From early-stage ideas to new start-ups, Thrive has helped entrepreneurs transform ambition into action. As we look back on a successful first year, we’re recognising the achievements of participants and the positive difference the programme has made.
Thrive is a fully funded, specialist start up programme supporting health, wellbeing and life science innovator and entrepreneurs at an early stage of their innovation journey. It is part of the Huddersfield Health Innovation Incubator (HHII), and is run in partnership with Kirklees Council, the University of Huddersfield and 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3MBIC).
The first Thrive cohort delivered as part of the HHII programme began in October 2025, supporting 17 entrepreneurs through a structured programme of workshops, mentoring and presentation to their fellow participants, professionals and mentors. Participants also benefitted from funded co working space at The Glass Box, creating a collaborative environment where ideas could be tested and refined.
Building on this success, a new group of budding entrepreneurs have joined the second Thrive programme which started in April 2026.
David Shepherd, Executive Director for Place, said:
“The ongoing demand for Thrive from early stage start-ups is testament to the success of the programme to date. Thrive is a key part of wider regional efforts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the health and wellbeing sector across West Yorkshire, and complements wider plans to establish a health innovation district in the Station to Stadium Enterprise Corridor, anchored by the University’s National Health Innovation Campus.
“Each Thrive participant is assigned a dedicated mentor, carefully selected to provide tailored guidance aligned with their individual business needs. This personalised support ensures that participants receive the expertise required to advance their projects.
“As many founders are at the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey, Thrive provides a structured environment to turn their ideas into a sustainable business, help them grow and provide opportunities to expand their workforce and create more jobs the area.”
Sonya Braddock, Founder of Mindfit, was from the first Thrive cohort programme. Sonya’s business, delivers mental fitness and performance training for individuals, leaders, and organisations who want to think clearer, manage pressure better, and perform at their best without burning out. Sonya (pictured below) said:
“I joined Thrive because I reached a point where I knew I needed more than passion and instinct. I’m confident in the value and impact of my work, but as a first-time business owner I wanted clarity, strategy, and a solid framework to build something sustainable. I also wanted to meet other like-minded people who were also on this journey. The standout part of this experience for me has been working with my business mentor. He’s helped me make sense of my messaging, sharpen my focus, and put structure and strategy around my vision. The clarity I now have around direction, planning, and next steps has been transformative, and the value of that support can’t be overstated.”
Kate Hemingway Media Limited specialises in the production of high-impact, human-feature video content. She transforms complex narratives into authentic, strategic stories for charities, businesses, individuals and organisations. Kate (pictured below) said:
“I joined Thrive with a clear objective: to accelerate the growth of the healthcare arm of my business. My goal was to leverage my 20 years of broadcast experience to meet the unique storytelling needs of this sector. This is an area in which I have worked extensively. I have found that people in healthcare settings have compelling stories to tell, but need a trusted vehicle and platform on which to deliver them.
“Since joining, I have built a robust network of fellow entrepreneurs and innovators. Thrive isn’t just ‘networking’ – it has already translated into tangible collaborations and multiple high-value project opportunities.
“Thrive has been instrumental in helping me establish a solid commercial foundation. It has provided a unique insight into the needs and opportunities within the health sector, alongside the clarity and professional community needed to transition from a corporate media career to a thriving, independent business venture.”
For more information on Thrive and the HHII programme, visit the Huddersfield Health Innovation Incubator website.
