It’s no surprise to anyone that startup accelerators are continually cropping up across Europe. There are now well over 100 programs accepting applications in the region.
It’s definitely a crowded space and not an easy one to navigate, especially if you’re a budding entrepreneur.
Although it’s difficult to keep count of all accelerators focusing on digital health (because new ones are popping up and ceasing to exist all the time), I’ve counted 23 accelerators in Europe that might be interesting for entrepreneurs operating in the world of digital health.
Here’s the list, categorised by location of the program:
Finland
FICHe (FIWARE Accelerator Programme) – more information
This is an initiative that challenges startups to develop applications and businesses in the eHealth market using FIWARE technology. There are several acceleration phases and the participants have a chance to land up to €217,000 in financial support.
Vertical Accelerator – more information
This 4-month program takes place in Finland and targets young digital health and wellness startups.
Health Innovation Village at GE – more information
Health Innovation Village is a platform, supported by GE, for startups that want to network, innovate and grow. Though there’s no official website yet, you can learn more about the initiative through their Facebook and Twitter.
Italy
BioUpper – more information
BioUpper is an acceleration platform for startups in the field of life science that operate in the Italian market.
Wellness Accelerator – more information
Powered by Italian fitness equipment manufacturer Technogym, the Wellness Accelerator is a 4-month program targeting the areas of health, fitness and wellness.
Germany
Bayer Grants4Apps – more information
From mobile apps to wearables, this program takes place in Berlin and is looking for health technologies or IT solutions beyond the ideation phase.
EyeFocus Accelerator – more information
This accelerator has a particular emphasis on startups and later-stage companies developing a product for preventing, curing or living with eye disease.
Helios Hub – more information
Berlin-based Helios Hub is an accelerator offering a platform for digital health technologies that benefit patients, improve treatment processes or concern the German healthcare system.
Medtec Europe Start-Up Academy – more information
This program focuses on startups developing ideas in the medtech industry.
Merck Accelerator – more information
Located in Darmstadt, Germany, the Merck Accelerator looks to support ideas in the areas of healthcare, health IT and science.
Startupbootcamp – more information
Rumor has it that Startupbootcamp will be rolling out a program focusing on digital health in Berlin. Keep an eye out for updates.
EIT Digital – more information
Although it’s not stated on the website, startups who have taken part in the annual Health and Wellbeing Challenge through the EIT Network tell me that winners receive 3-months of free office space in Berlin and a monetary prize that doesn’t come with any conditions.
The Netherlands
Rockstart Digital Health Accelerator – more information
Rockstart’s digital health program is located in Nijmegen, in the Netherlands, and lasts for 180 days.
Spain
Moebio – more information
Moebio provides a number of programs with the goal of accelerating healthcare and entrepreneurship.
CREA (TSB) – more information
Emprende In Health (UnLtd Spain) – more information
Sweden
Frogleap Accelerator – more information
Frogleap accelerator offers healthcare startups a 6-month program in Stockholm.
Healthy Habits – more information
Based in Lund, Sweden, Healthy Habits is a startup accelerator focusing on digital health.
United Kingdom
Atlantic Accelerator – more information
Cambridge-based Atlantic Accelerator focuses on medical solutions and technologies that improve patient care.
Dotforge Health + Data – more information
Dotforge offers a program to support startups creating health and wellbeing applications.
DigitalHealth.London Accelerator – more information
Launching today, the DigitalHealth.London Accelerator wants to bring together digital health SMEs and healthcare providers to develop and deliver innovations that tackle patient and clinician issues.
Healthbox – more information
Healthbox Studios offers a platform to help breed healthcare startups for growth
Cross-border programs
Accelerace Life – more information
With a focus on life science and health tech businesses, Accelerace Life runs two programs – one for the Baltic Nordic Region (Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania) and Nordic High Growth Entrepreneurship (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden).
If you know of any more programs in Europe that aren’t included in the list, feel free to comment below!
Also read:
Health 2.0 in Europe – Here’s 35 startups to watch (June 2014)
Clue founder Ida Tin talks about female health, funding and company culture
Meet Nuritas, the Irish biotech startup data-mining food to find new health ingredients
Featured image credit: Sergio Stakhnyk / Shutterstock
