The event highlighted the role of the NIA programme, which aims to speed up the adoption of proven, high-impact innovations across the health system to improve patient outcomes.
The event opened with key voices from LTHT Research and Innovation and the NHS Innovation Accelerator, introduced by Dr Ai Lyn Tan, Medical Director for R&I.
Dr Tan shared examples of innovations at LTHT that have raised standards and offered hope to patients, underlining the profound benefits that medical innovation can bring to the NHS.
“Our goal in R&I is to provide better outcomes and care for patients. Initiatives like the NIA give us the opportunity to supercharge the brilliant ideas being brought through by our colleagues, academics and partners in industry, to offer modern, accessible solutions that can streamline treatment, save time and resources, and ultimately improve health outcomes in Leeds.”
Dr Tan was also joined in opening the event by Jack Porter, Co-Director of the NIA, who added:
“Supporting innovators across the UK is essential. Real change happens when ideas from every corner of the country are nurtured, connected, and given the stage they deserve. Our collaboration in Leeds is a vital part of this, bringing together innovators to build networks, share knowledge, and accelerate solutions that deliver impact locally and nationally.”
Delegates also heard from Kate Lodge, Partnership Director for Health Innovation Leeds, who highlighted the importance of health innovation in making the city a fertile ground for advancing health and science.
Leeds’ position as a hub for research was further reinforced by LTHT’s Tori Critchley, Development Director for Innovation, drawing attention to the vision for the forthcoming Innovation Village in Leeds. This major development will act as an engine of innovation, attracting investment and raising Leeds’ health science innovation profile.
Tim East, Workstream Lead at the Yorkshire and Humber Health Innovation Network, discussed the role of the Propel programme in supporting innovators to scale their solutions across the NHS.
The afternoon also featured pitches from several NIA Fellows, innovators who are currently part of the three-year programme, sharing their ideas for transforming care.
We were privileged to be joined by Zoe Wright, NIA Fellow & Founder from The Real Birth Company to chair this insightful diverse session.
Presentations included Concentric, introduced by Dr Dafydd Loughran, which is digitising the patient consent process, and Newton’s Tree, which is running studies in Leeds and Glasgow to monitor AI in radiology reporting.
NIA Fellows and alumni implementing exciting projects in the NHS gave pitches on their work, including Blüm Health, Sickle Cell Society, Doc Abode, Remcare, Healthinote, PreActiv, JanamApp, and Air Purity. Each explained the problem they are addressing, their system successes to date and how their solutions are already directly enhancing patient outcomes and service delivery in the NHS.
The event successfully showcased the strength of collaboration between innovators, clinicians, and partners, reinforcing Leeds’ position as a leading centre for health innovation.
With initiatives such as the NIA and the forthcoming Innovation Village, the city is set to play a pivotal role in shaping healthcare breakthroughs, aligning with the modern vision of healthcare laid out in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, and bringing benefits to patients in Leeds and beyond.