Through collaboration and cutting-edge technology, the WMHTIA is revolutionising the healthcare sector - enhancing patient outcomes, driving medical innovation, and accelerating the commercialisation of next-generation health technologies.
The West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator, led by the University of Birmingham, has established a collaborative centre of excellence dedicated to overcoming challenges in the healthcare sector. By bringing together 21 partners across academia, industry, and the NHS, this initiative provides specialist support for innovators developing and commercialising groundbreaking medical technologies, including healthcare devices, diagnostics, and digital innovations.
Funding of £16 million has been allocated to this initiative, facilitating the advancement of the West Midlands as a leader in health tech innovation. The programme has generated significant returns on investment through job creation, industry partnerships, and private-sector R&D investment.
The funding enabled the establishment of the WMHTIA, an industry focused initiative aimed at promoting economic growth, innovation, and enhanced healthcare capabilities across the West Midlands region.
Inspiration
WMHTIA’s mission is to transform the healthcare sector by addressing key challenges:
- Boosting innovation in health tech.
- Strengthening the West Midlands’ position as a leader in UK medical innovation.
- Supporting cross-sector R&D and collaboration.
- Growing private-sector R&D investment.
- Building long-term investment platforms.
Researchers, the NHS and industry leaders collaborate to streamline the pathway for new medical technologies from concept to market. The initiative also works closely with policymakers to create regulatory frameworks that facilitate faster innovation adoption, ensuring that cutting-edge health tech solutions reach patients more efficiently.
Innovation and Impact
The WMHTIA is delivering significant economic and healthcare benefits:
- 110 jobs created or safeguarded in the West Midlands over three years.
- 105 health tech companies/academic teams provided with intensive bespoke development support.
- £2.48m awarded in secondary grant funding to support health tech development.
- £28.4 million in co-investment secured at year one.
- 269 health tech enterprises engaged in WMHTIA’s support network.
- Development of strategic partnerships between the region’s academic partners, NHS trusts, and private industry.
Regional Collaboration
WMHTIA is fostering cross-sector collaboration, engaging with policymakers, industry leaders, and international research institutions. Key collaborations include:
- Partnering with NHS trusts and primary care to test and implement new medical technologies in real-world healthcare settings.
- Supporting national policy development through engagement with regulatory bodies such as the MHRA and NHS England.
- International research collaborations, including participation in global health tech innovation networks – e.g. the establishment of SPARK The Midlands (led by Aston University), a global accelerator founded by Stanford University.
Case Studies of Innovation
Several cutting-edge health tech solutions have emerged from WMHTIA support:
- Ademen: A device that tracks bowel activity post-surgery, potentially reducing hospital stays. WMHTIA assisted in technical improvements and usability testing. www.ademen.io
- MindSafe: A digital mental wellbeing platform for school-aged children, improving mental health outcomes by 7%. WMHTIA supported co-design, technical development, and AI functionality enhancement.
- Aston Vision Sciences: Developer of the Mobile Eye Examiner (MOBEE), a handheld diagnostic device for eye diseases, reducing the cost of diagnostic equipment by 75% and potentially cutting ophthalmology referrals by 25%. WMHTIA provided support for prototype development and technical solutions. astonvisionsciences.com
Conclusion
The West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator has demonstrated a significant return on investment, positively impacting economic growth, job creation, and healthcare innovation. Through its collaborative approach, the initiative is pioneering advancements in medical technology, patient care, and digital health solutions, solidifying the West Midlands as a leader in UK health tech innovation.