NIA to launch new cohort of fellows at Rewired 2026

The NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) will launch its latest cohort of fellows at Digital Health Rewired 2026, showcasing new health technologies and exploring what it takes to scale innovation across the NHS.

Taking place on 25 March 2026 on the Digital and Data stage, the session will feature 24 quick-fire pitches from the new fellows, followed by a panel discussion examining how the health innovation landscape has evolved over the past decade.

The NIA was established to support promising health innovations to spread across the health and care system. In its first 10 years, more than 3,000 NHS sites have adopted solutions from NIA fellows, generating over 1,200 jobs and more than £220m in investment.

The session will also feature 24 quick-fire pitches from the new fellows either side of a candid discussion on what the NHS expects from innovators.

Mindy Simon, co-director of the NIA, said in a recent blog post: that said the expectations placed on innovators working with the NHS have shifted over the last 10 years.

“Innovation is no longer peripheral to the NHS — it’s central to its survival.

“Solutions must prove real value, reduce pressure on the workforce and fit the operational realities of the system. That’s what determines whether something spreads,” Simon wrote.

The Rewired session will bring together NHS leaders, policymakers and innovators to reflect on what has been learned about adoption, evidence and system readiness.

Confirmed speakers include Chris Laing, chief executive of UCLPartners; David Lawson, director of medical technology and innovation at the Department of Health and Social Care; Mayur Vibhuti, GP and chief clinical information officer at NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board; and Lindsey Hughes, director of research and engagement at the innovation, research and life sciences group at NHS England.

Chris Marsom, head of marketing at Digital Health, said: “Innovation is a key part of the show’s mission, bringing together NHS IT leaders and emerging health tech innovators to scale solutions that improve patient outcomes and support the workforce.

“Come and join us in person when the new NIA fellows are revealed. You’ll hear about their start-up journeys and how they plan to transform healthcare.”

Digital Health Rewired 2026 takes place on 24-25 March at the NEC Birmingham and will feature more than 300 speakers over multiple stages.

The Access Group and Optum are co-headline sponsors for the event and will also sponsor the Integrated Care and Digital Transformation stages respectively.

NHS, public sector, charities, research and education can attend for free. Commercial tickets start from £769+VAT. There is a 20% discount on group bookings. Book your place here.

Mindy Simon was a guest on the Digital Health Unplugged alongside Jack Porter, co-director of the NIA, discussing how the NHS can attract more innovators from underrepresented groups.