Healthtech partnership set to unlock innovation

A health innovation partnership has been launched in Yorkshire to help medical technology businesses bring new products to market more quickly.

Medilink North of England and the 3M Business Innovation Centre (3M BIC) have agreed a strategic collaboration to support healthtech companies with innovation, commercialisation and market adoption.

The partnership brings together the facilities and technical expertise of 3M BIC and its sister site, the Health Business Innovation Centre (HBIC), with Medilink’s specialist knowledge in regulation, market access and commercial strategy.

Businesses will benefit from access to advanced prototyping and testing technologies, including additive manufacturing, microscopy and precision metrology, alongside support to navigate NHS procurement, attract investment and expand into international markets.

The collaboration will also provide bid-writing support to improve funding success and tailored “soft landing” services for organisations looking to establish or scale their operations in the region.

Partners say the agreement will create a clearer route for healthtech SMEs and scale-ups to access specialist facilities, expertise and commercial opportunities, strengthening Yorkshire’s position as a centre for life sciences innovation.

Henry Rigg, chief executive of the 3M BIC, said: “At a time when Huddersfield and West Yorkshire are rapidly emerging as a hub for health innovation, this collaboration will strengthen our growing ecosystem. 

“It will connect ideas, expertise and infrastructure to accelerate innovation, provide commercial opportunities and support companies in reaching the NHS and international markets. 

“We’re excited to kick off this collaboration and unlock valuable benefits for our members.”

Based at the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus, HBIC forms part of the Huddersfield Health Innovation Incubator, funded by the West Yorkshire Investment Zone.

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