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Ten women with ideas for new ways of delivering healthcare in Yorkshire and the Humber are now planning their next steps after receiving support from experts in health innovation.

They showcased their plans at an event to celebrate completing a ‘Springboard’ programme provided by Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber in partnership with Amazon Web Services and sponsored by Nexus at the University of Leeds.

The innovators have developed their ideas into workable concepts, some with prototypes ready to test.

They include a new system connecting patients with healthcare provision; an app to identify patients at risk from malnutrition; and a digital platform to support bereaved families.

Rebecca Wilson, of Leeds has created Solace, a digital platform providing guidance, support and a community for those experiencing loss of all faiths for all ages.

This provides resources, education, a virtual memorial garden, kids zone and signposting to community and local services. Rebecca developed the idea after losing her sister, Tori, suddenly.

Rebecca was presented with a Springboard Growth and Momentum Award in recognition of her progress in developing the idea into a workable concept. She said:

“The programme provided me with insights and clarity, better understanding of the funding landscape from Lifted Ventures, also working through the Amazon Working Backwards model enabled me to separate my one idea into two! Solace is my core focus, for now and I’m excited to move and accelerate forward.”

A ‘Future Impact Award’ was presented to dietician Nicky Sumpter, who has created a plan for an app using AI to help clinicians identify patients at risk of malnutrition, accelerating access to expert help before their health deteriorates. Nicky said:

“Springboard has helped me to focus on my idea and it has changed a bit along the way, which has been really helpful. I’ve been given advice on how to form the plan and make sure the customer is at the pinnacle of what we are trying to achieve. I’ve had a huge amount of guidance and support which has been invaluable, it is a fantastic programme.”

Dr Hinnah Rafique is working on a stealth startup that redefines healthcare provision and access.

Hinnah, who was presented with a Springboard Emerging Innovator Award, said:

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Springboard Emerging Innovator Award alongside such inspiring women reimagining the future of healthcare.

The Springboard programme has challenged and strengthened my thinking, connecting me with mentors and partners who understand what it takes to move from idea to real-world impact. I’m excited to keep building a solution that helps people stay supported, seen and connected, while contributing to a more compassionate and sustainable healthcare system.”

All ten innovators will receive three months’ guidance from a mentor and ongoing support from Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, Amazon Web Service and Nexus.

Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber Deputy Chief Executive Kathy Scott said:

“It’s incredibly exciting to support these female innovators and hear about the ideas and solutions they are developing — ideas that have real potential to improve patient outcomes and increase efficiency across the NHS.

“The range of innovation is impressive, from digital platforms supporting the transition from hospital to community care, to a menopause app, to solutions focused on supporting the healthcare workforce.

“All of these ideas align with the NHS’s three key shifts — from hospital to community, analogue to digital, and sickness to prevention — and reflect current NHS priorities. Every one of these women has a credible, impactful solution, and we’re proud to support them on their journeys to bringing these innovations into the NHS.”

The ten innovators are:

• Rebecca Wilson – Solace
• Noshina Kiani – Hayat Health Hub (Wellness Wheel)
• Amuthalakshmi Balasubramanian – PenmaiCare
• Niamh Sullivan – Parachute Health & Wellbeing Analytics
• May Oo Moe – Health Compass
• Kausar Tahir – MeNOW Health
• Lucia Dey – Unified Cardiovascular Hub
• Hinnah Rafique – Redefining Care at a Stealth Startup
• Nicki Sumpter – Vir-Di (Virtual Dietitian)
• Zaenab Ilesanmi – Nutient