NIHR HRC-DDR call for project proposals webinar
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London)
Date: Wednesday 28th January
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Venue: Online
Details
Join our webinar for information and guidance on collaborating with the NIHR HRC-DDR and MD-TEC.
The NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Devices, digital and robotics aims to support the safe, effective and efficient translation of new healthcare technologies by generating evidence that will support their regulatory approval and adoption. We work closely with the Medical Devices Testing and Evaluation Centre (MD-TEC), a state-of-the-art medical device and technology usability testing facility.
We have recently launched an open call for collaborative project proposals, seeking new projects from technology developers with innovations that aim to improve the effectiveness and quality of health and care services.
Join us for our online webinar to learn more about our services and how to submit a project proposal. The webinar will include a Q&A session with our team to ask questions about the call for proposals and collaborative projects.
The webinar is aimed at clinicians, researchers, SMEs and other technology developers in the medical devices, digital health technologies and robotics sectors.
Learn more about our services and the call for proposals on our website. Please direct enquiries to HRCengagement@uhb.nhs.uk.

SEHTA - Breaking into the U.S Market: From access to Adoption Masterclass
2026-01-19 08:30 - 2026-01-20 18:00 | Hill Dickinson, Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street, London EC2A 2EW, Hill Dickinson, Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street, London, London, EC2A 2EW, United Kingdom
Date: Monday 19th & Tuesday 20th January 2026
Time: 08:30 – 18:00 (GMT)
Venue: Hill Dickinson, Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street, London EC2A 2EW
This 2-day programme is designed to give European healthcare innovators, from start-ups through to Series A and B companies, the best possible chance of entering and scaling in the U.S. market.
Its unique approach focuses on U.S. Healthcare Market Access and Reimbursement: how to navigate CMS, private payers, coding systems, and regulatory dynamics. Alongside these technical essentials, delegates will also explore two critical enablers of adoption:

Marketing and brand clarity: How to communicate value in a noisy U.S. market using purpose, positioning, and the EmotivData™ methodology.
Education and KOL engagement: How to design structured education and stakeholder programmes that drive confidence, trust, and adoption.

Together, these three strands provide participants with a comprehensive roadmap, from securing access to building adoption and sustainable growth.
Not a member of SEHTA? Register here for FREE basic membership
Please click here to complete our Expression of Interest
Ticket Prices
SEHTA/Medilink Members – £1,600 +VAT
Non-Members – £1,900 +VAT
Additional Delegates: £500 +VAT pp
To Secure Your Place:

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).

Leicestershire Innovation Clinics
2025-12-10 00:00 | Charnwood Campus Loughborough, LE11 5RB, Charnwood Campus Loughborough, Loughborough, LE11 5RB, United Kingdom
Date: Wednesday 10th December 2025

Venue: Charnwood Campus, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, LE11 5RB
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.
We are delighted to be able to feed into the new Leicestershire Academic Health Partners Health Innovation Hub, which will widen our ability to provide clinical insight into the value and delivery of new innovations.
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
To continue supporting pioneering innovation ideas across the region, a new series of clinic sessions has been launched.
Hosting these sector-specific workshops collaboratively, enables innovators to benefit from confidential 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?

Booking information:
If you would like to discuss your innovation project, new product development or understand the landscape, please complete this short online application form here.
These workshops have proved extremely popular, so early booking is recommended.
Deadline for the Leicestershire Innovation Clinics is 21st November 2025.
Note: Applications will be kept open until further notice as there will be ongoing support mechanisms.
Please note individuals/companies can only attend one innovation clinic session throughout the series. This programme is supported by the Leicestershire Academic Health Partners Health Innovation Hub, consisting of:

Health Innovation East Midlands
Leicestershire Academic Health Partners
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board
University of Leicester

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

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).

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

SEHTA - Sustainability in MedTech Workshop
2025-11-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Hill Dickinson, Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street, London EC2A 2EW, Hill Dickinson, Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street, London, London, EC2A 2EW, United Kingdom
Date: Thursday 27th November 2025
Time: 09:30 – 13:00 (GMT)
Venue: Hill Dickinson, Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street, London EC2A 2EW
SEHTA are delighted to bring a half-day workshop in conjunction with Product Sustainability by Devign to provide a comprehensive introduction to sustainability and the path to achieving net zero, with a focus on practical application for businesses and navigating sector-specific frameworks like the NHS Net Zero Roadmap.
A focused overview of what you need to know about your Sustainability journey for your MedTech product.
Learn from an experienced product sustainability consultant on what is sustainability, how to navigate the NHS net zero roadmap, sustainability 101 and next steps.
Workshop will include:

Key concepts – what sustainability and net zero mean, why they matter, and how businesses can begin assessing their own responsibilities and opportunities in this space. Attendees will explore the strategic benefits of net zero and what their organizations need to do to get there.
NHS Net Zero Roadmap – breaking down what it entails, its implications for suppliers and partners, and how to achieve key milestones effectively.
Sustainability 101 – clarifying what true sustainability looks like beyond marketing claims. It examines the role of products in reducing environmental impact and presents lateral strategies for integrating sustainability into business models for long-term success.
Discussion session – to assess each participant’s current position, clarify future goals, and identify concrete next steps in their sustainability journey.

Not a member of SEHTA? Register here for FREE basic membership
Ticket Prices
SEHTA Members – £50 +VAT pp
Non-Members – £75 +VAT pp
To Secure Your Place:

Medilink Midlands Annual General Meeting (AGM)
2025-11-26 13:00 - 14:00
The Medilink Midlands Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025

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: 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).

IN-PERSON EVENT: MEDICA 2025
2025-11-17 - 2025-11-20
MEDICA is the leading international forum bringing together influential individuals from the fields of business, research, and politics – naturally alongside tens of thousands of national and international experts and decision-makers from the sector, such as yourself.
Explore the innovative products and services on display, with a first class programme of forums, seminars and conferences focused on future opportunities and innovation.
Exchange ideas with experts from all over the world, keep in touch with existing clients & distributors and forge new beneficial relationships. Enjoy enhanced opportunities to connect via the MEDICA.de B2B platform to quickly and easily find relevant information.
Generate new business | Network with industry leaders and potential buyers | Launch new products and services | Increase brand exposure | Enhance your international presence
Why exhibit with Medilink UK?
Choosing to exhibit on the Official Medilink UK Pavilion makes your exhibiting experience easy:

Furnished exhibition stand on a high-quality UK branded pavilion
Full pre-show administrative and logistical support
In-market assistance from the Medilink UK Team throughout the exhibition
Support with travel and accommodation
Free introductory Medilink Membership for one year included in cost (available to any non-members)
PR and Marketing assistance to help promote your presence
Fantastic location at the event

CLICK HERE TO ENQUIRE

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.

The Stroke Technology Symposium
2025-11-13 09:30 - 16:00 | All Nations Centre, Cardiff
This event will bring together clinical and technology professionals to look at ways of addressing common barriers to delivering stroke care and consider innovative digital tools that could make a difference.
There is funding available to support small projects in partnership with businesses and companies can learn how to apply for it by attending the Symposium.
You can learn more about this event here: https://mediwales.com/event/stroke-tech-symposium-2025/

Penningtons Manches Cooper's Annual Life Sciences Conference 2025
2025-11-12 13:00 - 17:30 | Pennington Manches Cooper LLP, 125 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7AW
Date: Wednesday 12th November 2025
Time: 13:00 – 17:00 (GMT)
Venue: Penningtons Manches Cooper, 125 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7AW
Join Penningtons Manches Cooper’s flagship Life Sciences Conference 2025,
“Intelligent Innovation: AI and the MedTech Revolution,”
where leading industry specialists and legal experts will explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on medical devices and the broader life sciences sector.
Gain insights into the latest advancements, critical legal and regulatory frameworks, effective data governance strategies, the funding landscape, partnership dynamics, and talent acquisition to support your organisation’s innovation journey.
Agenda:
Keynote: Investing in AI-Driven MedTech: Funding Landscape
Henry Whorwood, Managing Director of Research, Beauhurst
Keynote: AI in Cardiovascular Imaging – Promise, Barriers and Real-World Impact:
Qiang Zhang, PhD FSCMR, Associate Professor of AI in Cardiovascular Imaging, Radcliffe Department of Medicine & NDPH Big Data Institute, University of Oxford
Navigating the EU AI Act for Medical Devices: Cross-Border Compliance Strategies:
Lisa Page & Tom Perkins, Penningtons Manches Cooper
Guardians of the Health Dataverse: Clinical & Real-World Data Governance for AI:
Joanne Vengadesan & Thomas Kirby, Penningtons Manches Cooper
Successful AI Partnerships: Choosing the Right Partner and Platform:
SarahKenshall, Penningtons Manches Cooper & Mikesh Udani, Albus Health
Securing Talent: Winning the Global AI Talent Race:
Afeefah Shabbir & Kathy Potter,Penningtons Manches Cooper
The conference will start with lunch and networking and will be followed by informal drinks, providing attendees with the opportunity to build new connections, share experiences, and engage further with our expert speakers and attendees in a relaxed setting.
To Secure Your Place:

Founders Live Cambridge - MedTech Edition
2025-11-06 17:30 - 20:30 | Mills & Reeve, Botanic House, 100 Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Founders Live Cambridge returns!
MedTech Edition
Founders Live is back in Cambridge, featuring an exciting MedTech-themed event.
The event will be hosted in Mills & Reeve’s fantastic offices within the heart of Cambridge.
Join us for an incredible evening…
Founders Live is a pitch & networking event, where five handpicked companies take the hot seat, with only 99 seconds to pitch their company and describe their value proposition in front of an eager audience.
Here’s what you can look forward to:

5 founders
99-second pitches
4 minutes audience Q&A
YOUR VOTES decide the winner!

So bring your friends and coworkers, grab some food and drink, get to know your local entrepreneurs, and vote for what you think will be the next big thing… built in the UK.
Starring
TC Group’s Dave Hailey as the City Leader
Zickie Lim from Mills & Reeve
Competing Startups and Founders
TBA
Agenda
17:30 – Arrival & Networking
18:00 – Discussion & Fireside Chat with Professor Dean Fathers
18:30 – Pitches!
19:10 – Voting
19:30 – Networking
20:30 – Close
Winners
The Founders Live winners package includes:

The Professional Boost membership with over $1,000,000 in cash savings on 100+ essential apps and services for startups
An appearance in the Founders Live Prime Time regional qualifiers, with a chance to advance to our Prime Time global event in the fall

Investors will be in the audience – a great opportunity for exposure.
Interested in pitching at a future event? Apply here
Want to attend?

Speaker Information
Professor Dean Fathers DL
Dean has held numerous Commercial, Public and Academic roles across the health, care and life science sector. As well as being Chair of the Health Innovation Network for the NHS North East and North Cumbria ICB region (and member of the National Health Innovation Network Committee), Dean is also Non-Executive Director of the Academy for Health Care Science (where he chairs the Academy’s Life Science Steering Group) and the Independent Chair of Quality Safety and Risk at Voyage Care Group. With an extensive commercial career of over 30 years, co-founding organisations like Diagnostic Healthcare Limited, which he exited in 2020, Dean is still a serial investor, advisor or Non-Executive Board Director to organisations including ATMPS, Blüm Technology Group, CAL International, Cerina Health, Digital4Health, GreenKite, Klip Global and NSmart Solutions.

Future-Proofing Your Business: Strategies for Growth, Retention & Succession
2025-11-06 14:00 - 17:30 | Mills & Reeve, Botanic House, 100 Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Join us for a focused session designed to help businesses build long-term resilience and scale with confidence. From attracting investment and retaining top talent to navigating the crucial steps between concept and production, this event offers practical insights and expert guidance to support your growth journey.
Key Topics Include:

Medilink Midlands’ role in the East of England MedTech cluster
Business structures that support long-term staff retention
What really attracts capital in life sciences
Building high-performing teams from seed stage to Series B
The overlooked stages between prototype and production

Agenda:
14:00 | Registration & Networking
14:50 | Welcome & Introductions
Dave Hailey – Partner & Head of Tech & Media, TC Group
14:52 | The Role of Medilink Midlands in the East of England MedTech Cluster
Melanie Davidson – CEO, Medilink Midlands
15:00 | Business Strategies That Drive Long-Term Staff Retention
Alison Price – Partner, TC Group
15:30 | Investor Readiness in Life Sciences: What Really Attracts Capital
Zickie Lim – Partner & Head of VC & Equity Investments, Mills & Reeve
16:00 | Building High-Performing Teams That Scale from Seed to Series B and Beyond
Robin Beattie – Founder & Angel Investor, Akaina Talent
16:30 | Beyond Prototype: Navigating the Overlooked Stages Between Concept and Production
Russ Farn – Associate Director, eg Technology
17:00 | Speaker Panel Q&A
17:30 | Founders Live Networking Event – click here to register separately.

Venue: Mills & Reeve, Cambridge
Join us at the event

Speaker Information

Dave Hailey – Partner & Head of Tech & Media, TC Group
Dave is a Partner and heads up the Tech & Media sector at TC Group. He has extensive experience supporting tech businesses, whether they’re early-stage and pre-revenue or preparing to exit.
Dave has advised on large corporate transactions, including many business sales, and has held the position of FD / NED for many of his clients.
In addition to his role at TC Group, Dave is the City Leader for Founders Live Cambridge, where he hosts quarterly pitch and networking events for startups and entrepreneurs. Through his involvement with Founders Live, Dave stays at the forefront of the local tech ecosystem, offering mentorship and building connections among tech innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.

Melanie Davidson – CEO, Medilink Midlands
Melanie brings a background of industrial research and business development from West Pharmaceutical Service’s Drug Delivery Division. She also broadens our bioscience reach having studied Animal Science at The University of Nottingham. Before joining Medilink, Melanie gained valuable experience in economic development and international investment at the East Midlands Development Agency (emda).

Alison Price – Partner, TC Group
Alison provides tax advisory and compliance services, drawing on her extensive career to support ambitious business owners, including those in the Tech and MedTech sectors. A Chartered Tax Advisor and Fellow of the ICAEW, she delivers proactive, strategic advice on complex transactions, ensuring tailored, effective solutions.
Alison’s ability to simplify complex tax matters has helped her build strong, trusted client relationships. Her approachable, clear communication style makes tax planning and decision-making more accessible. An expert in Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) and share option schemes like EMI, Alison plays a key role in guiding high-growth businesses through the tax and structuring challenges of scaling successfully.

Zickie Lim – Partner & Head of VC & Equity Investments, Mills & Reeve
Zickie Lim leads the 16 strong Venture Capital & Investments team at Mills & Reeve. With a strong track record in early-stage and growth investment deals, she advises entrepreneurial start-ups, spin-outs and scale-ups on their fundraising and growth journeys as well as the investors in those (from institutional fund managers and corporate venture funds to angel groups and family offices). Zickie is known for her collaborative approach and deep understanding of the UK’s tech and life sciences ecosystem. Under her leadership, the team was named “Best Legal Team for Early Stage Deals” at the UKBAA Angel Investment Awards, recognising their significant impact on the investment landscape and commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Robin Beattie – Founder & Angel Investor, Akaina Talent
Robin Beattie spent 25 years helping ambitious founders solve their biggest talent challenges, working alongside companies like Net-a-Porter, Ovo Energy, Multiverse, and Many Pets during their critical growth phases. As Founder of Akaina Talent, I specialise exclusively in helping Seed to Series C companies build exceptional teams that drive outsized growth, combining deep startup expertise with strategic talent advisory.
Beyond my work at Akaina, I’m passionate about supporting the broader startup ecosystem as Talent Partner to Angel Academe and as an angel investor in multiple startups ranging from music tech to fintech. My mission is simple: I take the burden of recruitment from founders’ shoulders so they can focus on what they do best—growing their business.

Russ Farn – Director, eg Technology
Russ supports the growth of eg technology through the development of internal capabilities and exploration of external opportunities. He offers breadth and depth of industry knowledge of the sectors in which eg technology operate, from MedTech and LabTech to Consumer and Food & Drink.
He is also a senior point of contact for clients at all stages of the product development journey and is the departmental and technical lead in industrial design and mechanical engineering. He leads multidisciplinary teams and oversees the creative and technical direction of complex engineering projects by drawing on 20 years’ experience in the industry. In particular, he advises on complex challenges relating to human factors, concept development, detailed design and transfer-to-manufacture. Russ holds a Master’s degree in Product Design and Manufacture from Loughborough University.

IN-PERSON - Exploring MedTech Opportunities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
2025-11-05 16:00 - 21:00 | German House, 34 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8QB, United Kingdom
An event showcasing the latest developments and business opportunities in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (the DACH region), Europe’s most influential MedTech markets.
Together, these three countries represent over one-third of the European medical technology market, driven by world-leading companies, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and a robust industrial base. For innovative MedTech providers from the UK and Ireland, the DACH region offers exceptional potential for growth, collaboration, and market entry.

Why Attend?

Gain insights into current market trends and regulatory landscapes

Explore strategies for market access and business expansion

Connect with experts from leading industry clusters and government agencies

Discover practical steps to establish your presence in the region

This event is brought to you by Germany Trade & Invest, the Austrian Business Agency in collaboration with Advantage Austria, and the Swiss Business Hub. It is proudly supported by four of the UK’s leading MedTech associations: ABHI, SEHTA, Medilink Midlands, and MediWales.

East Midlands Life Sciences Summit
2025-11-04 09:00 - 16:30 | Charnwood Campus Loughborough, LE11 5RB, Charnwood Campus Loughborough, Loughborough, LE11 5RB, United Kingdom
Date: Tuesday 4th November 2025
Time: 09:00 – 16:30 (GMT)
Venue: Charnwood Campus Bakewell Rd, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 5RB
Scaling for Impact:
Innovation, Manufacturing & Health Resilience Delivering Growth through East Midlands Life Sciences Leadership
Join us at the East Midlands Life Sciences Summit on November 4th Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park to learn about scaling for impact in innovation, manufacturing, and health resilience. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation on delivering growth through leadership in life sciences.
Delighted that TBAT Innovation Ltd and Kindeva Drug Delivery are headline sponsors and a big thank you to our event partners Medilink Midlands, Medical Technologies Innovation Facility East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire) and Midlands Innovation joining us for this seminal event for the East Midlands Life Sciences Cluster.
To Secure Your Place:

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

Leicestershire Innovation Clinics
2025-10-16 00:00 | Charnwood Campus Loughborough, LE11 5RB, Charnwood Campus Loughborough, Loughborough, LE11 5RB, United Kingdom
Date: Thursday 16 October 2025
Venue: Charnwood Campus, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, LE11 5RB
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.
We are delighted to be able to feed into the new Leicestershire Academic Health Partners Health Innovation Hub, which will widen our ability to provide clinical insight into the value and delivery of new innovations.
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
To continue supporting pioneering innovation ideas across the region, a new series of clinic sessions has been launched.
Hosting these sector-specific workshops collaboratively, enables innovators to benefit from confidential 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?

Booking information:
If you would like to discuss your innovation project, new product development or understand the landscape, please complete this short online application form here.
These workshops have proved extremely popular, so early booking is recommended.
Note: Applications will be kept open until further notice as there will be ongoing support mechanisms.
Please note individuals/companies can only attend one innovation clinic session throughout the series. This programme is supported by the Leicestershire Academic Health Partners Health Innovation Hub, consisting of:

Health Innovation East Midlands
Leicestershire Academic Health Partners
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board
University of Leicester

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

'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

SEHTA International MedTech Expo & Conference 2025
2025-10-03 09:00 - 17:00 | Burdett Theatre, No. 11 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0AN, United Kingdom
Date: Friday 3rd October 2025
Time: 09:00 – 17:00
Venue: Burdett Theatre
Address: No. 11 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0AN
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of SEHTA. To celebrate this milestone, we’ll be marking the occasion at our flagship International MedTech Expo & Conference this October.
Make sure to join us for a day of innovation, networking, and celebration as we look back on two decades of supporting health technology and look ahead to the future.
Register today and celebrate with us in October!

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.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Medical Japan, Tokyo
2025-10-01 - 2025-10-03 | Tokyo, Japan, Makuhari Messe, Tokyo, Japan
Japan’s Leading Medical B2B Trade Show
With an ageing population and vast healthcare expansion, Japan has become the World’s third largest medical market. This event is the country’s leading medical trade show attracting over 16,000 visitors, with a high percentage from Japan, including distributors, hospitals, pharmacies and care facilities.
The 2022 event attracted almost 600 global exhibitors was also supported by many industry organisations, including the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Japan.
To enquire about exhibiting, please click here.

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!

EMERGE RehabTech | Impact Acceleration Fund Round 1 Announcement
2025-09-30 | Online
We’re excited to announce the launch of the first funding call from EMERGE RehabTech, a new £2.5 million Place-Based Impact Accelerator Account, led by NTU. This programme supports projects that use rehabilitation technologies (RehabTech) to improve health outcomes, promote wellbeing, and grow the East Midlands RehabTech economy.
Round 1 opens on 4 August 2025 and includes two funding streams:

Concept Impact Accelerator – Up to £100k per project

Flagship projects focused on accelerating innovation and commercialisation of RehabTech products or services. This includes advancing through technology readiness levels, developing proof-of-concept demonstrators, and conducting market validation.
Expected start date: 1 March 2026 | Duration: Up to 18 months

Feasibility Impact Primer – Up to £50k per project

Smaller, exploratory projects to test the feasibility of new RehabTech concepts. These should identify unmet clinical needs and market demand.
Expected start date: 1 January 2026 | Duration: 6–12 months
Projects should tackle key regional challenges such as health inequalities, engagement in rehab programmes, and the gap between research and industry.
Key Dates

30 September – Submission deadline

Detailed call guidance is found here.
Join our events to support the development of your proposal:

Learn about the call scope, eligibility, application process, and review criteria. Register here.
5 September, 11.00 – 12.30 – Online Matchmaking Workshop

An opportunity for researchers to pitch project ideas and connect with potential collaborators from industry and healthcare.
Complete the Expression of Interest here

NHS and life sciences: collaborating to shape the future
2025-09-23 08:15 - 17:00 | The King’s Fund, 11-13 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0AN, United Kingdom
Date: Tuesday 23rd September 2025
Venue: The King’s Fund, 11-13 Cavendish Square London W1G 0AN
The UK has a strong track record as a hub for life sciences. However, with government radically reshaping the national leadership and management of the NHS, overhauling the function and purpose of integrated care boards, and developing its life sciences vision, the NHS must improve and transform care. With the expected 10-year plan, life sciences sector plan and 10-year industrial strategy laying the foundations for future collaborative advancements between the NHS and life sciences, the sector has a significant opportunity to enhance the nation’s health and economic prosperity through encouraging and supporting investment in this high-growth sector. These advancements encompass everything from pharmaceutical and medtech development to genomic and diagnostic testing and digital health. For example, exciting innovations are harnessing AI for faster image interpretation and automating laboratory and genomic testing to dramatically improve treatment choices.
However, a thriving and dynamic life sciences industry that enhances patient care and collaborates with the efforts of integrated care systems, voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), and the broader health and care system through NHS collaboration has yet to reach its full potential. This is due to numerous barriers, including navigating different organisational cultures and contexts across the public and private sectors, and building relationships and trust between partners. Challenges persist in bridging the gap between the life sciences sector and the NHS and broader health and care system. These include limited or ringfenced funding, regulatory changes, and deeply entrenched barriers to scaling and adoption across the NHS.
This conference will explore opportunities to enhance current successes and strengthen collaborative approaches, and examine how key players in life sciences and the health and care sector can unite their ambitions, skills and resources to foster partnerships between the NHS and industry. Together, this collaboration will drive improvements in care, achieve better outcomes for people, and create meaningful change. Session topics include:

Ambitious plans for the NHS and life sciences…are we ready?
Making care closer to home a reality now – could collaboration help unlock its potential?
Beyond the horizon – understanding how digital innovation and technologies can shape tomorrow’s health and care
Putting in place the infrastructure to support partnership working and collaboration across the NHS and life sciences
Ensuring people and communities and the VCSE sector are at the heart of NHS and life sciences collaboration
Do we have the right workforce for a health and care system fuelled by NHS and life sciences collaboration? What opportunities does collaboration present for the workforce?
How can developments in life sciences support the shift from sickness to prevention?
Can we really afford the future? A look at what’s coming down the track in life sciences innovation and collaboration.

Click here to register for the event
If you have any questions about this event, please contact The King’s Fund events team at events@kingsfund.org.uk.

Please use the discount code SEHTA_10 at checkout. Please note, the code is valid until 1st September 2025 and only applies to SME/Commercial tickets.

IN PERSON: Life Sciences Gala Dinner & Awards
2025-09-18 18:30 - 23:30 | Hyatt Regency, 2 Bridge Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 2JZ, United Kingdom
Date: Thursday 18th September
Venue: Hyatt Regency, Birmingham
Life Sciences week are delighted to extend to an exclusive invitation to enjoy the Life Sciences Gala Dinner & Awards, part of Life Sciences Week.
This prestigious evening will bring together industry leaders, researchers, and pioneers to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and excellence across one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most vital sectors. Expect an unforgettable night of recognition, networking, fine dining, and entertainment.
Set in the luxury surroundings of the Hyatt Regency Birmingham, the Gala Dinner & Awards will bring together influential voices for a night of fine dining, networking, and recognition of outstanding achievements in life sciences.
We hope you will join the celebrations of the people and ideas shaping the future of life sciences.
As a valued VIP of Medilink Midlands, enjoy 10% off tickets when booking.
Please email: events@medilinkmidlands.com for your exclusive discount code.
Click here to book your place

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

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
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