IN-PERSON EVENT: Leicestershire Innovation Clinics
2025-03-11 | Charnwood Campus Loughborough, LE11 5RB, Charnwood Campus Loughborough, Loughborough, LE11 5RB, United Kingdom
A partnership between Medilink Midlands, The Institute for Precision Health – University of Leicester and Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park offers expertise support to individuals or companies already in, or transitioning into, the life sciences, medtech, health tech sector within the locality of Leicester and Leicestershire. First launched in October 2022, the Innovation Clinic programme successfully provided innovators access to expertise across the University, NHS and business innovation support network, to supply a clear pathway on how to grow and develop their innovations.
We are delighted be holding another Innovation Clinic on Tuesday 11th March. Hosting these sector-specific workshops collaboratively, enables innovators to benefit from one-to-one discussions regarding the development of new products, from advice on funding and product development all the way through to engaging with the NHS, without having to engage with each organisation separately.

Expertise will include: Academic, clinical, IP, regulatory, clinical adoption, innovation test beds, signposting and sectoral networking opportunities.

Who should apply?

Are you a student, health professional or company, developing new products or services?
Do you need insight on how to develop your research idea into a tangible product?
Looking to understand how to approach the NHS?
Want to know what funding is available?
Need guidance on PPI, value proposition, and/or cost/benefit analysis?
Looking to increase your competitive advantage?

Interested in taking part?
If you would like to discuss your innovation project, new product development or understand the landscape, please complete this short online application form here. Please note individuals/companies can only attend one innovation clinic session throughout the series.

Funded through the University of Leicester’s Medical Research Council Impact Accelerator Account.

IN PERSON Event: WMHTIA & Business Awards Celebration Event
2025-03-13 15:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London) | Charlecote Pheasant Hotel, Charlecote Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick, CV35 9EW, United Kingdom
Join us for a double celebration as we honour the achievements of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) and announce the finalists of the Medilink Midlands Business Awards 2025.
Hear first-hand how WMHTIA, a government-funded initiative, is fostering a thriving ecosystem for health and medtech innovation. Network with industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs, and be inspired by the success stories of companies transforming healthcare.
Show your support and congratulate the finalists of the Medilink Midlands Business Awards, as we will also be announcing the 2025 shortlist during the afternoon agenda.
Kindly hosted by our event partner Clarion Charlecote Pheasant Hotel in the beautiful surroundings of the Warwickshire countryside, this is a ‘must-attend’ event for businesses in the medtech and life sciences sector.

BOOKING INFORMATION
* The event is invitation-only.
*Bookings are strictly 1 representative per organisation on a first come first served basis to allow for as many organisations to join as possible.
*An invitation and link will be shared so that you can book your place to attend, if you think you might have missed the email, please contact events@medilinkmidlands.com and our team will be able to help.

Agenda
3pm Delegates Arrive
*Welcome drink served & canapes
*Networking
3:45pm Welcome from Medilink Midlands – Melanie Davidson
4pm WMHTIA overview – Dr Benjamin Roberts
4:15pm Guest speaker – Louise Ben-Nathan – LBN Innovations
4:45pm Business Awards finalist announcements
5:15pm Closing remarks
5:20pm Networking
6pm Depart

Speaker Information
Louise Ben-Nathan – LBN Innovations
Louise Ben-Nathan is the founder of LBN Innovations, a company dedicated to transforming cervical screening by replacing the speculum with a more ergonomic, patient-friendly digital medical device. Shocked that only 1 in 3 women and people with a cervix attend screenings—largely due to pain, discomfort, and embarrassment—Louise recognised an urgent unmet patient need. After 147 years with little innovation in the design of the speculum, she set out to create a device that works with the female body rather than against it, aiming to improve patient experiences and drive higher screening participation. Originally building a career in film and television, Louise was forced to step away from the industry after a major health event at 40, leading her down an unexpected path. Determined to turn her own challenges into positive change, she entered the world of FemTech to tackle inequalities in women’s healthcare. Since then, she has secured five grants, including the prestigious Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award, and is making significant strides in medical innovation. Passionate about improving access to healthcare, Louise is committed to ensuring that essential screenings are more comfortable, dignified, and accessible for all.

To read more about Medilink Midlands’ role within the WMHTIA project, click here.
For more information on the wider project, click here to visit the WMHTIA website.
This event forms part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) event series. Medilink Midlands are one of a consortium of delivery partners for the WMHTIA, a project funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and West Midlands Combined Authority (part of City Regions).

IN-PERSON EVENT: Accelerate Innovation in Life Sciences – Support & Collaboration Opportunities
2025-04-03 09:00 - 13:00 | Charnwood Campus Loughborough, LE11 5RB, Charnwood Campus Loughborough, Loughborough, LE11 5RB, United Kingdom
Join us on April 3, 2025, for the seventh Leicester Innovation Festival event, in partnership with Charnwood Campus, Medilink Midlands and The Institute for Precision Health, University of Leicester designed to help life sciences businesses thrive.
Why Attend?

Discover how businesses like yours have successfully advanced new products with support from Leicestershire Innovation Clinics.
Gain insights into available funding, regulatory, commercialisation expertise, and collaboration opportunities with the NHS and academic institutions in Leicestershire.
Participate in expert drop-in sessions to help bring new product to market.
Expand your network with fellow innovators, clinicians, academics, and industry leaders.

Who Should Attend?
If you’re part of a life sciences SME, startup, or established business, or you’re a clinician or academic looking to collaborate, this event is for you!
What to Expect:

Showcase of successful businesses that have leveraged innovation support.
Insights into the resources available to help accelerate product development.
Opportunities to collaborate with the NHS and leading academic institutions.
Networking, refreshments, and free parking to make your experience seamless.

Secure your place today and take your innovation journey to the next level! Click here to book your place.

IN-PERSON Event: City of Mentor UK Visit
2025-04-08 12:30 - 17:00 | Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, 33 Packington Hill, Kegworth, Derby, DE74 2DF, United Kingdom
The City of Mentor, strategically located just outside Cleveland, Ohio, serves as a vital economic hub for manufacturing, professional services, and retail. Ranked as Ohio’s 5th largest manufacturing center and 6th largest retail center, Mentor offers a prime entry point for companies looking to expand into the U.S. market.
With a strong network spanning critical sectors like healthcare, aerospace, and precision manufacturing, Mentor’s tailored, concierge-style services provide invaluable support for small to medium-sized businesses exploring connections and investment opportunities in North America.
The City of Mentor will be visiting the UK on Tuesday 8th April to host one-to-one meetings with companies who wish to collaborate and learn more about how international trade can benefit and broaden their business, both at home and overseas.
Key representatives include:

Kevin Malecek, Director for Economic Development and International Trade
Ken Filipiak, CEO/City Manager
Ray Kirchner, City Councilman

Get Involved
If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete the expressions of interest form.

Please submit your expression of interest by 7 April 2025 by 5pm GMT. If you have any queries please contact: international@medilinkmidlands.com

Please note, we have limited appointments available, which will be offered on a first come first served basis. Priority will be given to Medilink Midlands members.

ONLINE EVENT: MEMBER FORUM 'SPILL THE TEA'
2025-04-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
The Medilink Midlands quarterly Member Forums are a dedicated space for our Medtech and Life Sciences members to connect, collaborate, and gain valuable insights.
‘Spill the tea’ is an informal online drop-in session for our members which will focus on maximising the benefits of your membership.
There will be a show around the newly launched member-only zone on our website, and more importantly, we want to understand our members business goals, to tailor our expertise and support to directly address your needs and help you achieve success.
Join us online to:

Share your business goals: Tell us about your success stories, current challenges, aspirations, and strategic objectives. This is your opportunity to shape the future of our member services.
Explore the member-only zone: Discover the full potential of our exclusive online resources, including a show and tell session to navigate your way around our new member only area on the website.
Share the spotlight: A chance for our members to share success stories and case studies – promoting the important work, collaborations and innovations happening within the sector.
Network with industry peers: Connect with fellow professionals in Medtech and Life Sciences, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships.
Provide feedback: Your input is crucial! Help us improve our offerings and ensure we’re delivering the most relevant and impactful support.

We’d welcome your input to the discussions, and here’s some questions to get us started.
What are:

Your key priorities over the next 12 months?
The biggest obstacles you’re currently facing?
Most needed business innovation support to help your company?
Your goals regarding market expansion, product development, regulatory issues, or funding?

Booking instructions: An invitation will be sent via email to the lead contact on all member accounts. If the invite to this Medilink Midlands member only event hasn’t reached your inbox, please email events@medilinkmidlands.com to receive the details and booking link. Online registration is essential.

Medilink Midlands Business Awards 2025
2025-05-15 | Grand Station, Sun Street, Wolverhampton, WV10 0BF, United Kingdom
Join us for the Medilink Midlands Business Awards, taking place on 15 May 2025 at Grand Station, Wolverhampton.
Celebrating the achievements of medtech and life sciences businesses, our awards showcase the strength of the industry, collaboration and innovation across the Midlands and neighbouring regions. Hosted by Dr Will Duffin, an NHS GP, Extreme Medic and on-screen Doctor for the hit US Reality TV Show ’Survivor’, the 2025 awards are not to be missed.
For further information and sponsorship opportunities, please click here.
CLICK TO BOOK YOUR PLACES TO ATTEND
Discounted rates are available as follows:

Member (Individual ticket) – £150 +VAT
Member (Table of 10) – £1,400 +VAT
Student/ Charity (Individual) – £120 +VAT

Please email events@medilinkmidlands.com to obtain the discount codes.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Innovation Builder Investor Event
2025-06-03 14:00 - 16:30 | Mills & Reeve Birmingham, One Centenary Way, Birmingham, B3 3AY, United Kingdom
Medilink Midlands will be holding an exclusive event for investors of the recently launched Medilink Midlands Innovation Builder. Please note, this event is by invitation only. Invited guests will be contacted in due course. The event will be held on Tuesday, 3 June, kindly hosted by Mills & Reeve.
Further details, including a full agenda, will be announced soon. Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter.
For any enquiries, please contact events@medilinkmidlands.com.
We look forward to welcoming you!

IN-PERSON EVENT: Welcome To The Midlands Drinks Reception
2025-06-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Mills & Reeve Birmingham, One Centenary Way, Birmingham, B3 3AY, United Kingdom
We are excited to share the highly anticipated return of our ‘Welcome to the Midlands’ drinks reception, bringing together industry leaders and innovators in a relaxed setting. The event will be held on Tuesday, 3 June, kindly hosted by Mills & Reeve at their premises in Birmingham. Taking place the day before the Med-Tech Innovation Expo, this event sets the stage for an exciting week of networking and showcasing innovation.
Further details, including a full agenda, will be announced soon.
To reserve your place, please click here. For any enquiries, please contact events@medilinkmidlands.com.
We look forward to welcoming you!

IN-PERSON EVENT: Medilink Midlands Members Forum
2025-07-09 12:30 - 14:00 | Spring Lakes, Pasture Ln, Long Eaton, NG10 2FZ, United Kingdom
Our Medilink Midlands Member Forums are all about connection, collaboration, and community. These events are designed to give our members the chance to come together with the Medilink Midlands team to share ideas, shape future activity, and help strengthen support for the wider medtech and life sciences sector.
It’s your opportunity to:

Have your say and share what matters most to you.

Hear exclusive updates on Medilink Midlands activity.

Explore how we can support you in innovation, growth and connectivity.

For our June Member Forum, we’re excited to showcase our growing international activity and highlight new opportunities for members to get involved. We’re building strong relationships around the world, and we want to make sure our members are first in line to benefit.
This Forum will be held in the lakeside marquee at Spring Lakes, a beautiful and relaxed setting that’s perfect for sparking conversation and fresh ideas. Even better? It leads straight into our Annual Summer Networking event – the perfect chance to continue the conversation over drinks and sunshine.
Important information:

Date has changed from original published date of 25 June to 9 July.

Member Forum places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

All members will be contacted by email with booking instructions.

If you haven’t received your invitation, please contact: events@medilinkmidlands.com

Online registration is essential.

If you do wish to stay for our Annual Summer Networking event you will need a separate booking: Click for Summer Networking.

We look forward to welcoming you lakeside this June for a fantastic afternoon of member-led insight, international opportunity, and community celebration.

IN-PERSON: Medilink Midlands Summer Networking
2025-07-09 14:30 - 17:00 | Spring Lakes, Pasture Ln, Long Eaton, NG10 2FZ, United Kingdom
Join Medilink Midlands for an afternoon of networking with some of the region’s finest as we host our Summer Networking event. This year, we are set to enjoy the glorious lakeside location as we’re hosting at Spring Lakes.
There will be summer themed food and drink to enjoy with networking. The event is a great opportunity for you to socialise with your colleagues, and make new connections within the Midlands med-tech and life science sector in a fun and laid-back environment.
Take the opportunity to explore the lake or be brave and try a new water sport *additional cost, booked directly with Spring Lakes.
We hope to see you there!

Agenda
1pm Member Forum (separate booking required, available for Medilink Midlands Members only)
2:30pm Guests arrival and welcome drink
3pm Welcome on behalf of Medilink Midlands and presentations
3:30pm Food served and networking
4pm A chance to explore the lakes or try out an activity (Book activities direct with Spring Lakes)
5pm Depart at leisure

Important information:
Date change – from original published date of 25 June to 9 July.
Discounts to attend the event are available for members, students and charities. Please email: events@medilinkmidlands.com for your exclusive discount code.
Top tip: Why not also join us at the Member Forum event (*Medilink Midlands Members only) being held at same location earlier in the day. Email: events@medilinkmidlands.com for your link to book the June Member Forum.

Online - Monthly Membership Drop-In session
2025-08-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Online – Members Portal
Launched in May, the new Member Portal provides members with access to wider community reach, knowledge sharing, exclusive member offers, forum discussions and access to event & training materials – all in one place.
Member Forum – no registration required, just sign into the portal, head the Member Forum and join the conversation!
If you are a member and not yet signed up to the portal, click here to unlock your access.
Non members are invited to explore open areas of the portal – to receive full access join our membership starting from £275+VAT.
Our Monthly Membership Drop-In Session is an open space for members to ask questions, share feedback, and engage with the Medilink Midlands team. These informal drop-in sessions take place on the last Tuesday of each month.
Each session focuses on a specific topic. The next forum will be held on:
Tuesday, 26th AugustTopic: Feedback from the Summer Networking Event and Member Forum, plus a discussion on the upcoming Innovation Day and Funding for Trade Mission to USA.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Innovation Day
2025-09-17 09:30 - 17:00 | Aston Villa Football Club, Villa Park, Trinity Road,, Birmingham,, B6 6HE
Innovation Day is back – bigger, better, and part of West Midlands Life Sciences Week.
Join us for our annual flagship conference, bringing together the life sciences and medtech community for a dynamic day of inspiration, connection, and opportunity.
This year, we’re offering even more value with two content tracks, exclusive networking formats, and practical sessions tailored to help you grow, collaborate, and innovate.
Whether you’re a start-up, NHS professional, academic, or multinational – this is your must-attend event for 2025.
What’s New for 2025? Two tracks of content – choose how you spend your day with two parallel streams:
Track 1 – Main Stage:
Sector-wide themes including:
Innovation across the Midlands
Co-creation with the NHS
AI & Precision Medicine
International growth
Funding & investment insights
Track 2 – New for 2025:
Choose interactive formats including:
Learn about the EMERGE Initiative*
Supplying into the NHS*
Practical workshops with event sponsors:

Creative Networks
Adamson Jones
Penningtons Manches Cooper

Ticket Options
£8.50 + VAT – Includes a lunch bag
Free – Standard entry (without lunch)
*(pre-booking required, based on first come first serve, matching eligibility criteria)
*Catering facilities are not available on-site, lunch bags must be pre-ordered.
What is West Midlands Life Sciences Week?
This region-wide celebration highlights the depth and breadth of life sciences in the West Midlands. From diagnostics and medtech to advanced therapeutics, the week showcases sector strengths, drives collaboration, and champions innovation that improves lives and fuels economic growth.
Medilink Midlands Innovation Day is proud to be a key feature in this week of activity.
TO SECURE YOUR PLACE AND TO FIND OUR MORE CLICK HERE
You may also wish to subscribe to our mailing list if you are not already.

WMHTIA: Impact, Insights & the Future of Health Tech in the West Midlands
2025-09-18 08:45 - 12:30 | Baskerville House, Centenary Square,, Birmingham, B1 2ND, United Kingdom
Date: Thursday 18th September
Venue: Baskerville House, Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2ND
Time: 08:45am – 12:30pm
Over the past two years, the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) has delivered exceptional results, catalysing investment, strengthening collaborations and cementing the West Midlands as a leading hub for health and med tech innovation.
Through strategic partnerships, outstanding ROI and the creation of a flourishing life sciences ecosystem, WMHTIA has demonstrated how targeted support and innovation can deliver real impact for both the region and the wider UK economy.
Now, as we look to the future, this invite-only event will provide key insights into what has been achieved and how continued collaboration and investment can unlock even greater potential in the years ahead.
The agenda will focus on highlighting the impacts and insights from the WMHTIA programme to support the case for reinvestment.
Agenda
08:45 – 09:15 | Registration & Refreshments
09:15 – 09:30 | Keynote Address
Speaker: Chair of the West Midlands Innovation Board Mike Wright
The regional strategic perspective, highlighting the success of the Innovation Accelerator programme and the importance of health tech to the region.
09:30 – 09:40 | WMHTIA: Impact, Outcomes and What’s Next
Speaker: WMHTIA – Luan Linden-Phillip
09:40 – 09:50 | Making the Case for Reinvestment: The Economic Argument
Speaker: City-REDI – Tim Burton & George Bramley
09:50 – 10:00 | Collaboration in Action: A New Model for Supporting Innovators
Speaker: Manufacturing Technology Centre – Thorsten Kampmann
10:00 – 10:10 | Accelerating Innovation Through Regional Clusters
Speaker: Medilink Midlands – Melanie Davidson
10:10 – 10:20 | Innovation Through Co-Creation: Accelerating Impact in Months, Not Years
Speaker: WMHWIN – Joshua Dale
10:20 – 10:35 | Networking Break
10:35 – 10:45 | Extending Reach: SPARK and Building Regional Opportunity
Speaker: SPARK UK, Aston University – Chynna Pascual
10:45 – 10:55 | Plug and Play: Attracting Global Investment into the West Midlands
Speaker: Plug and Play – Adam McGuiness
10:55 – 11:05 | West Midlands as the Front Door for Health Tech Innovation
Speaker: Health Innovation West Midlands -Tim Jones
11:05 – 11:15 | Shifting Care: Secondary to Primary with Our Health Partnership
Speaker: Our Health Partnership – Omar Daniel
11:15 – 11:25 | Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Speaker: WMHTIA – Luan Linden-Phillips
11:25 – 12:00 | Networking
12:30 | Event Close

For further information, please contact the Events Team at: events@medilinkmidlands.com

Online - Monthly Membership Drop-In session
2025-09-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Online – Members Portal
Launched in May, the new Member Portal provides members with access to wider community reach, knowledge sharing, exclusive member offers, forum discussions and access to event & training materials – all in one place.
Member Forum – no registration required, just sign into the portal, head the Member Forum and join the conversation!
If you are a member and not yet signed up to the portal, click here to unlock your access.
Non members are invited to explore open areas of the portal – to receive full access join our membership starting from £275+VAT.
Our Monthly Membership Drop-In Session is an open space for members to ask questions, share feedback, and engage with the Medilink Midlands team. These informal drop-in sessions take place on the last Tuesday of each month.
Each session focuses on a specific topic. The next forum will be held on:
Tuesday, 30th September Topic: Feedback from the Innovation Day, plus a discussion on the upcoming events:

02.10.2025:WMHTIA Cluster Event –Digital: Empowering Innovators to Engage with the NHS of Tomorrow (Webinar)
15.10.2025: Sotas Regulatory Session – Details TBC
13.11.2025: Medilink Midlands Winter Networking (In Person)
21.11.2025: Innovations Against AMR 2025 (In Person)
27.11.2025: WMHTIA: Impact, Insights & the Future of Health Tech in the West Midlands (In Person)
09.12.2025: WMHTIA Cluster: Community: Driving Local Innovation to Meet Regional NHS Challenges (Webinar)
13.01.2026: WMHTIA Cluster: Prevention – Innovating for a Healthier Future (Webinar)

We look forward to seeing you there!

WMHTIA - Digital: Empowering Innovators to Engage with the NHS of Tomorrow
2025-10-02 10:00 - 11:50 | Online via GoToWebinar
Date: Tuesday 2nd OctoberTime: 10:00am – 11:50amLocation: Online (Goto Webinar)
We’re excited to announce the first in a series of three WMHTIA Cluster Events taking place over the coming months. Focusing on helping innovators navigate digital transformation in alignment with the NHS 3 Radical Shifts 10 year plan.
Event Agenda
WMHTIA Cluster Event – Digital: Empowering Innovators to Engage with the NHS of Tomorrow – Helping innovators navigate digital transformation in light of the NHS 10-Year Plan
10:00 AM – 10:05 AM: Welcome & Housekeeping
An introduction to the event theme, format, and objectives.
10:05 AM – 11:15 AM: Insight 1 – Unlocking Healthcare Data: The NHS’s Digital Transformation Journey
Presented by Medilink Midlands
Discover how the NHS’s shift from analogue to digital is unlocking the power of healthcare data to drive more personalised, efficient, and sustainable care for the future.
Q&A: 11:15 – 11:20
10:20 AM – 10:45 AM: Insight 2 – Building Digital Health Tools for the NHS
Presented by Cogniss
Explore how to design and deploy effective, scalable digital apps tailored for NHS use — from prototype to practical implementation.
Q&A: 10:40 – 10:45
10:45 AM – 11:05 AM: Insight 3 – Empowering AI in Healthcare
Presented by HealthTech AI Hub (University of Birmingham)
This session will explore how AI-driven innovations are being fostered within healthcare and how organisations like the AI Hub are playing a vital role in supporting safe, effective, and scalable adoption.
Q&A: 11:05 – 11:10
11:10 AM – 11:20 AM: Open Networking Break
An informal space to connect with peers, share ideas, and build new collaborations.
11:20 AM – 11:40 PM: Interactive Workshop – Tackling Barriers in a Digital NHS
Engage in discussion around real-world challenges facing digital health innovators — including managing regulatory uncertainty, addressing hesitancy within healthcare settings, and improving public and patient involvement (PPIE) in digital innovation.
11:40 AM – 11:50 PM: Reflections & Closing Discussion
Key takeaways, shared insights, and next steps for innovators seeking to contribute to a digitally enabled NHS.

This event forms part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) event series. Medilink Midlands are one of a consortium of delivery partners for the WMHTIA, a project funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and West Midlands Combined Authority (part of City Regions).

Speaker Profile

Ben Roberts is the Innovation Adviser at Medilink Midlands
Ben joined Medilink in 2022 as an Innovation Adviser in the West Midlands, after graduating with a PhD in Biomedical Research at the University of Warwick. Ben is utilising his knowledge currently in delivering activity under the West Midlands AHSN industry gateway. With a particular focus on sustainability, he aims to support SMEs in the health and life science sector on their journey to Net Zero.

Kat Hancock is Business Development Manager at Cogniss, a leading no-code platform for digital health.
She combines frontline NHS mental health experience with commercial expertise in scaling digital health innovations.
Kat began her career working directly with patients in acute and community mental health services, including the UK’s only community service for deaf people, where she became fluent in British Sign Language. During this time, she saw first-hand the multiplier effect of technology in increasing capacity, efficiency, and impact. Building on this insight, she went on to drive commercial growth for pioneering health-tech companies including DrDoctor, IntelliCentrics, and Epro, opening new markets and forging strategic partnerships with NHS Trusts and health systems.
At Cogniss, Kat champions human-centred digital innovation that empowers clinicians, supports emotional wellbeing, and makes healthcare more accessible, personalised, and effective.

Dr. Mamunur Rashid is an Assistant Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Birmingham
His research focuses on addressing health inequalities through the responsible application of AI. He leads the HealthTech AI Hub at University of Birmingham, a vibrant co-creation ecosystem designed to foster collaboration between academia and industry. The AI Hub supports digital health innovators in developing scalable, ethical, and impactful AI-driven solutions through expert guidance, interdisciplinary partnerships, and hands-on capacity building. By bridging technical expertise with real-world healthcare needs, Dr. Rashid’s work aims to reduce access disparities and drive equitable innovation across the healthtech landscape.

'Ask the Expert' session: What’s your biggest regulatory challenge right now?
2025-10-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Online – Members Portal
Regulation consistently ranks as one of the biggest barriers to innovation. In our Voice of Industry survey, members told us their top challenges include:

Navigating the complexity of the regulatory landscape
High costs of processes
Understanding evolving regulations
Brexit-related import issues
Lack of access to advice

That’s why we’re piloting a brand-new live text-based forum for Medilink Midlands members!
Live text-based discussion opens 15 October at 11am.
Put your questions to global regulatory expertise Sotas – who offer their blend of technical and leadership excellence to deliver state-of-the-art solutions throughout the entire quality and regulatory spectrum.
Join the trial and let’s open the conversation, share insights and address your regulatory challenges.
Booking instructions
Open for all members to attend via the Member Portal.
If you have a question for the Sotas team, visit the Portal ahead of the live text based session to post your question(s) in advance. Link to Ask the Expert Session.
Members only
Keen to join us, but not yet? No problem – Sign up here

Strengthening Transatlantic Ties: Medilink Midlands Trade Mission to Mentor, Ohio
2025-10-26 09:00 - 2025-10-29 17:00 | Mentor, Ohio
Medilink Midlands is inviting expressions of interest from life science and medtech companies across the region to join a strategic trade mission to Mentor, Ohio, from 26–29 October 2025 – deepening a long-standing and productive collaboration between the two regions.
This visit marks the next chapter in a well-established partnership with the City of Mentor, who have previously hosted a UK delegation and made multiple visits to the Midlands to attend our MTI Expo and Conference, as well as 1-2-1 meetings held earlier this year in April 2025. The mission is designed to strengthen trade, investment, and innovation links between the Midlands and Northeast Ohio — one of the USA’s most important biomedical hubs.
Why Mentor, Ohio?
Situated at the heart of a region home to over 700 biomedical firms and globally recognised healthcare institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and Case Western Reserve University, Mentor offers a powerful platform for UK companies looking to expand, partner, or collaborate internationally.
The mission agenda includes:

High-level briefings on the US healthcare and reimbursement system
Insights into venture capital, market entry, and insurance
Visits to leading institutions including Cleveland Clinic Mentor Hospital, STERIS Corporation, and Lakeland Community College’s Health Technologies Facility
One-to-one business meetings tailored to delegate interests
Networking with investors, buyers, and policy leaders, including the Ohio Life Sciences Association and British American Chamber of Commerce.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to join a panel discussion featuring Medilink Midlands CEO Melanie Davidson, alongside US healthcare and medtech leaders, sharing international perspectives on innovation and market access.
This mission offers a unique opportunity to explore market entry strategies, build valuable connections, and showcase Midlands innovation to an engaged US audience.
Interested companies must complete an Expression of Interest form and answer a few short questions.
Submit your Expression of Interest here. Deadline: 5pm GMT, Friday 15 August 2025
Funding criteria
Up to £2k fully subsidised to cover flights and accommodation. This is available to businesses in the EMCCA region. In order to be eligible, the business must either:

Be accessing or researching a new market
Launching a new product into a new market
Creating a job

Any queries, contact: international@medilinkmidlands.com

IN-PERSON EVENT: Medilink Midlands Winter Networking
2025-11-13 11:00 - 15:00 | Chatsworth Estate, Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP, United Kingdom
Join Medilink Midlands for a touch of luxury as we host this year’s Winter Networking event in the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth Estate.
Enjoy a delicious 2-course Business Lunch, networking and first-hand updates around Medilink Midlands and the sector before heading into the festive Christmas market where you can find some of the finest products to help you get ahead of the Christmas rush.
Agenda:
11am Arrival & Networking
11:30am Welcome from Medilink Midlands and Member Forum
11:50am An interview with Dr Ewa Truchanowicz FRSA and Olivia Simpson, Symbiotex.
Ewa will be questioning Olivia and delving into her passion for innovation and unwavering commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
12:20pm Member Spotlight
12:30pm Guest speaker: Adamson Jones
12:40pm 2-course Business Lunch & Networking

Menu
Main Course
Glazed Chatsworth ham served with roast potatoes, stuffing, seasonal vegetables and gravy
OR
Seasonal Nut Roast, roast potatoes, stuffing, root vegetables, and a vegan gravy (Ve)

Dessert
Chocolate orange tart (Ve/GF)
*Please ensure you disclose any specific dietary requirements when booking, eg. Allergies.

1:45pm Closing Comments
2pm Access to the Chatsworth Christmas Market and depart at leisure

Thank you to event sponsor: Adamson Jones

What your ticket includes:

Car Parking and shuttle bus to event space
Tea or coffee on arrival
Two-Course festive-themed business lunch
Drink to accompany lunch (wine or non-alcoholic cocktail available)
Exclusive update from Medilink Midlands during the Member Forum section
Access to Chatsworth Christmas Market

Tickets:
Member ticket: £35 +VAT
Non-member tickets: £50 +VAT

NB. Please email events@medilinkmidlands.com for booking codes.
*Please note, registration for this event closes at 5pm on Friday 31st October and spaces are limited, book early to avoid disappointment.

Speakers

Dr Ewa Truchanowicz FRSA
Ewa is a business leader and independent advisor experienced in building successful enterprises and providing consulting services to technology-focused organisations ranging from start-ups to multinationals. Until recently, a Managing Director of a health tech company, she is an expert in supporting international companies within digital and med-tech, building highly performing teams and operations, and creating strategic support networks to help innovative companies succeed. Ewa is an educator on tech and health, a speaker at national and international events, a mentor, a health-tech executive, and a NED with experience from Boards governing publicly funded and commercial organisations. She is also a successful published academic and has authored peer-reviewed publications within the highest-ranking medical journals, including BMJ and NEJM. A former bid reviewer for NIHR, an assessor for Innovate UK, an honorary lecturer in a medical school and a visiting industrial fellow at UK Universities.

IN PERSON Event: Innovations Against AMR 2025
2025-11-21 09:30 - 16:30 | Scarman Conference Facility at Warwick Conferences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7SH, United Kingdom
The 4th annual Innovations Against AMR summit, co-organised by Medilink Midlands and Cytecom, will convene experts and stakeholders from across the antimicrobial resistance landscape to share insights, showcase innovations, and foster collaboration. Covering the spectrum from cutting-edge academic research to real-world implementation, policy, and surveillance, this year’s programme offers essential discussions for anyone working in AMR or related fields.
This year, we will also explore the far-reaching impact of AMR beyond the specialist sphere—shaping policy, influencing cancer care pathways, and protecting other vulnerable patient groups.

Reasons to Attend
1. Be at the forefront of AMR innovation: Connect with leading innovators, researchers, and industry experts driving advancements in combating antimicrobial resistance. Discover the latest breakthroughs and explore potential collaborations.
2. Support SMEs and foster growth: Learn about innovative solutions developed by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and contribute to their success. Network with like-minded individuals to create new partnerships and drive innovation.
3. Gain valuable insights and knowledge: Attend engaging presentations and discussions on the latest trends and challenges in the field of AMR. Expand your understanding of the issue and stay ahead of the curve.
4. Network with key stakeholders: Connect with representatives from organisations like Medilink Midlands, WMHTIA, Cytecom, University of Warwick and Microbiology Society. Build relationships and explore potential partnerships.
5. Contribute to a global cause: Join the fight against antimicrobial resistance by attending this event. Be part of a community dedicated to raising awareness, promoting best practices, and driving positive change.

Agenda
9:30am Arrival & registration
10am Introduction followed by Opening Remarks from Dame Sally Davies
10:15am Session 1: Institute to Impact – Research to Commercialisation
– Chris Dowson – Warwick AMR Facilities
– Kim Hardie – National Biofilms Innovation Centre

11am Comfort break, poster boards & networking
11:30am Session 2: Diagnostics Panel Discussion
Panelists:

Phil Packer -Innovate UK
Bob Roopra – Roopra Medical
Lucy Lehane – BIVDA and Lehane Consulting
William Finch – Oxford Vacmedix

12:30pm Lunch
1:30pm Session 3: Policy Workshop – Delivered by Microbiology Society
(Will Thompson, Policy and Engagement Officer)
The Microbiology Society is leading the way in tackling AMR through its ambitious and wide-reaching Knocking Out AMR project. This initiative promotes innovative solutions to AMR by fostering cross-sector collaboration and driving policy action. The session will open with a presentation introducing AMR policy and regulation tailored for SMEs, followed by a panel discussion featuring experts working across therapeutics, diagnostics, vaccines and regulation.

2:30pm Session 4: AMR and Cancer/Environmental
– David Eyre – Oxford Biomedical Research Centre

3:30pm Networking and posters to end
4:30pm Depart

If anyone would like to register their interest in presenting a poster, please click the link: Innovations Against AMR – Friday 21st November 2025
*Please register your interest by 5pm on 27th October.

Speaker Information
Professor Kim Hardie FRSB
Professor Kim Hardie FRSB, Professor in Bacterial Pathogenesis is Co-director of the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) at the University of Nottingham and Chair of the Publishing Panel at the Microbiology Society. Kim’s international career investigating strategies that could circumvent the rising issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) includes study at the Universities of Leicester and Cambridge. Kim’s research group investigates how bacteria form coordinated communities (biofilms) since these are notoriously hard to treat and have life-changing consequences. State-of-the-art multidisciplinary approaches are combined with realistic polymicrobial infection models to discover novel antimicrobials, more effective combination therapies, or diagnostic biomarkers.

Professor Chris Dowson
Professor Chris Dowson has, for many years, examined the emergence and evolution of antibiotic resistance across a wide range of bacteria. His recent focus has been to better understand how penicillin targets bacteria. He currently holds a personal chair at Warwick University and is a past member of the Medical Research Council Infections and Immunity Board. He has established the Sir Howard Dalton Centre HDC for Translational Mechanistic Enzymology and is co-director of this and the Warwick Antimicrobial Interdisciplinary Centre WAMIC. He enabled the location of the Medicines Discovery Catapult MDC AMR Laboratory facility at Warwick and has been involved with philanthropic research fundraising regionally across Warwickshire for the past 20 years.

Bob Roopra MBA FCIM
Bob has over 25 years of experience in the IVD and medical devices industry, with a wealth of expertise in executive leadership, start-ups, scale-ups, commercialisation, consulting, advisory, strategic planning, and implementation. His specialisations encompass IVD diagnostics, medical devices, point-of-care solutions, informatics, and disruptive technologies.
Bob’s broad experience across diverse sizes of organisation sizes has provided him with deep insights into strategic direction setting and commercial planning. His comprehensive knowledge of the IVD and medical device sectors, combined with his skill in crafting and executing business strategies, ensures outcomes that balance clinical, financial, and operational priorities for sustained commercial enterprise success.

Phil Packer
Phil Packer is the Innovation Lead on AMR and Vaccines at Innovate UK, developing & delivering funding calls, supporting workshops and strategy. This includes overseeing projects funded through IUK funding mechanisms such as the Biomedical Catalyst and SMART programme, and the IUK AMR Global Programme.
Phil is the IUK Responsible Officer for AMR initiative PACE (Pathways to Antimicrobial Clinical Efficacy), a co-creation with LifeArc and the Medicines Discovery Catapult, a UK, £30M, nationally coordinated programme that supports both academic and SME translation, integrated with the UK science base and the international community to contribute innovative and precision therapeutics and associated diagnostics to the global infectious disease pipeline in areas of unmet patient need (especially under-served communities).
Phil is also the IUK lead for the delivery of a £40M DHSC, UK Vaccine Network programme delivering vaccine with outbreak potential in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

William Finch

Biochemistry, University of Oxford
>34 years experience in biotech sector with a focus on leading SMEs
Wide experience with Dx industry
Amersham, DSL, Beckman Coulter
CEO, R&D Systems Europe
CEO ,Oxford Bio-Innovation
Scientific Committee, UK ACB

Lucy Lehane
Lucy is an independent Medical Diagnostics Consultant who began her career in the National Health Service as a Clinical Scientist. It was here that she gained first hand insights into the importance of diagnostic testing in improving health and disease management, and enhancing patient experiences. Fast forward nearly 25 years, and Lucy has spent her career in the commercial world of diagnostic testing holding leadership roles in Product Management, Technical Marketing and Medical Affairs for several leading diagnostic companies.
In 2023, Lucy established her own consultancy business – Lehane Consulting Ltd. providing medical diagnostics expertise to guide businesses to bring their diagnostic products to market. Lucy endeavours to apply her 25 years of experience in the IVD industry to provide expert advice for product development, market understanding, devising clinical studies and communications to help bring products to life.

Will Thompson
Will studied Biotechnology at the University of Nottingham, followed by a Master’s in Science and Technology Policy at the University of Sussex. As Policy and Engagement Officer at the Microbiology Society, Will has played a key role in shaping the Society’s policy outputs and stakeholder engagement around AMR. This includes a policy briefing on AMR in wastewater and developing AMR international engagement activities with the UK’s Science and Technology Network (STN).

Professor David Eyre
David Eyre is a Professor of Infectious Diseases at the University of Oxford and a Consultant in Infection at Oxford University Hospitals. His research uses routinely collected data to understand who gets different infections and why, and how best to prevent, treat and monitor these infections. He also focuses on developing artificial intelligence tools to help diagnose and treat hospital patients, and to help operational delivery of healthcare. His other research interests include the use of whole-genome sequencing as a tool for understanding the epidemiology and transmission of pathogens and how it can best be used in infection prevention and control.

To read more about Medilink Midlands’ role within the WMHTIA project, click here.
For more information on the wider project, click here to visit the WMHTIA website.
This event forms part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) event series. Medilink Midlands are one of a consortium of delivery partners for the WMHTIA, a project funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and West Midlands Combined Authority (part of City Regions).

Online - Monthly Membership Drop-In session
2025-11-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Online – Members Portal
Launched in May, the new Member Portal provides members with access to wider community reach, knowledge sharing, exclusive member offers, forum discussions and access to event & training materials – all in one place.
Member Forum – no registration required, just sign into the portal, head the Member Forum and join the conversation!
If you are a member and not yet signed up to the portal, click here to unlock your access.
Non members are invited to explore open areas of the portal – to receive full access join our membership starting from £275+VAT.
Our Monthly Membership Drop-In Session is an open space for members to ask questions, share feedback, and engage with the Medilink Midlands team. These informal drop-in sessions take place on the last Tuesday of each month.
Each session focuses on a specific topic. The next forum will be held on:
Tuesday, 25th NovemberTopic: Feedback from the Winter Networking & 2025 Medilink Midlands Highlights, plus a discussion on the upcoming events:

27.11.2025: Going Digital – Empowering Innovators to Engage with the NHS of Tomorrow (In-Person)
09.12.2025: WMHTIA Cluster: Community: Driving Local Innovation to Meet Regional NHS Challenges (Webinar)
13.01.2026: WMHTIA Cluster: Prevention – Innovating for a Healthier Future (Webinar)

We look forward to seeing you there!

IN-PERSON EVENT: Going Digital - Empowering Innovators to Engage with the NHS of Tomorrow
2025-11-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Arise Chelmsford Innovation Hub, Alan Cherry Drive, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1QT, United Kingdom
Helping innovators navigate digital transformation in light of the NHS 10-Year Plan.
Insight 1: Building Digital Health Tools for the NHS
Medilink Midlands are delighted to be collaborating with Arise Innovation Hubs and Innovate UK in a series of events for autumn and winter 2025/26. The first of these looks at one the common themes in the NHS’s current 10-year plan, which aims to make the NHS fit for the future.
We will explore how to design and deploy effective, scalable digital apps tailored for NHS use — from prototype to practical implementation. Hearing from those who have successfully delivered into the NHS, those currently developing innovations and those who can support the innovator.
How do we create the reality of ‘a doctor in our pocket’
Agenda:
10.00am Registration & networking
10.30am Introduction and Welcome by Arise & Medilink Midlands teams
Event Chair: Dr Beverley Vaughan
10.45am Setting the challenge and how innovators step up – Dr Michael Watts MBA MBChB BSc (Hons) Young Health Tech Leader of the Year 2024, Health Tech World, Co-Founder and CEO, Blüm Health Ltd, NHS Innovation Accelerator Fellow, NHS England Clinical Entrepreneur & Mentor

11.15am Lightening pitches

Matt Lavis, Head of Technology – SkyRocket Phytopharma
Muntazir Panjwani, Director – Vibe Agency
Uzma Sajjad, Founder – RescQ
Jamie Tidman, CEO – ND Lens

11.30am Q&A
11.45am Support available to innovators

Regulatory: John Connah – EG Technologies
R&D Tax: Peter Clark and Younes Fegheh-Hassanpour – RCKPartners
Innovate UK: Mike Herd, Ecosystem Innovation Growth Specialist
Health Innovation East: Lamprini Kaftantzi, PHD – Senior Advisor (Commercial)

12.00pm Networking lunch
1:00pm Depart

Speakers:
Event Chair: Dr Beverley Vaughan, Arise Innovation Hubs Director
Beverley is a scientist by training, having worked in academia, start-up and business sectors, including Cambridge University Teaching hospitals, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC), Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and University of Oxford. Currently, Director at Arise Innovation hubs, part of Anglia Ruskin University, small but beautifully formed and importantly close but not within the golden triangle powerhouses. Beverley has been building a pipeline and success stories in the local environment has involved using knowledge of other clusters and adaptation to a different ecosystem. Collaborating with our community to harness the skills and talent in ARU to support them, on a bespoke and case by case basis. Proud to have delivered programmes such as ABOVE and learnt how being small can make you nimble but success relies on powerful and strategic partnership.

Dr Michael Watts MBA MBChB BSc (Hons), Co-Founder and CEO at Blüm Health
Michael is the Young Health Tech Leader of the Year 2024, an NHS doctor, NHS Innovation Accelerator Fellow and MBA Graduate by background. Over the last few years, he has been the CEO of Blüm Health, an award-winning digital health organisation that collaboratively works with Hospitals, SMEs and Large Corporates to design, build, and scale digital health software solutions, in the hope to empower public and private sector organisations to boost their digital maturity and unlock their innovative potential. Michael has extensive experience in supporting NHS organisations design, build and procure digital health ecosystems and understands the importance of digital inclusivity from a patient, workforce and organisational perspective.

Matt Lavis, Chief Technology Officer at Skyrocket Phytopharma
Matt is the Chief Technology Officer for Skyrocket Phytopharma, the distributor and Responsible Person for the Neuropad, Sudopad and Sudometrics products in the United Kingdom. Matt collaborates with clinical experts to lead the development and integration of innovative technologies that improve patient care and safety, overseeing product design, engineering, and regulatory compliance.
Matt has spent 25 years leading digital projects in both the private and public sector for diverse organisations such as HMRC, Department for Business and Trade, Sainsbury’s and Argos, with a recent history of delivering a number of key post-Brexit UK trade platforms.

Muntazir Panjwani, Co-Founder at Vibe Agency
Muntazir Panjwani is a co-founder of Vibe Agency, a tech consultancy that builds digital platforms across healthcare, education and the public sector. He leads product direction and delivery, building scalable solutions used by clinicians, staff, learners and administrators. With over a decade of experience, Vibe Agency has delivered learning and workforce platforms and operational tools for NHS organisations, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), Local Medical Committees and Training Hubs. Muntazir also mentors on the NHS Clinical Entrepreneurs Programme, supporting innovators to build new digital solutions in healthcare.

Dr Uzma Sajjad, Founder at RescQ
Uzma is an interventional cardiology trainee and somewhere between coronary wires and stents, found an interest in improving outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The operational lead for RescQ – a digital solution to support to the forgotten bystanders, who step in during the life or death moments of a cardiac arrest, before help arrives.

Jamie Tidman, CEO at ND Lens
Jamie is an experienced CTO with a 13-year background in software development – 8 of which have included building language AI products in use within the NHS and other healthcare organisations. As CEO of ND Lens, Jamie is leading the development of a platform which uses AI to transform ADHD and autism assessments, cutting wait times and clinician workload. The accessible platform streamlines diagnosis, supports patients during delays, and helps health services tackle growing backlogs efficiently.

John Connah, Software Team Lead at eg technology
John has over 30 years of experience in coordinating cross-disciplinary teams delivering complex software projects to regulatory standards across multiple platforms and development environments. As an experienced software engineer, he offers guidance, mentorship and technical direction on complex projects across the product development roadmap. John leads the software group at eg technology and has worked across a broad section of industry including MedTech, BioTech, AgriTech and Consumer sectors. He has extensive experience in medical software, video and image processing and scientific and biomedical instrumentation control.

Peter Clark PhD, Co-founder and R&D Technical Director at RCK Partners
As an experienced R&D professional, Peter completed an engineering doctorate whilst working within a FTSE 100 central R&D department and subsequently worked in development engineering, refining precious metals, before undertaking management consulting work to implement innovation software. Having worked within one of Europe’s largest innovation funding providers, Peter has worked extensively on engineering, construction, manufacturing, and agricultural R&D claims. With a core background in R&D and Chemical Engineering, Peter can better understand the challenges encountered by his clients, applying technology driven solutions into corporation tax services on behalf of clients.

Younes Fegheh-Hassanpour PhD, R&D Manager at RCK Partners
Younes is Head of Life-Sciences and an R&D Tax Manager at RCK, with a D.Phil in Organic Chemistry from the University of Oxford and a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Queen Mary University. With over six years of experience as an R&D tax specialist, Younes also brings a strong background in industrial drug development. His expertise spans complex drug design, custom synthesis, and process development for regulatory-controlled substances used in Phase I and II clinical trials. He has extensive experience in GMP and GLP environments, including large-scale reactor development, early-stage steroid pharmaceutical formulation, and the synthesis of carbohydrates for targeted disease control. Younes has been closely involved in multiple stages of the drug development lifecycle, from strategy and implementation to hands-on execution of long-term R&D programmes.

Mike Herd, Ecosystem Innovation Growth Specialist
An experienced business advisor, Mike has worked with many hundreds of tech entrepreneurs supporting them to realise the potential of their businesses and themselves.
As part of his Innovate UK role, Mike works with stakeholders across Cambridge to develop the investor ecosystem and to identify and support new high-growth potential tech businesses.

Dr Lamprini Kaftantzi, Senior Advisor at Health Innovation East
Dr Lamprini leads international projects that support overseas companies in navigating the NHS, as well as helping UK companies achieve success in international markets. Additionally, she is the Oncology Lead, helping innovators and SMEs bring oncology innovations into the NHS and supporting providers with the implementation and evaluation of new solutions. Lamprini trained in biology and genetics before completing her doctoral studies on the clinical and commercial translation of advanced cell therapies. She previously worked as a market access consultant, and a Health Technology Assessor of medical devices and diagnostics for one of NICE’s External Assessment Centres.

Current positions:

Innovate UK – Cambridge Ecosystem
Senior Innovation & Growth Specialist / Investment
Visiting Professor – Anglia Ruskin University.
Chair of ARU’s Enterprise & Entrepreneurship External Advisory Panel.
Board advisor for technology businesses.
Holder of the Queens Award for Enterprise.

Mike ran the Sussex Innovation Centre, a leading UK technology business incubator for over twenty years. He acted as a guide and advisor for businesses at all stages from start-up to flotation. He built a high-performing team of advisors and business support staff – including a successful intern scheme. He developed and delivered award-winning entrepreneurial support programmes.
In addition, Mike led on new research commercialisation and student start-up initiatives at the University of Sussex.
Also, an author of novels based on the experiences of start-up entrepreneurs

WMHTIA: Driving Local Innovation to Meet Regional NHS Challenges - Webinar
2025-12-09 10:00 - 12:15 | Online via GoToWebinar
Date: Tuesday 9th DecemberTime: 10:00am – 12:15pmLocation: Online (Goto Webinar)
We’re excited to announce the second in a series of three WMHTIA Cluster Events taking place over the coming months. Focusing on driving Local Innovation to Meet Regional NHS Challenges in alignment with the NHS 3 Radical Shifts 10 year plan.
Event Agenda
Community: Driving Local Innovation to Meet Regional NHS Challenges
Helping innovators tailor solutions to community needs within the NHS 10-Year Plan
Date: Tuesday, 9th December 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: GOTO Webinar
10:00 AM – 10:05 AM: Welcome & Housekeeping
Opening remarks, event objectives, and how to make the most of the session.
10:05 AM – 10:25 AM: Insight 1 – Understanding Local Needs through Community-Leve Data
Presented by VUIT Data Labs
Discover how to identify and interpret place-based data to uncover unmet health needs at the community level and shape targeted interventions.
Q&A: 10:25 – 10:30
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM: Insight 2 – Addressing Regional Health Priorities in the West Midlands
Presented by Health Innovation West Midlands
Explore the biggest health challenges across the West Midlands, and how local businesses and innovators can engage with public sector needs to co-develop meaningful solutions. Learn how solving the specific, real-world challenges of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and regional trusts can drive more relevant and impactful innovation — shifting from national to hyper-local approaches.
Q&A: 10:50 – 10:55
10:55 AM – 11:15 AM: Insight 3 – Partnerships as Catalysts for Hospital-to-Community Transformation
Presented by Our Health Partnership (OHP)
By leveraging scale, shared infrastructure, and data-driven referral pathways, OHP can empower GPs to act as local coordinators—reducing hospital demand while delivering more proactive, prevention-led care.
Q&A: 11:15 – 11:20
11:20 AM – 11:30 AM: Open Networking Break
An opportunity to connect, share experiences, and find collaborators with shared regional interests.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Interactive Workshop – Tackling Community Health Challenges Through Innovation
Join a practical discussion on the barriers and opportunities for working at the community level — exploring key questions such as:

How can innovators effectively engage with local systems?

What strategies support trust-building and uptake at the community level?

How can businesses co-design solutions with communities and health systems?

12:00 PM – 12:15 PM: Reflections & Closing Discussion
Collective reflections, insight-sharing, and guidance on how to move forward with community-driven innovation in the NHS.

Speaker Profile

Omar Daniels, Healthtech Investor & Accelerator
Omar previously co-founded and scaled a startup into 25% of NHS GP practices in 18 months. He is an operator-turned investor in early stage healthtech startups, while also sitting on the Board of NHS South West London ICB as an Associate NED. Omar founded and leads the Primary Care Accelerator, a recently launched programme to back, accelerate and scale innovation in Primary Care. PCA is embedded within at-scale GP practice groups, bringing real-world customers closer to innovators.

Judith Stewart, Director of Economic, Commercial and Business Development, Health Innovation West Midlands
As the Director for Economic, Commercial and Business Development for Health Innovation West Midlands, Judith support innovators and health care systems to discover, develop and deploy innovations for the betterment of all. Across her 25+ year career, she has been instrumental in economic, employment and community development across the South West and Midlands. With a wide ranging network of contacts and support the organisations, she enjoys tackling challenges with curiosity and creativity, always seeking better outcomes.

This event forms part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) event series. Medilink Midlands are one of a consortium of delivery partners for the WMHTIA, a project funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and West Midlands Combined Authority (part of City Regions).

WMHTIA - Prevention: Innovating for a Healthier Future
2026-01-13 10:00 - 12:15 | Online via GoToWebinar
Date: Tuesday 13th January Time: 10:00am – 12:15pmLocation: Online (Goto Webinar)
We’re excited to announce the third in a series of three WMHTIA Cluster Events taking place over the coming months. Focusing on helping innovators navigate digital transformation in alignment with the NHS 3 Radical Shifts 10 year plan.
WMHTIA Cluster Event – Prevention – Innovating for a Healthier Future – Helping innovators navigate digital transformation in light of the NHS 10-Year Plan
Event Agenda
10:00 AM – 10:05 AM
Welcome & Housekeeping
10:05 AM – 10:25 AM
Insight 1: Navigating Regulation Between Wellness and Medical Devices
Presented by SOTAS
Understand the blurred line between wellness products and regulated medical devices — including what innovators must know to avoid compliance risks and bring credible, safe products to market.
Q&A: 10:25 – 10:30
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM
Insight 2: Regional Perspectives on Preventive Innovation
Presented by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
Discover how the West Midlands region is driving efforts to build a healthier population, and the pivotal role local government plays in preventing disease before it arises. This session will explore regional priorities, opportunities for collaboration, and how innovators can align their solutions with place-based prevention strategies.
Q&A: 10:50 – 10:55
10:55 AM – 11:15 AM
Insight 3: Case Study – Advancing Prevention Through the Wellness and Mindfulness Market
Presented by QuietNote
This case study highlights a wellness innovation currently operating in the consumer wellbeing space. Through close collaboration with the University of Birmingham, the initiative is beginning to demonstrate measurable preventive benefits for mental wellbeing, showing how market-driven wellness solutions can support and align with emerging prevention strategies across the health system.
Q&A: 11:15 – 11:20
11:20 AM – 11:30 AM
Insight 4 – Using Data-Driven Solutions to Strengthen NHS Prevention Strategy and Value. Explain how BVI, developed in the West Midlands, is a new and valid measure of obesity and health risk prevention for the 21st Century.
Presented by Select Research Ltd
Q&A: 11:30 AM – 11:35 – AM
11:35 AM – 12:05 PM
Interactive Workshop: Overcoming Barriers in Preventive Health Innovation
Join a collaborative discussion to unpack common challenges, such as:

Evidence & Evaluation: Proving value and impact of early-stage preventive solutions.
User Engagement: Building lasting user adoption and trust in low-touch interventions.
Funding & Commissioning: Finding sustainable business models for products that prevent rather than treat.
Regulatory Ambiguity: Managing grey areas between consumer wellness and clinical claim
Equity & Access: Ensuring solutions are inclusive and reach underserved populations.

12:05 PM – 12:15 PM
Reflections & Closing
Wrap-up of themes, key learnings, and how to continue the conversation beyond the event.

SPEAKER PROFILES

Will Crawford, Found and Director of Quiet Note
A UK based company pioneering the QuietNote approach – an innovative healthcare approach based on mindfulness and music. Will studied at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where he came up with the idea for QuietNote as his final year dissertation. From 2024 – 2025 QuietNote were successful in receiving a £50,000 grant from Innovate UK which funded a world first clinical study into the QuietNote approach. Will is also the Vice President of the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce.

David Hawkins, CTO and Co-Founder of Sotas
David Hawkins is the CTO and Co-Founder of Sotas, a specialist consultancy delivering regulatory and compliance solutions to HealthTech and MedTech industries. With over 20 years of industry, David brings deep technical and regulatory insight, having worked engineering, quality, compliance, and regulatory affairs. He is a trusted expert in navigating regulatory pathways, often working with complex devices, software, and AI-driven technologies. David has supported clients through challenging MDR/IVDR and FDA submissions. His strength lies in bridging technical depth with regulatory clarity, making compliance achievable, understandable, and robust. David collaborates closely with manufacturers to ensure sustained regulatory performance in dynamic global markets.

Richard Barnes, CEO of Select Research
Based in Malvern, Worcs. Select have been pioneers in human body measurement in 3D for nearly 30 years.
Select developed the sizing standards for clothing retailers using their 3D technology, and since 2004 have developed the Body Volume Index (BVI) and other metrics measured digitally, from a smartphone.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) was invented in 1835. BVI was designed to be a better, and modern alternative, and has now been validated by Mayo Clinic as being a significant improvement on BMI for the prediction of metabolic risk.

This event forms part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) event series. Medilink Midlands are one of a consortium of delivery partners for the WMHTIA, a project funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and West Midlands Combined Authority (part of City Regions).

IN-PERSON EVENT: Community - Driving Local Innovation to Meet Regional NHS Community
2026-01-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Arise Innovation Hub, Harlow Innovation Park, Maypole Boulevard, Harlow, Essex, CM17 9TX, United Kingdom
Tackling community health challenges through innovation.
Insight 2: Tackling community health challenges through innovation
Medilink Midlands are delighted to be collaborating with Arise Innovation Hubs and Innovate UK in a series of events for autumn and winter 2025/26. The second of these looks at an overarching theme in the NHS’s current 10-year plan, which aims to make the NHS fit for the future.
As we look to move from research to reality how are we going to enable more of us to be treated within the community, keeping our hospitals ready for those times when we really need them. In a recent paper by the Welcome Trust it becomes clear that we need to put research at the heart of health, we need to improve and equalise outcomes.
We will look at the barriers and opportunities for working with the community addressing the following questions:

How do we enable patchy patient engagement to become a network of proactive and involved citizens?
How do we enable research to be embedded into everyday care, with trustworthy data infrastructure and incentivised for all to engage?
How do we ensure adoption of innovations are widespread, allowing innovations to be scaled?

Agenda:
10.00 – 10.25: Arrival, networking and refreshments
10.25-10.30: Introduction and Welcome by Arise | Beverley Vaughan
10.30-10.35: Welcome by Medilink Midlands | Raghul Senthilnathan
10.35-10.50: Setting the scene I – what does a day in the life of a doctor look like in 10 years? How do remote monitoring technologies change the way the health service operates
Bruce Adams| Clinitouch part of Spirit Health Managing Director
10.50-11.05: Setting the scene II – How do we co-create the digital solutions and support tools for healthcare of the future
Dr Alice Byram| Royal Society of Medicine president of Digital Health and entrepreneur
11.05-11.10: Q&A
11.10-11.30: Coffee & networking break
11.30-11.45: Lightening pitches
Seacrest Care Services | Ebun Ojemuyiwa
11.45-11.55: Q&A
11.55- 12.20: Support available to innovators
-Supporting MedTech innovators working in healthcare
Nicola Thorn| AND Technology and Research Managing Director
-Introducing IUK Business Growth
Dr Lorraine Morley | IUK Business Growth, UK Lead of the European AgeTech Accelerator programme
–Introducing Connected Innovation
Scott Cogman | Connected Innovation hubs Director
-Introducing IP and legal protection for SMEs
Cory Stobart | Senior Associate – Patent Attorney, Adamson Jones, part of Gateley
12.20-13.00: Networking lunch

* If you cannot attend once registered for the event please email events@medilinkmidlands.com
* If you would like to join our waiting list, please enter your details here – Waiting List

Speakers

Event Chair: Dr Beverley Vaughan, Arise Innovation Hubs Director
Beverley is a scientist by training, having worked in academia, start-up and business sectors, including Cambridge University Teaching hospitals, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst (SBC), Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and University of Oxford. Currently, Director at Arise Innovation hubs, part of Anglia Ruskin University, small but beautifully formed and importantly close but not within the golden triangle powerhouses. Beverley has been building a pipeline and success stories in the local environment has involved using knowledge of other clusters and adaptation to a different ecosystem. Collaborating with our community to harness the skills and talent in ARU to support them, on a bespoke and case by case basis. Proud to have delivered programmes such as ABOVE and learnt how being small can make you nimble but success relies on powerful and strategic partnership.

Raghul Senthilnathan, Innovation Advisor, Medilink Midlands
A dynamic Innovation Advisor with a master’s degree in Biotech and Pharma Management from UCL, and a strong background in life sciences and healthcare innovation. Founder of two innovative start-ups, with personal expertise in digital technologies. Skilled in leading accelerator programs and supporting early-stage companies to navigate challenges and realize their potential in contributing to the economy. Expertise in coaching, mentoring, and business diagnostics to help innovators avoid pitfalls and succeed.

Dr Alice Byram, clinician, entrepreneur and President of the Digital Health Section at the Royal Society of Medicine
With a background in emergency and primary care, she brings frontline insight to the design and adoption of digital health solutions. Alice works at the intersection of clinical practice, technology and system change, advocating for tools that are safe, equitable and genuinely useful for patients and professionals. In this session, she sets the scene for how communities, clinicians, technologists and policymakers can co-create digital solutions and support tools that meet real NHS needs and shape the future of healthcare together.

Scott Cogman, Innovation Hubs Manager of Connected Innovation
Scott leads on the Innovation Hubs network within the Connected Innovation Programme, establishing strategic relationships between the hubs, research institutes and academia and facilitating key conversations around issues such as grow-on space, funding, investment and connecting partners with local innovation support.

Bruce Adams , Managing Director at Clinitouch,
a UK-based remote patient monitoring platform. With a background in global health and social technology, he is passionate about how digital health can transform lives worldwide. Clinitouch, part of Spirit Health, is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible, simple, and affordable for all. Bruce joined in 2021 to build on a decade of successful NHS deployments and to expand the platform’s impact internationally. Working closely with the Department for Business and Trade, he and the Clinitouch team have developed a growing global presence, now spanning 30+ partners in 15+ countries across five continents.

Ebun Ojemuyiwa, Founder & Healthtech Innovator of CheckUup,
Ebun Ojemuyiwa is the founder of CheckUup, a preventative mental-wellness platform that identifies early behavioural shifts to strengthen support networks before crisis. ​
With over 15 years’ experience leading governance, risk and transformation across major institutions including HSBC and JPMorgan, she blends data-driven strategy with human-centred innovation. ​
As a Director at Seacrest Care Services, Ebun works closely with vulnerable young people, giving her deep insight into gaps in early intervention and community support. She is committed to advancing trustworthy, preventative digital solutions that ease pressure on NHS services and improve equitable outcomes across communities.

Cory Stobart, Senior Associate – Patent Attorney, Adamson Jones, part of Gateley
Cory is qualified as a UK Chartered Patent Attorney and Registered European Patent Attorney. He joined Adamson Jones in 2017, having initially joined the patent profession in 2015.
Cory has a particular focus on small and medium sized businesses in the medical, sports and engineering sectors, as well as universities and associated companies or spin-outs. He also works with multi-national companies in the field of medical devices, drafting and prosecuting patent applications worldwide and providing freedom-to-operate advice in respect of competitor portfolios, with a view to gaining a majority foothold in this market.

Dr Lorraine Morley, UK Lead of the European AgeTech Accelerator programme
Before Dr Lorraine Morley joined St John’s Innovation Centre as an innovation and growth specialist she had spent ten years working in the area of technology for health ageing. As the UK lead of the European AgeTech Accelerator programme Lorraine worked with companies developing goods and services across the spectrum of ageing needs from falls-prevention, managing cognitive and physical decline, staying active, maintaining good nutrition and hydration to tracking vital signs at home with medical grade devices.
Supporting technically ambitious start-ups through all steps of the innovation journey from ideation to crafting a compelling value proposition to helping understand the best market entry points and business models, Lorraine also holds an international database of age tech innovations from around the world giving the clients she works for an unbeatable insight into the competitive landscape, emerging trends and market forces. Her abundance of experience in the area of age tech and healthy ageing has also created a broad network of contacts who can assist with clinical and field trials, expert advice and investment.

Ingrid Folland, CEO, Japeto
Ingrid Folland is a dedicated advocate for tech for good, committed to local impact. Starting in R&D, she transitioned into the dynamic world of technology, taking on various roles including product design, development, and project management. Ingrid is now the CEO of Japeto, a company focused on creating safe AI solutions for charities, healthcare, education, and more.

Dr Nicola Thorn, Managing Director, AND Technology Research
Dr Nicola Thorn is Managing Director at AND Technology Research, an award winning, purpose-led technology and product development consultancy. Founded in 1980, ANDtr are trusted by hundreds of companies and engineers all over the world, delivering ‘tech-for-good’ innovative software and electronics products with IoT, Energy, Medical and more. Nicola has overseen the successful development, deployment and submission of dozens of products to market from cutting edge VR medical technology, to industrial energy monitoring system. In addition, Nicola is a member of the UK national committee at BSI for medical device, and an external advisor to the University of Essex Enterprise and Commercialisation boards.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Doing Business with China
2026-02-05 16:00 - 19:00 | Mills & Reeve, Botanic House, 100 Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Join us for an insightful and practical event designed for those in the Med-tech and Life Sciences sector looking to expand their operations into the world’s second-largest economy. This event will equip you with the essential knowledge, strategies, and cultural understanding needed to navigate the complexities of the Chinese market successfully.
During the event, delegates can expect to be provided with firsthand knowledge and insights through a series of focused presentations, an industry case study, and a lively panel discussion. The event will conclude with a dedicated networking session, allowing you to build valuable connections.

AGENDA
4pm Arrival & Registration
4:30pm Welcome Introduction
4:45pm Focused Presentations

Understanding the Chinese Business Mind/ Culture (Lily Lin – Co-Founder and CEO of Excellence first Enterprise Consultancy)
Legal and IP issues (James Fry – Mills & Reeve)
Case Study: Medical product partnerships in China (Professor Keith Jackson)

5:15pm Q&A Panel Discussion
6pm Networking
7pm Depart

Speakers

Lily Lin – Co-founder and CEO of Excellence First Enterprise Consultancy (EFEC)
Lily Lin – Co-founder and CEO of Excellence First Enterprise Consultancy (EFEC), a UK–China advisory firm established in 2006 to build strategic partnerships across business, innovation and culture. Her work includes contributing to cross-ecosystem initiatives such as the Lingang–Cambridge Network and partnering with Medilink Midlands to support organisations engaging with China. She is currently leading the development of two new EFEC initiatives planned for rollout in 2026 to mark the organisation’s 20th anniversary: the EFEC UK–China Life Sciences Innovation Hub, which focuses on strengthening trust, alignment and governance between leaders of like-minded innovation ecosystems in both countries; and CognateUK, an evidence-led talent capability initiative exploring upstream development pathways for globally minded professionals.

James Fry – Partner and Head of Life Sciences, Mills & Reeve
James leads our full-service life sciences practice, and advises on IP and IP licensing, strategic contracting and cross-border transactions. He has deep expertise in licensing and partnering, research collaborations, supply chains and the development and distribution of life sciences products, including medical devices and pharmaceuticals. James has notable experience working on deals involving life sciences companies in China, particularly in research collaborations and licensing, and has advised on a number of high profile in-licensing and out-licensing transactions involved Chinese biotechs and pharma companies. His clients include biotech and pharma companies, medical device companies, universities, medical research charities and government bodies.

Professor Keith Jackson
Professor Keith Jackson is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Director with over forty years of experience in British manufacturing, international trade, and business leadership. He has led multi award-winning MedTech companies, where he designed manufactured and exported innovative healthcare solutions to more than 70 countries, building strong links across Asia and China. As The Master Cutler for 2025–2026, Keith champions international trade, education, and healthcare. A former Non-Executive Director of Medilink, he continues to advise scaling businesses in life sciences on innovation, internationalisation, and leadership. Keith also serves as a Non-Executive Chair and Director for high-growth SMEs, including on an international board in Hong Kong, supporting cross-border collaboration and market expansion for British technology companies.

Panelist

Paul Bowman – Barclays
As the Vertical Head of International for Barclays Business, Paul’s role is to support colleagues and SMEs to explore international trade, by providing insight and education and to confirm that whilst international trade may be complex, it need not be difficult. He has created training and support material for trade and has hosted events and webinars focused upon helping businesses grow through importing and exporting. As well as supporting colleagues and clients, Paul also leans into work with product and propositions, and represents Barclays in discussions with Government, Department of Business & Trade and other external agencies. With over 30 years’ experience within the banking industry, he is a keen ally of those looking to broaden access to the opportunities available through overseas trade and activity.

Online - Monthly Membership Drop-In session
2026-02-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Online – Members Portal
Launched in May, the new Member Portal provides members with access to wider community reach, knowledge sharing, exclusive member offers, forum discussions and access to event & training materials – all in one place.
Member Forum – no registration required, just sign into the portal, head the Member Forum and join the conversation!
If you are a member and not yet signed up to the portal, click here to unlock your access.
Non members are invited to explore open areas of the portal – to receive full access join our membership starting from £275+VAT.
Our Monthly Membership Drop-In Session is an open space for members to ask questions, share feedback, and engage with the Medilink Midlands team. These informal drop-in sessions take place on the last Tuesday of each month.
Each session focuses on a specific topic. The next forum will be held on:
Tuesday 24th FebruaryTopic: Upcoming Medilink Midlands Events

25.02.2026: In-Person Event: WMHTC – North Star Workshop 1 – Insight & Evidence
10.03.2026: In-Person Event: Building Resilient High-Growth, Globally Competitive Life Sciences Cluster: Finance and Investment
10.03.2026: In-Person Event: Venturefest West Midlands 2026

We look forward to seeing you there!

IN-PERSON: WMHTC - North Star Workshop 1 - Insight & Evidence
2026-02-25 12:30 - 15:30 | Salts Healthcare, Unit 1, Richard St, Aston, B7 4AA
This activity aims to bring together triple helix partners (industry, academia, and government) to collaboratively establish the West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster (WMHTC) North Star and Action Plan – its Vision, Mission, and Action Lines.
This work will help build a new partnership-based strategy for the cluster, strengthen collaboration, and align stakeholders behind a shared purpose.

Workshop 1 of 3: Insight & Evidence Session
Rather than critiquing the current Vision/Mission (which may dilute engagement), this session will:

Present an evidence base drawing on known exemplars, existing WMHTC materials, and mapped ecosystem insights.

Enable participants to identify the implications of this evidence for WMHTC’s future direction.

Surface strategic opportunities, challenges, and areas of shared importance.

Purpose: Build a common understanding and create momentum for genuine cocreation.

If you are a senior leader or decision maker working within industry, government or academia, and would like to attend this event, please email: events@wmhtc.co.uk.
*Please note: Places are limited.

For information around workshop 2 click here.
For information around workshop 3 click here.

Each Workshop to be facilitated by Alison Partridge – Head of Inclusive Economy at Newable
Alison leads the design and delivery of programmes that create meaningful opportunities for local communities and support the development of fair, resilient, and innovative local economies.
She is an experienced and adaptable economic development professional with deep expertise in inclusive enterprise, entrepreneurship, and place‑based growth across UK and European cities. Over her 35+ year career, she has worked at the intersection of policy, partnerships, and programme delivery, co‑creating and securing funding for initiatives that respond to complex and evolving socio‑economic contexts.
Alison has played a prominent role within Europe’s Cities Knowledge Exchange and Learning Programmes, leading multiple networks of EU cities committed to building inclusive, knowledge‑based economies. Her work has centred on enabling knowledge exchange, strengthening collaboration, and supporting stakeholders to co‑create local action plans.
In 2016, Alison co‑founded OneTech, a catalyst for inclusion in the startup ecosystem, which equips underserved communities with the networks, skills, and confidence to start and grow businesses. Between 2023 and 2025, she co‑led London’s Inclusive Health & Life Sciences Coalition, bringing together eight central London local authorities and MedCity to broaden access, investment, and opportunities across the sector. From 2024 to 2026, she also supported Tech SY stakeholders to co‑create an ambitious action plan to expand the region’s tech entrepreneurship ecosystem.

To find out more on the WMHTC click here

IN-PERSON: WMHTC - North Star Workshop 2 - Co-Creation of Vision & Mission
2026-03-12 12:30 - 15:30 | Park Regis, 160 Broad Street, Five ways, Birmingham, B15 1DT, United Kingdom
This activity aims to bring together triple helix partners (industry, academia, and government) to collaboratively establish the West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster (WMHTC) North Star and Action Plan – its Vision, Mission, and Action Lines.
This work will help build a new partnership-based strategy for the cluster, strengthen collaboration, and align stakeholders behind a shared purpose.

During workshop 2, Participants will:

Codevelop the core thrust of the Vision (direction, ambition, long-termterm aspiration).
Shape the underpinning Mission (purpose, focus, and role of the cluster).
Work within clear guiderails, ensuring discussion remains strategic and aligned to cluster goals.

If you are a senior leader or decision maker working within industry, government or academia, and would like to attend this event, please email: events@wmhtc.co.uk.
*Please note: Places are limited.

For information around workshop 1 click here.
For information around workshop 3 click here.

Each Workshop to be facilitated by Alison Partridge – Head of Inclusive Economy at Newable
Alison leads the design and delivery of programmes that create meaningful opportunities for local communities and support the development of fair, resilient, and innovative local economies.
She is an experienced and adaptable economic development professional with deep expertise in inclusive enterprise, entrepreneurship, and place‑based growth across UK and European cities. Over her 35+ year career, she has worked at the intersection of policy, partnerships, and programme delivery, co‑creating and securing funding for initiatives that respond to complex and evolving socio‑economic contexts.
Alison has played a prominent role within Europe’s Cities Knowledge Exchange and Learning Programmes, leading multiple networks of EU cities committed to building inclusive, knowledge‑based economies. Her work has centred on enabling knowledge exchange, strengthening collaboration, and supporting stakeholders to co‑create local action plans.
In 2016, Alison co‑founded OneTech, a catalyst for inclusion in the startup ecosystem, which equips underserved communities with the networks, skills, and confidence to start and grow businesses. Between 2023 and 2025, she co‑led London’s Inclusive Health & Life Sciences Coalition, bringing together eight central London local authorities and MedCity to broaden access, investment, and opportunities across the sector. From 2024 to 2026, she also supported Tech SY stakeholders to co‑create an ambitious action plan to expand the region’s tech entrepreneurship ecosystem.

To find out more on the WMHTC click here

IN-PERSON: WMHTC - North Star Workshop 3 - Action Lines & Delivery Model
2026-03-17 12:30 - 15:30 | PHTA, No1 BHIC, 2 Bournebrook Way, Birmingham, B29 6TH, United Kingdom
This activity aims to bring together triple helix partners (industry, academia, and government) to collaboratively establish the West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster (WMHTC) North Star and Action Plan – its Vision, Mission, and Action Lines.
This work will help build a new partnership-based strategy for the cluster, strengthen collaboration, and align stakeholders behind a shared purpose.

During Workshop 3, participants will:

Develop practical, measurable action lines to achieve the vision and mission.

Explore partnership-based delivery models and governance structures.

Prioritise initiatives that strengthen collaboration and impact.

If you are a senior leader or decision maker working within industry, government or academia, and would like to attend this event, please email: events@wmhtc.co.uk.
*Please note: Places are limited.

For information around workshop 1 click here.
For information around workshop 2 click here.

Each Workshop to be facilitated by Alison Partridge – Head of Inclusive Economy at Newable
Alison leads the design and delivery of programmes that create meaningful opportunities for local communities and support the development of fair, resilient, and innovative local economies.
She is an experienced and adaptable economic development professional with deep expertise in inclusive enterprise, entrepreneurship, and place‑based growth across UK and European cities. Over her 35+ year career, she has worked at the intersection of policy, partnerships, and programme delivery, co‑creating and securing funding for initiatives that respond to complex and evolving socio‑economic contexts.
Alison has played a prominent role within Europe’s Cities Knowledge Exchange and Learning Programmes, leading multiple networks of EU cities committed to building inclusive, knowledge‑based economies. Her work has centred on enabling knowledge exchange, strengthening collaboration, and supporting stakeholders to co‑create local action plans.
In 2016, Alison co‑founded OneTech, a catalyst for inclusion in the startup ecosystem, which equips underserved communities with the networks, skills, and confidence to start and grow businesses. Between 2023 and 2025, she co‑led London’s Inclusive Health & Life Sciences Coalition, bringing together eight central London local authorities and MedCity to broaden access, investment, and opportunities across the sector. From 2024 to 2026, she also supported Tech SY stakeholders to co‑create an ambitious action plan to expand the region’s tech entrepreneurship ecosystem.

To find out more on the WMHTC click here.

ONLINE EVENT: MeTAP - Technical HIVE
2026-03-18 13:00 - 15:30 | Online via GoToWebinar
The MeTAP Technical Hive is a structured, expert-led growth intervention delivered as part of MeTAP 2.0, a UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) supported business growth programme.
Designed to provide Nottingham City–based innovators with focused access to high-level subject matter experts across regulatory, IP, clinical validation, manufacturing, commercialisation, legal, and funding domains.
Technical Hive is not a general workshop. It is a diagnostic-led, pre-mapped, 1:1 expert clinic designed to accelerate company progression at critical stages of growth.
The intervention will be delivered online and structured around:

Pre-event diagnostic assessment

Strategic mapping to relevant delivery partners

Structured 1:1 breakout consultations.

Consolidated written recommendations post-event

Aimed to accelerate company progression, de-risk key strategic decisions, and deliver measurable growth outputs in line with UKSPF programme objectives.
Agenda
1pm Welcome/ Introduction
1:10pm Pitching sessions
1:50pm Breakout sessions
3:20pm Closing session
3:30pm Online event ends
Eligibility & AttendanceEligibility checks are required prior to attendance. All attendees must register their interest to join the MeTAP Technical Hive by emailing raghul@medilinkmidlands.com. Access details will be provided following eligibility checks.
Invitation only – open to Life Sciences and MedTech organisations based in Nottingham City.
This programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
