MAA Programme – Frequently Asked Questions
You will find a list of frequently asked questions and our answers to them about our NHS Market Access Accelerator Programme below. If there’s anything you’re unsure about or if you still have questions, please contact Rowan Mould, Start-Up Accelerator Manager, via [email protected]
How long is the programme?
The accelerator runs for 6-months from June to November, however MAA companies enjoy support from TheHill beyond the end of the programme, either through from our innovation engagement team or through our Alumni Programme (with link in future).
How much time do I need to dedicate to the programme?
Programme sessions run fortnightly, with a break over August. Each programme day typically runs from 10:00-16:00, with a break for lunch. This is subject to change and will be confirmed before the start of the programme. You will also need to make time to engage with relevant clinical and/or operational staff as part of the innovation engagement stream of work.
What is included in the programme?
Participants in the MAA receive over 100 hours of specialised support from senior leaders at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), leading professional services partners, and key decision-makers across the wider NHS and innovation ecosystem. This includes mentorship from healthcare leaders and founders throughout the duration of the programme and the support of a dedicated programme manager and the wider team at TheHill. Each company also has the opportunity to engage with TheHill’s innovation engagement team to help them engage with clinical and non-clinical staff at OUH and work to understand your fit within an acute setting within the NHS.
Is the programme in person?
The programme is hybrid in that roughly half of the sessions are run in-person in Oxford, with the remaining sessions being held online. You are strongly encouraged to ensure you are able to attend all sessions to benefit fully from the programme. The programme schedule, with details of venues and topics, will be shared before the programme commences.
Is there a cost to join the programme?
There is no cash fee for joining the MAA, however, due to the long-term nature of our engagement with accelerator companies well beyond the end of the 6-month programme, OUH will take a small equity stake in each company joining the programme. . We are unable to explore any milestone-based or success-based alternatives to the equity requirement, or royalty/profit-share arrangements in lieu of the equity stake with regards to the programme. Please contact the programme manager if you would like to discuss this in more detail.
Is there any support for travel costs or other expenses?
There is no reimbursement available for travel or other costs associated with the programme.
Can international companies apply to the MAA?
We are very happy to work with international companies looking at the UK market and have typically had international companies on most of the MAA cohorts in previous years. You will still be expected to attend in-person sessions in Oxford, despite being based abroad.
What stage of companies can apply to the programme?
The MAA has been designed for companies who have done some early validation of their innovation and looking to build a business case to support the adoption of their technology. However, we have worked with companies who are earlier in the product development journey who have benefitted from insights provided through the programme in building more impactful products. We are flexible when it comes to product maturity, however you will need to have a registered company to take up a place on the programme and your innovation will need to have (or the potential to have) a measurable impact on patients and/or staff in the NHS.
Do you have any specific focus areas?
We are interested in companies that can positively impact patients and staff within the NHS. We regularly engage with frontline staff to identify pressing needs areas, which guides our selection decisions.
Does TheHill or OUH provide funding or invest in companies?
TheHill works directly with founders to identify potential grant and/or investment opportunities, but does not provide or guarantee direct funding to companies.
Who has previously been on your programme?
We have worked with over 60 companies since the start of the MAA, many of whom have gone on to raise significant investment, such as Oxford Cancer Analytics and achieve widespread adoption in the NHS. You can find out more about our alumni here.
What is the interview process?
We review applications on a rolling basis, with the potential of closing the application window early should the cohort be filled. Once your application has been received, our team will review the application and create a shortlist of companies who will be invited to interview. Founders are interviewed by a panel consisting of TheHill team, senior OUH commercial leaders, as well as members of relevant clinical and/or operational teams, after which offers are made for places on the programme.
How can I find out more information about the programme?
For more information, please contact TheHill’s Accelerator Manager, Rowan Mould at [email protected]