SPARK the Midlands: Translating ideas into Impact

​This interactive session will introduce the SPARK the Midlands Programme (as outlined below) and launch the next cohort applications round.

​SPARK the Midlands

​The first UK branch of Stanford's SPARK programme, bridging medical research and real-world patient care. Run by Aston University in partnership with Forging Ahead and previously the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator. Launched January 2024.

​What it offers: Expert guidance on medical device, drug and diagnostic development, plus the support and network to move research from bench to bedside. Support runs for 2 years total — six months of onboarding (TPP, roadmap and derisking)  followed bespoke support, with monthly cohort meetings.

​Who can apply: Midlands-based researchers with a therapeutic, device, or diagnostic addressing an unmet clinical need that will eventually require regulatory approval for clinical applications.