NHSX is calling on all innovators who can support the elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating during COVID-19 to apply for government funding of up to £25,000 to test their solution.
TechForce19 was a flagship technology accelerator in the UK, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to support vulnerable populations. This initiative was created in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, NHSX (the digital unit of the UK’s National Health Service), and other organizations.
The main goal of TechForce19 was to rapidly deploy and scale new technological solutions that could help address key challenges arising from the healthcare crisis, particularly those related to isolation.
As part of the program, various startups offering innovative solutions were selected and funded. Among them were:
- Birdie: a digital platform for home care agencies, enabling better management of the care provided.
- Virti: a training platform using virtual and augmented reality to upskill NHS staff.
- Vinehealth: a mobile application to support cancer patients.
The TechForce19 program was aimed at harnessing the potential of the technology sector to help the most vulnerable groups and solve the many problems caused by social isolation during the pandemic.