Are you a Medtech SME looking for support to get your innovative Medical Device, Diagnostic or Digital Health Technology to market?

It’s an exciting time in the field of Medtech and digital innovation in the North East and North Cumbria. As one of the most diverse and innovative sectors, the opportunities are vast for companies entering the market.

Russ Watkins, Commercial Director for the AHSN NENC, is passionate about showcasing and highlighting the outstanding innovation and opportunities for economic growth we have in the region.

Here, he discusses an exciting event for Medtech SMEs, which we are hosting in partnership with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) on Thursday 7th July (12pm – 4pm).

There has never been a better time to enter the Medtech market. With a key focus on improving the lives of patients, driving economic growth and addressing health inequalities, there is a real opportunity for SMEs to break-through into the sector and bring innovations and ideas to life.

That’s why we are hosting a free roadshow for SMEs, alongside the NIHR, next Thursday (7th July), at the Catalyst, Science Square, Newcastle Helix – one of one of Europe’s most exciting innovation hubs.

Every time I visit the Helix, I feel the buzz there, there are so many fantastic things happening in the field of Medtech and digital technology in our region.

The event is free and aimed at Medtech SMEs looking for support to get their innovation Medical Device, Diagnostic or Digital Health Technology to market. You’ll be able to find out more about the local NIHR infrastructure and networking.

There’s also an opportunity for SMEs to learn more about the NIHR offer to industry and opportunities for non-dilutive funding; how NIHR can help SMEs to formulate research plans, find collaborators, supporting centres, data, samples, and facilities for R&D; support to conduct clinical trials in the NHS and connections to other organisations that can help.

I am looking forward to speaking at the event alongside Dr Ian Newington, Head of Special Projects at the NIHR. Ian will provide an overview of the NIHR offer to industry.

As one of the largest funders of health and social care research in Europe, the NIHR spends over £1.2 billion every year in the UK and has the goal of improving the health and wealth of the nation.

Ian will talk about the NIHR’s interest in supporting Medtech and digital innovations, with a dedicated Medtech funding programme, ‘Invention for Innovation’ (i4i), which focuses on de-risking early-to-late stage medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and patient-focused digital health technologies.

The NIHR also works with innovators at any stage of clinical development, providing access to experts including clinical collaborators and patient and public advisors. The opportunities are vast – they can connect innovators to the richest primary and secondary health data sets in the world and provide access to world-class research facilities, and support in designing, setting up and delivering their studies within the NHS and social care system.

I will talk to attendees about how the system fits into the AHSN Innovation Pathway and the local support that is available for SMEs on the ground here in our region.

We’ll also have guest speakers from across the NIHR infrastructure on hand to provide updates on their industry engagement and how they can help. And we’re looking forward to welcoming some of the companies who have brought their innovations to life with NIHR support.

I hope this blog has given you an overview of what you can look forward to at the event and the opportunities to find out about the support available, as well as network with key industry individuals and be signposted to potential funding sources.

If you’re a Medtech SME looking for support to get your innovation to market, it’s a must-attend – I’m looking forward to seeing you there!

To find out more about the event, click here.