Techscaler courses or resources, you must first have Techscaler membership. Membership is free, apply here.
Do I pay for my own travel if I want to attend the live classes?
Yes, you will need to pay for your own travel.
Will there be meetups for people doing the same course? Will founders know who else is on the course?
Yes
What age do I need to be to access the programmes?
16
Do you take equity?
No. We do not take any equity stake in any of the businesses that take part in our education courses.
What will I not get as part of Startup First Steps?
We do not provide tech / product build resources, however, you may find someone on the course who is a collaborator in that space. We do not guarantee investment opportunities or investor connections. Our aim is to guide you towards investor-readiness.
Application form
Please fill out the Techscaler application from below to join the Techscaler membership programme if you are a founder of an existing healthtech or medtech spinout or viable company, or if you are currently collaborating with the Regional Innovation Hubs. If you're just curious about startups, join the community here.
Join the community
If you're curious about startups and how to turn an innovative idea into a solution that can help solve a problem for patients, and / or the NHS, then the Techscaler Community is for you. Looking for the Techscaler programme membership application? You can find that here.