West Yorkshire’s reputation as a dynamic region for health technology innovation will take centre stage this November as a first-of-its-kind conference brings together leading voices from the NHS, government, academia, and industry to shape the future of healthcare.
The landmark event, “Driving the Future of Innovation – West Yorkshire’s HealthTech Cluster,” will be held on Thursday 6 November at Leeds United Football Stadium, delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire HealthTech Cluster, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Innovate UK’s West Yorkshire Health Technologies Launchpad (hosted by Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber), and the West Yorkshire ICB’s HIVE Network.
With 300 people attending, the event will unite innovators, SMEs, policymakers, researchers, investors, and clinical leaders from across the UK and beyond - underlining why West Yorkshire is now recognised as a global powerhouse for HealthTech, innovation, and research.
“West Yorkshire is at the forefront of a new era in healthcare innovation - one where collaboration, research, and entrepreneurship come together to transform how we deliver care and improve patient outcomes,” said Richard Stubbs, CEO of Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber.
“This event is more than a conference; it’s a catalyst for the next generation of HealthTech breakthroughs. By bringing together innovators, investors, clinicians, and policymakers, we’re creating an environment where ideas can become impactful solutions - not just for our region, but for health systems around the world.”
A Catalyst for HealthTech Growth
The one-day event will deliver a packed programme of keynote sessions, panels, and breakout discussions designed to:
- Provide clarity on the latest government policy changes and what they mean for innovators.
- Showcase West Yorkshire’s world-leading HealthTech Cluster and how it is shaping the future of healthcare.
- Explore how collaboration across academia, the NHS, and industry is driving real-world innovation and adoption.
Highlight how innovators can access funding, investment, and support pathways to accelerate new technologies to market.
Speakers will include:
- Richard Stubbs, CEO, Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber
- Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor, West Yorkshire Combined Authority
- David Lawson, Director of Medical Technology & Innovation, Department of Health & Social Care
- Dr James Thomas, Medical Director, West Yorkshire ICB
Morning sessions will focus on the expected impact of the 10-Year Health Plan and HealthTech cluster plan, explore healthcare priorities, and spotlight successful innovation adoption already underway in the region.
Afternoon sessions will dig deeper into West Yorkshire’s HealthTech ecosystem and commercial landscape from investment opportunities and “reverse pitches” by leading funders like NIHR, Innovate UK, and Par Equity, to sessions from DHSC on the Design for Life Programme and Intellectual Property (IP) Guidelines for the NHS in England.
A Global Model for Collaboration
West Yorkshire’s innovation ecosystem - a collaborative network of world-class universities, NHS partners, research centres, and industry - has propelled the region into a leadership position in the UK’s life sciences landscape.
The conference will explore how this joined-up approach is accelerating the development and adoption of cutting-edge technologies, attracting significant investment, and creating high-value jobs.
"Our region has an extraordinary track record of turning breakthrough science into market-leading technologies at speed, thanks to our strong partnerships across business, academia, and the NHS. Nowhere is more connected or collaborative when it comes to bringing ideas to market.” said Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor, West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
“This event underlines West Yorkshire's position as a global HealthTech powerhouse, reflecting our ambition to attract investment, create high-value jobs, and deliver innovations that transform health outcomes both here and across the world."
HealthTech innovators, investors, and healthcare leaders are encouraged to secure their spot as soon as possible as capacity is limited. A waitlist will be available once capacity is reached.
