Start your health innovation journey with Thrive
Start your business with Thrive: tailored support for early-stage health and wellbeing innovators.
Are you an early-stage health or wellbeing start-up with a promising idea but unsure how to move forward?
Thrive is designed specifically for early-stage innovators looking to take their first steps in health and wellbeing product and service development. Whether you’re developing your first prototype or refining your value proposition, Thrive gives you the tools, knowledge and support to build a solid foundation.
What Thrive offers:
- A structured programme tailored to pre- and early-stage health and wellbeing start-ups
- Expert workshops on business modelling, IP and regulation
- 1:1 mentoring from health innovation and commercialisation experts
- Access to co-working space, offices, networking and peer support
- Opportunities to pitch and showcase your idea
Who it is for:
- Entrepreneurs, clinicians and researchers at concept or prototype stage
- Start-ups in the early phases of product development
- Founders looking to validate their idea in the health or wellbeing market
From Idea to Impact
Why join Thrive?
We understand the challenges of starting out in health innovation.
Thrive is here to help you move with clarity and confidence – connecting you with the people, tools and resources to get your idea investor-ready and commercially viable.
Applications for our next Thrive cohort are now closed.
You can apply for our next Thrive cohort starting in Autumn 2026 below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for Thrive?
Thrive is open to early-stage health and wellbeing businesses based in West Yorkshire, up to 12 months old and with less than 5 employees . If you're developing an innovative product, service or idea in this sector, you may be eligible. Get in touch with our team to discuss your fit – huddshealthinnovation@kirklees.gov.uk
How do I apply for Thrive?
Thrive is part of the Huddersfield Health Innovation Incubator - to access this support you will need to first register for this programme - membership is free. You can apply by completing this short application form. We recommend contacting us first for an informal chat to make sure the programme is right for your business.
Are the events in person or online?
Thrive includes a mix of in-person and online sessions. Core workshops are usually delivered in person to support collaboration and peer learning, while some optional sessions may be held online for flexibility.
Do I need to have a registered business to apply?
No - Thrive is designed for both individuals with early-stage ideas and newly registered businesses. We can support you from the concept stage through to launch and beyond.
Is there a cost to join Thrive?
No - Thrive is fully funded, so there is no cost to participants. Places are limited and subject to eligibility.
What kind of support does Thrive include?
Thrive offers tailored workshops, 1:1 mentoring, expert input from across the sector, and access to wider support through our ecosystem. It’s designed to help you validate your idea, build confidence and prepare for growth.
When does the next Thrive cohort start?
Cohorts typically start in the autumn (October) and spring (April). Follow us on LinkedIn to be notified about upcoming dates.
Get In Touch
Based in West Yorkshire and working in – or moving into – health and wellbeing innovation?
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you are just starting out or want to collaborate and grow, HHII has the expertise and connections to help you succeed.
The Huddersfield Health Innovation Incubator (HHII) is being delivered as a partnership between Kirklees Council, the University of Huddersfield and 3M Buckley Innovation Centre. It is being funded through the West Yorkshire Investment Zone, a set of funding schemes that focus on developing innovation infrastructure and support programmes in the region.
