Digital therapy startup becomes first international firm to join £900k Sheffield accelerator

A £900k accelerator programme in South Yorkshire has welcomed its first international business.

Israeli digital therapy startup Selfit Medical has joined Sheffield Hallam University’s Wellbeing Accelerator programme, based at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) in Sheffield.

The Tel Aviv-based business has developed a ‘robot therapist’ for people with brain and heart disorders, guiding users through a personalised physical therapy plan by projecting movement directions and combining audio prompts with the capacity to film and review.

Selfit Medical’s acceptance onto the Sheffield accelerator programme represents its entry into the UK market, with the firm hoping to grow its presence across the country.

Shahar Figelman, CEO of Selfit Medical, commented: “We’ve been trying for some time to enter the UK healthcare and wellness markets so joining the AWRC Wellbeing Accelerator is a great opportunity for us.

“We’re excited to get access to leading scientists and clinicians via the programme and look forward to learning how to bring our technology to market in the UK.”

Simon Butler, head of the AWRC Wellbeing Accelerator, added: “We are delighted to accept Selfit Medical Ltd as the first international start-up recruited on to the programme.

“Its technology is really innovative and very timely with the issues of an ageing population, and rising levels of conditions such as stroke and Parkinson’s meaning novel solutions are required. We look forward to supporting the business to reach its goals.”