Is Leeds the next global leader in HealthTech?

Written by Matthew McCann, edited by Natasha Barrow

Dealroom, Inkef Capital and MTIP recently released a report outlining how the UK remains at the forefront of HealthTech research in Europe [1]. As a leading UK HealthTech hub and the largest economic area in the UK outside of London, could the Leeds City Region become the next global leader in HealthTech?

As per the WHO definition, HealthTech is “the application of organised knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve quality of lives.” With the largest science, research, engineering and technology workforce outside of London, alongside nine higher education institutions churning out 40,000 graduates per year [2], the Leeds City Region is well positioned to capitalise on the potential health and economic benefits of HealthTech innovation.

To help realise this potential, a new Leeds City Region HealthTech Catalyst is being launched in September 2021. It offers free, practical support to HealthTech innovators, businesses, entrepreneurs, healthcare providers and commissioners. Working with partners across the HealthTech ecosystem, the HealthTech Catalyst will accelerate the adoption of HealthTech innovations by healthcare providers — helping save lives and improve healthcare efficiency and quality, alongside contributing significantly to the post COVID-19 recovery, via economic growth and job creation.

Managed by Leeds Academic Health Partnership, the HealthTech Catalyst complements a range of new initiatives in the Leeds City Region in which cross-sector partners join forces to streamline the innovation pathway from ideas to adoption. Notably, the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust have joined forces to launch the Centre for HealthTech Innovation, focusing on four key areas of early diagnostic platforms, precision therapeutics, smart digital health and technologies capable of preserving or restoring function. Drawing on a community of scientists and clinical academics from across the University, the Trust and industry, the Centre aims to help transform Leeds into a world-leader in connected, innovation-driven and challenge-led HealthTech.

The Leeds City Region has a strong innovation ecosystem already with the University of Leeds having produced over 100 spin-out companies, many of which are healthcare related, and 8.9% of medical technology patents submitted in the UK stem from the Leeds City Region [2]. Additionally, the Leeds City Region is home to 22% of the UK’s digital health jobs and more than 650 regional businesses are supplying products and services to the health and care sector. However, through new regional, national and international collaborations, the HealthTech Catalyst will help position the Leeds City Region as the engine of HealthTech innovation across the nation and even internationally.

Dr Liz Mear, Managing Director, Leeds Academic Health Partnership, said:

“Health technologies can help people better manage their own health and health conditions, while relieving the pressure on, and the costs of, our precious health and care services.”

“During the pressures of the pandemic, we’ve seen amazing new levels of collaboration across organisational boundaries, creative thinking and fast adoption of digital and technological solutions. And we now need to accelerate that kind of adoption.”

“Our region has a thriving health and care business sector. These businesses are a vital part of our region’s economic recovery and  are offering new and better ways to provide care. I encourage people to sign up to our HealthTech Catalyst and find out what support it offers them.”

To find out more about the HealthTech Catalyst and the rapidly growing HealthTech scene in Leeds, register for the official launch event on 16th September 2021 here. Delegates will be able to learn more about HealthTech Catalyst’s new initiatives and hear from leading keynote speakers on some of the most innovative solutions, opportunities and support available, with them giving their views on how to support HealthTech businesses both regionally and nationally.

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