Thames Freeport: Health AI Mobilisation Centre

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Innovate with Thames Freeport

The Health AI Mobilisation Centre is a flagship Thames Freeport initiative designed to accelerate the safe and effective adoption of AI technologies in primary care. Its purpose is to deploy and embed NHS-ready AI tools that improve operational efficiency, support the workforce, and enhance patient experience across GP practices. This programme will demonstrate the practical value of AI in healthcare delivery while building regional capability and laying the foundations for sustainable innovation beyond the pilot phase.

This presents an unparalleled opportunity for solution providers in health technology, AI, and digital innovation to collaborate with local authorities, NHS partners, and the wider Thames Freeport innovation ecosystem. Participants will help pilot and scale technologies that deliver measurable real-world impact shaping the future of inclusive, AI-enabled healthcare and community wellbeing across the Thames Estuary region.

Thames Freeport itself is a pioneering initiative that represents London’s most significant regeneration opportunity in a generation. Building on its role as a hub for innovation and collaboration, Thames Freeport is expanding its focus beyond trade and logistics to drive innovation in health, wellbeing, and community services.

What is the Health AI Mobilisation Centre?

The Health AI Mobilisation Centre is a pioneering initiative launching in October 2025, designed to accelerate the safe and effective deployment of artificial intelligence in primary care across Barking & Dagenham and the wider Thames Estuary region.

Operating as a dedicated innovation and delivery hub, the Centre will pilot and embed NHS-ready AI solutions that enhance operational efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and improve patient access and experience. The programme will generate real-world evidence to support NHS adoption, build workforce capability, and demonstrate a replicable model for AI-driven transformation in healthcare.

Delivered by a consortium of L Marks, PUBLIC, and Avencera, in partnership with Together First CIC and Thames Freeport, the initiative represents Thames Freeport’s ongoing commitment to driving inclusive innovation, digital skills, and health system resilience across the region.

This programme offers innovators the opportunity to test, deploy, and validate AI technologies in live primary care environments, working alongside NHS partners, local authorities, and community stakeholders to deliver measurable impact for both staff and patients.

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what we’re looking for

We’re seeking solution providers with NHS-proven or high-readiness AI solutions focused on:

1. Data Management, Capture, and Structuring

Solutions that improve how data is standardised, linked, and applied to decision-making. These solutions support predictive planning, such as demand forecasting or workforce allocation and enable GP practices to make better use of their data.

2. Optimising Services

Solutions that enhance operational efficiency across primary care,including task allocation, intelligent triage, rota and workforce optimisation,route planning, or patient follow-ups and care provision tracking. These solutions free up GP staff time on certain tasks to enable a focus on care provision.

3. Transforming Patient Experience

Solutions that enhance the patient experience of care provision. They enable more accessible and proactive care, such as virtual assistants for access and communication, self-management tools for long-term condition support, or translation and accessibility solutions for diverse communities. These solutions support how patients communicate with healthcare providers, access to care, and their perception of the overall care environment.

Successful applicants will deploy and showcase their AI solutions in live primary care settings, working closely with NHS partners, local authorities, and the Thames Freeport innovation ecosystem to generate measurable outcomes and scalable impact.

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to pilot and validate their solutions in live primary care settings, working closely with NHS partners, local authorities, and Thames Freeport’s innovation ecosystem to generate measurable outcomes and scalable impact.

Application Criteria

Following the application closing date, we will assess all eligible applications which have been submitted in accordance with the following criteria:

Feasibility

Alignment with Needs and Suitability

Scalability

Innovation

why join the programme?

The Health AI Mobilisation Centre offers a unique opportunity to deploy, test, and validate AI solutions in real NHS primary care settings. Delivered in partnership with Thames Freeport, L Marks, PUBLIC, and Avencera, the programme enables innovators to demonstrate how their technology can improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and enhance patient experience across GP practices and Primary Care Networks.

Through a structured, fast-paced process, you’ll receive expert guidance, hands-on support, and access to NHS partners to help refine and evidence your solution’s impact in live healthcare environments.

This is your chance to move beyond pilots to prove real-world value, build credibility with NHS stakeholders, and help shape the future of safe, inclusive, and scalable AI adoption in frontline care.

How the programme works

If you believe your solution aligns with our focus areas, we encourage you to apply through our online portal.

The Health AI Mobilisation Centre is delivered in partnership with all partners, whose proven innovation methodology helps partners rapidly identify, validate, and scale emerging technologies. Through expert guidance and a structured yet fast-paced process, we accelerate the deployment of NHS-ready AI solutions that enhance efficiency, improve patient and staff experiences, and build digital capability across primary care.

Stage 1 – Define Challenges

Thames Freeport and its delivery partners, L Marks, PUBLIC, and Avencera, work with NHS stakeholders and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to identify key operational challenges and unmet needs in primary care. These priorities shape the focus areas for AI adoption and pilot selection.

Stage 2 – Scout Innovative Solutions

L Marks scouts leading AI and digital health innovators from across the UK and globally. Solutions are evaluated for NHS readiness, interoperability (with EMIS/SystmOne), and alignment with the Centre’s focus areas. Shortlisted providers are invited to apply to the programme.

Stage 3 – Select and Pilot

Following application review and a selection process diving deeper into high potential applicants, we will invite three to six to take part in the Centre. These chosen innovators will then collaborate with GP practices and PCNs to deploy and test their solutions in live NHS environments. This structured pilot phase provides the opportunity to demonstrate measurable impact on efficiency, access, and workforce support.

Stage 4 – Demonstrate and Scale

The programme concludes with a Showcase and Evaluation event, where participating teams present outcomes, share learning, and explore opportunities for continued adoption and scale across the wider Thames Freeport and NHS ecosystem.

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L Marks may contact you for additional details before your application is reviewed by the programme committee.

TIMELINE

Here are the key dates of the programme (all dates are subject to change):

Applications open

4th December 2025

Applications Close

7 January 2026

Stage 1 Selection

w/c 12th January 2026

Innovators and AI solution providers are invited to apply through our online portal.

Pilot

w/c 19th January 2026 – Early March 2026

Selected AI tools deployed in participating GP surgeries, with hands-on support, training, and evaluation in live NHS environments.

Contracts awarded

w/c 24th March 2026

Final Invitation to tender will be issued early March 2026

Demonstration of pilot outcomes, insights, and opportunities for further adoption and scale across the Thames Freeport region.

Why partner with Thames Freeport?

Thames Freeport’s Health AI Mobilisation Centre brings together public, private, and health-sector partners to co-develop and scale trusted AI innovations that transform how primary care is delivered.

As part of the programme, you will:

Pilot your AI solution in live NHS environments, working directly with GP practices, Primary Care Networks, and healthcare staff.
Receive tailored feedback and mentorship from experts across digital health, data governance, and NHS innovation.
Engage directly with consortium partners, including Together First CIC, L Marks, PUBLIC, Avencera, local authorities, and Thames Freeport industry
Showcase your results and impact to decision-makers across the NHS, local government, and the wider Thames Freeport innovation
Build a robust business case and generate real-world evidence to support future NHS adoption and potential continuation beyond the pilot.

This is a practical, high-impact opportunity to demonstrate measurable value, collect real-world insights, and form lasting partnerships that can accelerate adoption and scale across the healthcare system

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Our mentors & partners

You’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team spanning Thames Freeport partners, NHS and primary care providers, and leading innovation experts from across the health and technology sectors.

Mentors and collaborators will include representatives from:

Primary Care and NHS Delivery Partners, including Together First CIC, local Primary Care Networks (PCNs), Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and local
Innovation and Delivery Experts from L Marks, PUBLIC, and Avencera, offering guidance across product validation, data governance, and NHS
Industry and Freeport Partners, providing insight into innovation, logistics, investment, and regional economic development.

Together, they provide the expertise, networks, and support needed to help innovators navigate NHS pathways, demonstrate measurable value, and scale AI-driven healthcare solutions across the Thames Estuary region.

Learn more

Delivery Partners

The Health AI Mobilisation Centre is delivered by Thames Freeport in partnership with L Marks, PUBLIC, and Avencera, combining deep expertise in innovation, health system transformation, and programme delivery.

L Marks

L Marks is the global leader in corporate innovation, trusted by many of the world’s most respected organisations to identify, validate, and implement transformative solutions. Through its network spanning over 80 countries, L Marks discovers more than 10,000 startups and scaleups annually and has enabled over 480 to pilot with

corporate partners, achieving an industry-leading deployment rate of 78%. With over a decade of experience delivering 110+ award-winning innovation programmes across Europe, North America, and Asia, L Marks brings its proven capability in designing and managing innovation programmes that deliver measurable impact.

PUBLIC

PUBLIC is a specialist consultancy working to make government and public services fit for the digital age. Combining policy expertise with cutting-edge technology insight, PUBLIC supports public sector organisations to design, procure, and implement digital and AI solutions that meet real-world needs.

Avencera

Avencera is a management consultancy with a strong track record in governance, programme assurance, and operational delivery within complex health and public-sector programmes.

FAQs

Applying

Is my business right for the Health AI Mobilisation Centre?

The Health AI Mobilisation Centre, delivered by Thames Freeport in partnership with L Marks, PUBLIC, and Avencera, gives innovators the chance to test and deploy AI solutions in live NHS primary care environments.

We’re looking for AI and digital health technologies that are already NHS-ready or close to deployment, with proven functionality and compliance in real-world healthcare settings. This first cohort will focus on high-readiness solutions that can be safely and rapidly implemented, early-stage or concept-only ideas will not be considered.

What’s the deadline for applying?

Applications close Saturday, 29 November 2025 at 11:59 pm (GMT).

Is there a minimum age?

You must be at least 18 years old to enter the Thames Freeport: Health AI Mobilisation Centre programme.

I don’t live in the UK, can I apply?

Yes. We welcome global innovators. Most collaboration happens virtually, but you’ll need to attend key in-person events in the UK (Showcase Event, and pilot deployment sessions). Please check visa requirements before applying.

Previous deployment in the NHS is preferable and please let us know if you have any concerns.

Participating

Is Thames Freeport: Health AI Mobilisation Centre different from other innovation programmes?

Yes. The Centre isn’t a long accelerator; it’s a delivery-focused, real-world pilot. You’ll:

Deploy your solution within live NHS GP and Primary Care Network (PCN)
Collaborate with experts from healthcare, local government, and digital
Gather evidence and feedback to validate real-world operational and patient impact.

What is the process?

The programme has 4 key stages:

Applications
Selection Week and deep dive calls for high potential
Programme Live (Pilot Deployment)
Showcase & Evaluation Event

See our timeline for more information.

When is the Health AI Mobilisation Centre running?

The programme runs from October 2025 to March 2026, with pilot deployments taking place from January–March 2026.

Where does the programme take place?

Pilots will run across participating GP practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in Barking & Dagenham and the wider Thames Freeport region. Planning, mentoring, and support sessions are primarily online, with in-person attendance required for key events.

Where will the mentors come from?

Mentors will include:

Healthcare and NHS partners – GP leaders, ICB representatives, and primary care experts.
Innovation and delivery specialists – from L Marks, PUBLIC, and MH&A.

What does day-to-day participation look like?

The programme is designed to help you deploy and validate your solution in a live NHS environment. You’ll work with mentors to identify a use case, integrate your technology safely, collect real-world data, and demonstrate measurable value to Thames Freeport and NHS stakeholders. Each participant’s journey is tailored to their solution’s maturity, needs, and potential impact.

Do I need to give away equity to participate?

No, participation in this programme does not require equity. However, we may ask you to keep us informed about future funding milestones.

Will Thames Freeport invest in the companies that join the programme?

They may consider investment or partnership opportunities after the pilot, depending on outcomes and strategic fit, but it isn’t guaranteed.

Are you asking for exclusivity?

No, not during the pilot phase. Future commercial agreements may include limited exclusivity within the UK or Thames Freeport area if mutually agreed. All participants sign a mutual NDA to protect confidential information.

Will I need to disclose confidential information about my business?

Only public information is required at the application stage. If selected, you’ll sign a Participation Agreement with an NDA before sharing any sensitive details.

Are you offering any travel support or assistance?

We do not cover travel expenses for programme-related activities. However, specific requests can be considered at the start of the programme.

Do I have to relocate to participate?

No, most programme activities are virtual. If you’re interested in establishing a local base within Thames Freeport, you can mention this in your application.

How many suppliers will be chosen for the lab?

We anticipate that between three and six AI and digital health solution providers will be selected to take part in the pilot phase, although this may vary depending on the quality and number of applications received.

Who is L Marks? What is their role in the innovation programme?

L Marks is a leading global innovation specialist that has created over 100 programmes with partners across Europe, Asia, and North America. Founded in 2014, they have supported world-leading organisations including BMW, Lloyd’s of London, and Sodexo, achieving a 78% deployment rate for participating start-ups. L Marks designs and delivers the innovation process, from scouting and selection to pilot support, ensuring that every participating company can validate and scale its technology effectively.

Who can I contact for questions regarding the programme or the application form? Please send your queries to scouting@lmarks.com. The L Marks team will be happy to assist you.