Thames Freeport: Mobile Health Innovation Platform (MHIP)

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Innovate with Thames Freeport

The Mobile Health Innovation Platform (MHIP) is a pioneering pilot programme launching in 2026 to deliver AI-enabled preventative mobile healthcare directly to underserved communities across Thurrock, Havering, and Barking & Dagenham. The pilot will run initially for up to two months, testing new models of care delivery in a mobile environment.

Through a dedicated Mobile Health Unit, MHIP will take care directly to where it’s needed most, enabling solution providers to deploy innovative, preventative health technologies tackling diabetes, hypertension, and related conditions. As a proof of concept, the pilot will generate evidence for adoption, build digital capability locally, and demonstrate a model of mobile care that can complement and strengthen existing health services.

Delivered by Thames Freeport in partnership with MH&A, PUBLIC and L Marks, the initiative reflects Thames Freeport’s broader commitment to driving innovation in health, wellbeing, and community services across the region.

As a designated Freeport zone, Thames Freeport spans the ports of Tilbury and DP World London Gateway, and Ford’s Dagenham plant, areas benefiting from targeted tax reliefs, streamlined customs, and new investment opportunities. The Freeport is expected to attract £4.5 billion in investment and create over 21,000 skilled jobs, positioning it as London’s most significant regeneration opportunity in a generation.

Through MHIP, Thames Freeport and its partners are inviting solution providers in health and care, diagnostics, and digital innovation to collaborate with Local Authorities, the NHS, pharmacies, and community networks to deliver measurable, real-world impact and shape the future of inclusive healthcare innovation.

Showcase your value across Thames Freeport

The MHIP is a real-world testbed where solution providers can deploy their digital and operational health solutions on a Mobile Health Unit.

Through the MHIP, selected solution providers will collaborate with NHS stakeholders, pharmacies, Local Authorities, and community partners in the Thames Freeport region to demonstrate their technologies in a live mobile clinic environment. This hands-on approach enables participants to gather data, validate outcomes, and demonstrate measurable improvements in accessibility, efficiency, and user experience.

The programme is designed to help solution providers showcase their innovations and pilot them in a mobile environment while contributing to Thames Freeport’s broader commitment to reducing health inequalities through technology and partnership.

Find out more below or head directly to our application portal.

Apply Here!

what we’re looking for

We are seeking solution providers addressing one or more of the following use cases:

Targeting the provision of services

Using AI and data analytics to guide route planning, identify priority neighbourhoods, and ensure resources reach underserved populations.

Diagnostics and testing for long-term conditions

Deploying AI-enabled diagnostics and digital testing tools on the Mobile Health Unit to identify and manage diabetes, hypertension, and comorbidities.

Education and follow-on support

Using digital and AI-driven tools to equip service users with knowledge and resources for sustainable self-care and ongoing health improvement.

We are seeking solution providers and technology partners developing or offering proven, scalable solutions that can:

Support MHIP use cases focused on targeting, diagnostics, or education for diabetes, hypertension, and related conditions.

Demonstrate AI-enabled or data-driven innovation suitable for mobile and community-based healthcare delivery.

Integrate effectively with NHS systems or complement community pharmacy and GP services.

Meet baseline compliance standards, including DTAC, clinical safety, and information governance.

Commit to participating in the up to two month pilot (due to finish before 31 March 2026) and contributing evidence for evaluation and potential continuation beyond the pilot.

Application Criteria

Following the application closing date, all eligible applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

Applications will be evaluated across five key areas:

Innovation

How original and transformative the solution is in addressing community health challenges, and how effectively it applies technology or new approaches to deliver impact.

Feasibility

The practicality of delivering, integrating, and operating the solution within the MHIP and wider community health setting in the necessary timescales.

Scalability

The potential for the solution to be expanded and adopted across wider NHS or community environments, demonstrating sustainability and measurable outcomes.

Value for Money

The ability of the solution to provide clear economic and social benefit relative to cost, demonstrating efficiency and long-term value.

Alignment with Needs and Suitability

How well the solution meets the defined MHIP use cases and the specific health needs of underserved populations across the Thames Freeport region.

Please note: Applicants must meet relevant regulatory requirements and compliance standards, including DTAC, clinical safety (DCB0129/DCB0160), and information governance.

Thames Freeport follows public procurement best practice to ensure a fair, transparent, and compliant process for all applicants.
Applicants will be able to submit questions. Queries received through the programme channels will be reviewed regularly, and a shared Q&A log will be maintained to ensure transparent and up-to-date responses for all applicants.
Successful applicants will work with the programme team to agree deliverables, measures of success, and how any changes will be managed.

How the programme works

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

Stage 1: Open Call & Scouting

Thames Freeport and L Marks invite solution providers from across the UK and beyond to apply with technologies that We are seeking solution providers addressing one or more of the following defined use cases. Applications are reviewed against criteria, including innovation, feasibility, scalability, and alignment with NHS and local priorities.

Stage 2: Screening & Shortlisting

The programme team reviews all applications internally and shortlists those that best meet the selection criteria and compliance standards.

Stage 3: Selection

Programme partners review proposed solutions to confirm strategic fit, operational feasibility, and potential for measurable impact. Final participants are chosen to join the MHIP and move forward to contracting

Stage 4: Pilot Delivery

Contracted solution providers deploy their technologies on the MHIP in collaboration with the NHS, primary care providers,and community partners. During this focused pilot phase, participants will:

Engage directly with Thames Freeport and delivery partners, including Local Authorities, NHS and pharmacy networks, and Freeport industry leaders.
Showcase their impact to decision-makers across Thames Freeport
Strengthen relationships with health system stakeholders to accelerate wider adoption within community health settings.

Apply Here!

TIMELINE

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

Applications open

5th November 2025 – 17:30

Applications Close

3rd December 2025 – 17:30

Selection

w/c 10th December 2025

Programme Live

w/c 14th January 2026

Final review & Partner showcase

w/c 25th March 2026

Why partner with Thames Freeport?

By joining MHIP, participants will contribute to a proof-of-concept pilot aligned with national policy priorities around integrated care and community health innovation. The programme offers a unique opportunity to test a new model of mobile, preventative healthcare that directly supports NHS and local authority ambitions to reduce health inequalities.

Pilot your solution on the MHIP, engaging directly with users, health and care professionals, and community stakeholders.
Receive tailored guidance and support from experts across health and care, technology, and logistics.
Collaborate with delivery partners, including Local Authorities, the NHS, primary care providers, pharmacies and Freeport industry leaders.
Showcase measurable impact to decision-makers across Thames Freeport and its national innovation network.
Generate real-world evidence and strengthen your business case for wider NHS adoption and scale-up beyond the pilot.

This is a high-impact opportunity to showcase and deploy your existing solution on the MHIP, engage with key stakeholders, and build long-term partnerships that accelerate wider adoption across the health and care system.

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Delivery Partners

The MHIP is delivered by Thames Freeport in partnership with MH&A, PUBLIC and Marks combining deep expertise in innovation, health and care system transformation, and programme delivery.

MH&A

MH&A is a management consultancy built for reinvention. We combine insight, imagination, and execution smarts to help public and private leaders deliver impact that holds, from complex health and social-care transformation to national innovation programmes.

PUBLIC

PUBLIC is committed to helping the public sector turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. PUBLIC’s mission has always been to help the public sector deliver outstanding, digitally-enabled services that create a better society for everyone.

The company is committed to helping the public sector embed durable capabilities within government and public sector organisations itself to support transformation that has a positive, lasting impact on public services. Combining policy expertise with cutting-edge technology insight, PUBLIC supports public sector organisations (in health and care, security, transport, local government, military and many others) to design, procure, and implement digital and AI solutions that meet real-world needs.

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.

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FAQs

Applying

Is my business right for the Mobile Health Innovation Pilot (MHIP)?

MHIP, delivered by Thames Freeport in partnership with MH&A, PUBLIC and L Marks, gives solution providers the opportunity to deploy proven technologies in a live mobile healthcare setting. We’re looking for solutions that make community healthcare more accessible, efficient, and data-driven. If your product can improve how frontline health services reach people, we encourage you to apply.

What’s the deadline for applying?

Applications close on the 3rd of December 2025 at 23:59 (GMT).

Is there a minimum age?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for the Mobile Health Innovation Platform (MHIP).

I don’t live in the UK, can I apply?

Yes. We welcome international solution providers. Most collaboration will take place virtually, but company representatives must attend key in-person events in the UK. Please check visa requirements before applying.

Participating

Is Thames Freeport: MHIP different to other innovation programmes?

Yes. MHIP isn’t a long accelerator; it’s a Proof of Concept: You’ll:

Deploy your solution on a Mobile Health Unit in the Thames Freeport
Collaborate with experts from healthcare, local government, and
Gather evidence and feedback to demonstrate measurable impact.

What is the process?

The process has four stages.

Stage 1: Open Call & Scouting

Thames Freeport invites solution providers from across the UK and beyond to apply with technologies that address priority community health challenges. Applications are reviewed against criteria such as innovation, feasibility, scalability, and alignment with the NHS, pharmacy, primary care, national and local strategic priorities.

Stage 2: Screening & Shortlisting

The programme team reviews all applications internally and shortlists those that best meet the selection criteria. Shortlisted applicants will then meet with the programme team to explore their solutions in more detail. Selected providers will go on to take part in a collaborative workshop with Thames Freeport, the NHS, pharmacies and Local Authority partners to further develop and refine their proposals.

Stage 3: Selection

Stage 4: Pilot Delivery

Contracted solution providers deploy their technologies through the Mobile Health Unit, in collaboration with NHS and community partners. During this focused pilot phase, participants will:

Engage directly with consortium partners, including Local Authorities, NHS and pharmacy networks, and Freeport industry leaders.
Showcase their impact to decision-makers across Thames Freeport and its national innovation network.
Strengthen relationships with system stakeholders to accelerate wider adoption within community health settings.

Where does the Thames Freeport MHIP take place?

Pilots will run across the Thames Freeport region, primarily within Thurrock, Havering, and Barking & Dagenham, using the MHIP Mobile Health Unit at community locations. Planning and mentoring are mostly online, with in-person attendance required for key events.

Where will the mentors come from?

Mentors come from:

Healthcare partners – NHS, pharmacy, and local authority team
L Marks’s – innovation specialists
PUBLIC – Public sector innovation and procurement specialists

What does day-to-day participation look like?

The programme is designed to help you develop your solution, starting with deciding on a specific use case, receiving essential guidance from your mentors, and demonstrating the value of your solution to Thames Freeport and the key partners that you will work with. Each participant’s experience on the programme will be unique; we tailor the programmes to meet your business’s specific needs.

Do I need to give away equity to participate?

No, we do not ask for equity for participating in this programme. However, we may ask you to keep us notified about future funding.

Will Thames Freeport or L Marks invest in the companies that join the programme?

They may consider investment or partnership after the pilot, but it isn’t guaranteed.

Are you asking for exclusivity?

No. Future commercial deals may include limited exclusivity within the UK or the Thames Freeport area. All participants sign a mutual NDA to protect confidential information.

Will I need to disclose confidential information about my business?

Only public information is needed at the application stage. Selected participants sign a Participation Agreement with NDA before sharing sensitive details.

Are you offering any travel support or assistance?

We will not be covering travel expenses to participate in programme-related activities. However, if you have a specific request, it can be raised at the start of the programme.

Do I have to relocate to participate?

No, relocation isn’t required. Most programme activities take place virtually. You’ll only need to attend key in-person events in the UK, such as the Showcase and Evaluation Week and any on-site pilot testing on the Mobile Health Unit.

How many suppliers will be chosen for the lab?

We anticipate that between 3-6 applicants will be selected, although we reserve the right to select more or fewer depending on the quantity and quality of applications received.

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

L Marks is the global leader in corporate innovation, trusted by many of the world’s most well-respected brands and organisations to identify, validate, and implement transformative solutions. Through its global 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%. Their alumni have collectively raised over $6.8 billion in venture funding. With over a decade of experience in delivering 110+ award-winning innovation programmes across Europe, North America, and Asia, L Marks is embedding new structures and technologies, driving an innovative culture, and ultimately fuelling sustainable growth.

Who can I contact for questions regarding the programme or the application form?

Please submit any formal clarification questions regarding the procurement to tfphealth@lmarks.com.
All questions received, and their corresponding answers will be published in the Public Questions and Answers Log found here.