Fellowship Reflections: Inspiring Conversations, New Connections and a Shared Vision for Mental Health Innovation
The aim of the CHI-Zone Fellowship was to bring together a diverse cohort of innovators spanning multiple sectors and professions, with the goal of fostering richer, more varied perspectives on the future of mental health innovation. In practice, it surpassed expectations, creating a rare and valuable opportunity for cross‑sector peer learning, offering fresh insights, and ultimately building relationships and collaborations to drive meaningful change.
Throughout the programme, Fellows were led through a series of commercial training which combined expert-led workshops with collaborative discussions around this year’s theme, Mental Health Futures. Each workshop built on the last, building the Fellow’s knowledge and network to drive forward innovation and build partnerships to scale. The sessions created space for honest discussion about the challenges facing mental health services today, while also highlighting the opportunities that exist when innovators, clinicians and communities work together.
“The quality of discussion, the willingness to debate ideas respectfully, and the shared commitment to improving mental health futures made the experience what it was. The Fellowship created space to question the status quo. That space is valuable.”
One of the defining strengths of the Fellowship was the community that developed among participants. Fellows shared their own experiences, supported one another’s projects, and built connections that will continue beyond the programme itself.
The final workshop focused on investment and funding, helping Fellows better understand the pathways available to turn promising ideas into sustainable ventures. Participants explored the broad range of funding opportunities across the Liverpool City Region (LCR), from angels to VC to social investment, and heard directly from local investors during a panel discussion about what they look for when supporting early-stage innovation. This session also put a spotlight on Nicki Allen, who shared her experiences with successfully raised funding to launch Haptiv8, an LCR-based venture developing wearable solutions to improve the quality of life of children with autism spectrum disorder who walk on their tip toes.
“Programmes like this matter. They create space - not just for learning, but for reflection, connection, and renewed ambition. Being in a room with people who are deeply committed to social change, grappling with complex challenges, and imagining better futures was both grounding and energising.”
The programme concluded with a celebration event, bringing Fellows, partners and supporters together to reflect on the journey. Professor Iain Buchan spoke about the urgent need for innovation in mental health care and emphasised the importance of collaborative approaches that bring together academia, industry, the public sector and communities.
Fellows were presented with their certificates in recognition of their participation and commitment to the programme. The event closed with lunch, networking, and an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, ideas and partnerships that have emerged over the course of the Fellowship.
“More than anything, it’s made me a better social entrepreneur and strengthened my drive to make a difference not just in the Liverpool community, but across the UK”
While the workshops have now concluded, the conversations and collaborations sparked through the CHI-Zone Fellowship are only just beginning. The programme has helped to strengthen a growing community of innovators working to improve mental health outcomes, and we look forward to seeing how the Fellows continue to develop their ideas and contribute to shaping the future of mental health.
Get in Touch
Our CHI-Zone Fellowship runs annually with a different theme each year. Follow us on LinkedIn for announcements on our 2026/27 cohort opening later this year.
If you’re interested in finding out more or partnering with us on this programme, contact chi-zone@liverpool.ac.uk