Healthcare Innovations Delivered at SPARK

Fifty companies developing research and ideas in healthcare were brought together with industry and healthcare leaders at SPARK 2014 Innovation Expo, held at the QEII Conference Centre, London in December.  Hosted by NHS England and SBRI, the event showcased technology developed with funding from SBRI Healthcare and provided the opportunity for establishment of NHS partnerships.

The keynote presentation from George Freeman, Minister for Life Sciences and Ian Dodge, National Director Commissioning Strategy NHS England discussed the challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap between health and economic growth.

Iain Grey, Chief Executive Innovate UK and Prof Tony Young, National Clinical Director NHS England, followed with an insight into the economic and clinical value of the SBRI Healthcare programme.

Throughout the day all 15 Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) who lead the programme were on hand to support and advise innovative small companies on the application process and potential focus areas for future competitions offering contracts  to develop new solutions to NHS challenges. Over 100 companies have taken part to date and a current pipeline of products evaluated at over £1bn.

SBRI Heathcare had previously announced that a further 46 small companies were to share over £20 million development funding for their work in the priority healthcare areas of:

Phase 1: Product feasibility (£2.5 million, 26 companies) - Child & Maternal Health, Integrated Care, Learning Disabilities, Medicines Adherence and Musculoskeletal.

Phase 2: Prototype development (£18.5 million, 20 companies) - Cancer, Cardiovascular, COPD, Diabetes, Mental Health, Patient Safety and Research Tools.