Launchpad Programme

2026/27 applications will open on Monday 6th October 2025

What is Launchpad?

Launchpad is a part-time, free, six-month incubator programme that helps passionate people to de-risk, validate and pitch their dementia innovation product ideas. 

The 2026/27 programme will kick off on the 9th of February 2026. 

Launchpad could help you to: 

• Identify and find your customer base
• Validate your product idea with people living with dementia and systems experts
• Develop a deep understanding of the problem space through immersive placements in health and social care settings
• Create and/or develop your business model and go-to-market strategy
• Sell into health and social care settings
• Create a robust business pitch to sell the value of your idea to investors, partners and/or customers

You will benefit from: 

• 1:1 coaching from a business mentor
• 1:1 coaching from a dementia systems mentor
• In-person networking events
• Business skills development masterclasses delivered in partnership with leading experts
• The opportunity to pitch your product to expert networks to secure first customers, follow-on funding, and pilot sites
• Access to people living with dementia and health and social care professionals to validate ideas

Who can apply to Launchpad? 

This is a safe space for game-changing ideas powered by ambitious entrepreneurs, technologists and dementia experts. We will hold your hand as you turn un-tested and un-refined ideas into convincing commercial propositions. All you need is a passion for transforming the lives of those living with dementia and an appetite for building a commercial enterprise. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

The support package is free and will run part-time for six months. 

We expect that applicants can devote a minimum of one day per week to programme content and business activities. 

We hope that these ideas continue to be developed beyond the support period and go on to change the dementia product landscape. However, we also recognise the value of a safe, no-strings environment to experiment with novel ideas. As a result, there are no expectations of continued activity beyond this six month support package. 

Application Process

For the 2026/27 cohort applications will be accepted between 6th of October and 28th of November 2025.

All applications are reviewed upon submission and successful applicants are invited to the next scheduled interview panel day. 

We encourage early submission as places are limited and we reserve the right to close the call early. 

Please direct any questions about launchpad to our inbox at [email protected]