In the heart of Leeds’ thriving health innovation ecosystem, Little Journey is redefining how children and families experience healthcare. Founded by a passionate team of clinicians, designers, researchers, and developers who care deeply about reshaping the healthcare experience for children, the company has developed a pioneering digital health solution that supports young patients through hospital visits, medical procedures, and clinical trials – reducing anxiety, improving outcomes, and tackling health inequalities on a global scale.
A digital solution for a global challenge
At the core of Little Journey’s offering is a mobile app that uses engaging, age-appropriate content to psychologically prepare children for medical experiences. Through interactive animations, virtual tours, relaxation techniques, and personalised features, the app empowers children to feel calm, confident, and in control before, during, and after their healthcare appointment.
Sophie Copley, Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder explains: “Our platform has already helped over 50,000 children and caregivers worldwide and has been successfully implemented in both UK and US hospitals.”
Measurable impact on health and care
By reducing anxiety and improving communication, Little Journey enhances both patient and participant experience while delivering measurable operational and financial benefits for healthcare providers and research sponsors.
In paediatric clinical trials, the use of Little Journey’s family retention platform has reduced participant dropout rates by up to 45%, helping to accelerate trial timelines and lower overall study costs. This not only improves the experience for children and families but also supports more efficient paediatric research.
Within healthcare settings, the impact is equally significant. Little Journey’s solution has been shown to reduce the need for repeat MRI scans by over 70%, minimise on-the-day cancellations by 42%, and lower post-operative analgesia use and hospital admissions. These improvements translate into better patient outcomes and a more streamlined care pathway.
According to the company’s 2025 health economic analysis, Little Journey generates substantial cost savings, up to £41.38 per surgical patient and £11.86 per MRI patient. These efficiencies drive meaningful NHS cost savings while freeing up valuable clinical time and resources.
By addressing both the emotional and operational challenges of paediatric care, Little Journey empowers hospitals and research organisations to deliver higher quality, more efficient, and more inclusive care. Its ability to reduce anxiety, improve communication, and support accessibility ensures that no child is left behind.
Award-winning innovation with purpose
This bold, tech-driven approach to improving paediatric health outcomes was recently recognised with a Tech4Good Award at Leeds Digital Festival, reinforcing its mission to support all children to better health through data driven, personalised care, with technology and innovation that is created to make difference.
Powered by the Leeds health innovation ecosystem
Much of Little Journey’s success has been nurtured in Leeds. Based at Nexus on the University of Leeds campus, the company is embedded in one of the UK’s most dynamic health tech ecosystems. The team has benefited from close collaboration with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, including its Innovation Pop Up, (recognised by NHS England for its partnership with Little Journey) and from academic support that has underpinned user testing, research validation, and product development.
“Being part of the Nexus community has been vital,” Sophie explains. “It’s given us access to a vibrant network of researchers, clinicians, and innovators. That collaborative environment has helped us refine our product and scale effectively.”
Regional support driving global growth
Investment and business support from regional partners have also played a crucial role. Little Journey’s Series A funding round was led by Par Equity, which has a strong presence in Leeds, alongside Mercia PLC, The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, and Foresight Group. Early-stage support from the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) helped the company establish its foundations and build key NHS relationships.
These partnerships have enabled Little Journey to combine clinical insight with cutting-edge design and technology, delivering real-world impact across healthcare and life sciences.
Why the ‘journey’ starts, scales and grows in Leeds
For Sophie and the Little Journey team, Leeds is more than just a base, it’s a launchpad.
“Leeds is a hub for health innovation,” she says. “It brings together the NHS, academia, and a thriving digital sector in a way that’s truly collaborative. The city’s focus on inclusive, data-driven, patient-centred innovation makes it the ideal place to start, scale, and grow a health tech business.”
As Little Journey continues to expand internationally, its roots in Leeds remain central to its identity. With a mission to make healthcare less frightening and more inclusive for every child, the company exemplifies the power of innovation, collaboration, and compassion; hallmarks of the Leeds health innovation ecosystem.
Did you know? Leeds has just taken its offer to innovators to the next level with the launch of a new, £2 million Health Innovation Leeds Incubator, which offers support for businesses of any size to overcome challenges and scale successfully. Find out more (including the chance to sign up for updates and be first in the queue as details of a 2026 innovator event are announced) here.
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Find out more about Little Journey at – https://www.littlejourney.health/
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Photo captions
Image 1: Sophie Copley, CPO and Co-Founder of Little Journey
Sideline image credit x 2: istock.com/FatCamera
