Health and social technology start-up firms will be given a fast-track thanks to a Bradford-based enterprise support programme.

The Northern Market Access Accelerator, also known as Northern MAX, is an intensive development programme which will provide start-ups with the latest technological advice, product development and business modelling support. The scheme has been funded by Bradford Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

The programme was unveiled at the Smart Cities World Congress, a world-leading innovation conference in Barcelona, which puts Bradford firmly on the global health innovation map.

A group of 20 firms will start on Northern MAX from January next year, which will be run in Little Germany by the University of Bradford’s Digital Health Enterprise Zone and Innov8tive Minds, who have extensive global experience in delivering innovation and entrepreneurial support.

The intensive 12-week fast track accelerator programme will help firms with new business customer introductions, management mentoring and access to finance and investment.

Participating companies will also be able to test their new products with GPs, clinicians and commissioners from NHS and private health and care providers.

The programme will help managers to secure finance and contracts by training them in effective pitching techniques and introducing them to valuable investors and customers.

Northern MAX is part of a European Regional Development Fund AD:VENTURE Business Support Programme, which is designed for businesses with high growth ideas and up to three years of trading.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, the Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “This is an incredibly exciting programme for Bradford and our partners across the Leeds City Region.”

Applications for Northern MAX need to be submitted by Wednesday, December 13.

Go to ad-venture.org.uk/northernmax to apply or for more information.