Innovate UK backs Medwise AI’s healthy dose of productivity for clinicians

Medwise AI, a Leeds-based health tech innovator, is changing the way healthcare professionals access clinical knowledge. Its AI-powered search tool drives efficiency within the NHS, saving clinicians valuable time, helping to improve patient care. With tailored Innovate UK Business Growth support, and critical grant funding secured, the company has established international partnerships and built its workforce.

Posted on: 04/03/2025

Medwise AI has developed a customisable artificial intelligence (AI) question and answer tool designed specifically for healthcare professionals. By integrating trusted global, national and local clinical guidelines, the platform offers evidence-based answers to clinicians’ questions at the point of care. This capability reduces the time spent searching for information and enhances clinical workflows. An independent evaluation showed the tool saves two and a half minutes during a typical ten-minute GP appointment.

Founded by Dr Keith Tsui, a medical doctor dedicated to improving NHS productivity and Luis Ulloa, who brings over a decade of experience in applied AI, Medwise AI addresses the critical needs of UK healthcare professionals.

Dr Tsui, Co-founder and CEO of Medwise AI, says: “Our mission is to improve workforce productivity with effective automation. By offering instant access to reliable, tailored information, we’re empowering clinicians to make better decisions, faster.”

Strategic support for research and development opportunities

Medwise AI began working with Innovate UK Business Growth in 2020. Stephen Goddard, Innovation and Growth Specialist, worked closely with the company to help hone its growth strategy. As it was implemented, he focused with it on specific priorities ranging across funding, internationalisation and innovation strategy.

Stephen introduced Medwise AI to Innovate UK grant opportunities and provided practical information and support during the application process. The company won Collaborative R&D grants exceeding £1 million, which enabled the development of its advanced AI tools for healthcare professionals.

Innovate UK’s Launchpad programme in West Yorkshire provided £418,680 to support the integration of large language model (LLM) technology into GP workflows, enhancing patient care pathways.

The programme, developed in collaboration with local leadership, supports clusters of innovative SMEs to commercialise ideas and drive local economic growth.

Dr Tsui adds: “Innovate UK Business Growth’s support has been invaluable. Their expertise in identifying opportunities and guiding us through our R&D phase has made a tangible difference to our growth trajectory.”

Scaling globally and boosting productivity

Medwise AI has expanded its reach beyond the UK through Innovate UK initiatives for Business Growth clients, including a £21,000 Global Explorers grant that supported international market entry research with a US-based consultancy firm.

The company recently participated in a Department for Business and Trade (DBT) trade event in the US, the UK-Florida trade corridor, where it presented its innovation to key stakeholders in the Florida healthcare ecosystem and established connections with prospective partners.

Additionally, Medwise AI is featured in the Department for International Trade (DIT) UK Digital Health Playbook, having been selected after a rigorous process based on its commitment to export and international expansion, as well as its alignment with the NHS’s digital health direction. The company also participated in an Abu Dhabi accelerator, where it connected with key international stakeholders and prospective partners.

Medwise AI was accepted into Elementa Labs, the virtual incubator program of the Mount Sinai Health System, to explore how its new products could potentially fit unmet clinical needs in a real-world environment.

Domestically, Medwise AI’s innovations have been recognised as vital to NHS workflows. The company’s focus on integrating national and regional clinical guidelines—a unique differentiator from US competitors—has enhanced its appeal within the UK healthcare system.

Real-world impact and growth

Since working with Innovate UK Business Growth, the company has created two new roles to support its expansion and strengthened its regulatory pathways through subcontractor partnerships. It has also attracted international interest from markets such as the UAE and the US.

Dr Tsui concludes: “The validation provided by Innovate UK Business Growth has opened doors to new partnerships and clients. Their strategic insights have equipped us to navigate barriers and focus on sustainable growth.”

With plans to continue scaling and apply for additional funding, Medwise AI is set to further its contributions to the UK economy and healthcare system. By saving clinicians time, improving patient outcomes and enhancing productivity, the company demonstrates how innovation can deliver real-world benefits.

Innovate UK Business Growth’s support has been invaluable. Their expertise in identifying opportunities and guiding us through our R&D phase has made a tangible difference to our growth trajectory.

– Dr Tsui, Co-founder and CEO of Medwise AI

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