East Midlands leads the way in RehabTech innovation

A groundbreaking initiative is set to transform rehabilitation technology by connecting med-tech businesses with health professionals, academics and patients to accelerate the development of innovative solutions.

Nottingham Trent University has secured £2.5 million from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to lead the East Midlands Emerging RehabTech Growth Enterprise (EMERGE) project. The collaboration involves the University of Nottingham, Loughborough University and the University of Derby, along with 30 partners across the NHS, local government and the private sector.

The project aims to position the East Midlands as a national hub for rehabilitation technology, addressing health inequalities and advancing solutions such as medical wearables, robotics and artificial intelligence.

By engaging the region’s 459 med-tech SMEs, EMERGE will drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and boost economic growth.

Professor Richard Emes, pro vice-chancellor research and international at Nottingham Trent University, said: “This award further supports our ambitions in the theme of Health Innovation where NTU researchers are dedicated to transforming patient and community care outcomes. 

“The impact acceleration account will speed the translation of applied research between academic partners and healthcare providers in the region to achieve real-world change for the benefit of patients.”

EMERGE builds on the East Midlands’ strengths, including the Government’s £105 million National Rehabilitation Centre investment. It promises to address health disparities, particularly in deprived communities and help individuals regain independence while bolstering regional productivity.

The initiative will operate from Nottingham Trent University’s Medical Technologies Innovation Facility and is one of seven projects funded by EPSRC’s Place Based Impact Acceleration Account (PCIAA) scheme.

Lord Vallance, UK science minister, added: “This investment will allow innovators up and down the country to continue or expand their pioneering work to improve lives and kickstart growth in our economy with new opportunities.”

Professor Charlotte Deane, EPSRC executive chair, added: “The seven projects announced today will harness regional research and innovation strengths to unleash the potential of emerging and existing innovation clusters across the UK.

“Our investment will strengthen partnerships between UK universities, civic bodies and local businesses to create new jobs, improve skills and boost regional economic growth that will benefit places and communities directly.”

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