We are delighted to announce the launch of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) and share our involvement in the project, which aims to help and support new healthcare technologies in their drive towards commercialisation.
The WMHTIA has received £14 million in funding from the West Midlands Combined Authorities’ Innovation Accelerator which is part of an Innovate UK funded programme.
Medilink Midlands is one of several key organisations across the region joining the University of Birmingham in a programme focused on addressing the challenges of bringing new medical and healthcare technologies into the UK market.
It aims to promote collaboration with universities, hospitals, industry and government-funded ‘catapults’ for manufacturing innovation, helping companies to navigate ‘pinch points’ in the commercialisation process.
The purpose of the project is to create a cluster of commercial activity, helping drive economic growth and enhance resilience. Importantly, it will also ensure that local patients will benefit first from new medical technologies targeted at reducing healthcare inequalities in the region.
Medilink Midlands Role
As part of a partnership of businesses and organisations, Medilink Midlands is the lead organisation set up to provide a single point-of-entry support system for the project.
Our team will assess business assets, opportunities, challenges, and near-term priorities and then identify the appropriate support and pathway within the wider programme, to accelerate business growth and provide ongoing guidance and support.
“We are delighted to be involved in the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator to help drive innovation and business growth in the Midlands. This collaborative project will build on Medilink’s strong position as a regional business support platform with well-established links into life science companies, as well as utilise our impartial diagnostic skills to help health tech businesses set up, develop, and grow.”
Melanie Davidson, CEO, Medilink Midlands
Next Steps
Leading Medilink Midlands’ involvement in the WMHTIA is Innovation Adviser, Ben Roberts. If you would like to discuss the programme and how your business can benefit, get in touch with:
Ben Roberts, Innovation Adviser, WMAccelerator@medilinkmidlands.com
West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator delivery organisations:
Locally-led Innovation Accelerators delivered in partnership with DSIT, Innovate UK and City Regions
