Medilink Midlands

Digitalisation – The pathway to Net Zero Webinar
2024-04-10 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Learn more about the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub – a solution for UK businesses to reveal the value in their hidden factory data, backed up by real-world case studies and dynamic Energy Insight/Impact tracker demos. Ready to get involved?

SEHTA are delighted to bring you this webinar session by Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH) – a project funded through Innovate UK to support small and medium-sized manufacturers to become more competitive by harnessing the power of data.
Cost to attend: £25 +VAT for SEHTA & Medilink members, £35 +VAT for non-members

Presenter – Simon Coward, Director, Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH)

Simon will explain the SMDH Project and how they can help your business including –

SMDH – The solutions
What is the Value in my data?
Case Study
Demo of our Energy Insight/Impact trackers
How to get involved

The Future of Medical Technology Manufacturing Workshop
2024-03-27 09:30 - 15:30 | The Manufacturing Technology Centre, Ansty Park, Coventry, CV7 9JU
The medical technologies manufacturing industry is an essential engine for the Midlands’ economic growth, innovation, healthcare improvement, global trade, skills development, and healthcare resilience. This multifaceted role underscores its importance in both the regional and national contexts.
In this workshop, attendees will:

Explore together the visions and future business models for the sector.
Jointly identify the drivers that change the sector.
Identify the organisational changes required and how to prepare for them.
Suggest the broader ecosystem capabilities needed in readiness for this future.
Co-create a plan of action for the kinds of change everyone can invest in and trust.

InterAct will take you through the foreseeable changes that lie ahead and work with you to develop the flexibility that will allow you to pivot to be equally productive and sustainable in different scenarios, delivering progress with purpose.
The InterAct Future of Digital Manufacturing Ecosystems research team has published a vital report that brings you the information you need, at your fingertips, outlining four potential future scenarios and the associated opportunities for the manufacturing world.
The four potential alternatives for the digital manufacturers of tomorrow we suggest are:

Productivity Powerhouse
Flexibility as Standard
Sustainability Champion
Happy and Sustainable Workforce

This is an important opportunity to anticipate future technological changes and plan to be prepared for developments in AI and other future technologies and make the necessary changes sooner rather than later to keep our region’s manufacturers competitive.
Click here to register your interest.

Interactive tool webinar: new product verification, validation and testing
2024-03-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Join The Open University and InterAct for the launch of a tool for designing customer and regulation focused verification, validation and testing (VVT) plans for your new product or technology development. This event aims to demonstrate why the industry should invest and how they can focus on critical product verification, validation, and testing activities focused on key “Voice of customer” (VoC) and “Voice of Regulation” (VoR) concerns.
Many low or zero-emission technologies for decarbonisation are still in prototype phases that need coordinated development and enhanced testing across different uses and stages of development (HM Government, 2021). However, new product/technology verification, validation, and testing processes are highly complex for both technology developers and the industry who want to adopt these technologies.
How will this event benefit my business?
Joining this session will demystify the complex process with case studies, break down the steps of the VVT process, and demonstrate this process using an online interactive tool.
The tool will be freely available for the participants to use in their business context and provide feedback for further development. Participants will also be able to collaborate in future case studies, provide input on the research direction, and co-create useful solutions tailored to them.
Agenda:

10.00 : Welcome and Introduction – Dr Khadija Tahera, The Open University
10.20: Keynote Talk – Dr Andrew Halfpenny, Director of Technology – nCode Products, Hottinger Bruel and Kjaer UK Ltd.
11:00: The process and tool: case study – Dr Khadija Tahera
11.40: Live Q&A
How you can get involved – – Dr Khadija Tahera, The Open University

Click here to book your place.

Venturefest West Midlands 2024
2024-03-21 09:00 - 17:00 | Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, B7 4BL, United Kingdom
Connecting Investors, Innovators and Entrepreneurs in the West Midlands. Venturefest 2024, brings together regional businesses, universities, science parks and business support organisations.​
Venturefest West Midlands will be held on 21st March 2024 at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
​Being supported locally by business, universities, science parks and business support organisations Venturefest provides entrepreneurs, investors and innovators the chance to meet, engage and exchange ideas for co-operation and collaboration, particularly in the fields of science and emerging technologies.
Medilink Midlands is proud to be gold sponsors of Venturefest. Our Entrepreneur in Residence Christian Kumar will be chairing our session within the conference programme. Be sure to join the conference at 11:10-12pm for Four Ps of successful Product development – People, Planet, Partnership and Profit, speakers include:

Melanie Davidson, CEO, Medilink Midlands (Partnerships)
Dave Phasey, Projects Director, 3P Innovation (People)
Marcelle Batson-Warner, Founder & CEO, One Stop Engineering (Planet)
Mark Evans, Partner, Crowe LLP (Profit)

Medilink Midlands will also be prominent in the exhibition hall with the following invited companies:
MICA Biosystems
Cytecom
Sonotu
B13 AI
​Running alongside Venturefest West Midlands for another year will be Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up, a pitching competition for business owners, giving a unique opportunity for businesses to raise their profile both in the West Midlands and in front of a national audience of investors. Business owners are invited to present their ideas in a pitch for investment and stand a chance of winning one of several awards.
A key feature of Venturefest West Midlands, the programme featuring industry leaders delivering insightful, challenging and inspiring keynote and panel discussions. Running alongside these sessions will include interactive workshop sessions delivered by our expert partners.
View the Venturefest 2024 programme here.
Read more online here

The UK-China Business Forum 2024
2024-03-20 13:30 - 17:30 | London, London, United Kingdom
CBBC’s upcoming flagship event: The UK-China Business Forum 2024 will take place on 20th March in London’s Landmark hotel.
The half-day conference will be followed by CBBC’s Spring Reception, and will focus on the geopolitics of trade: with leading industry experts exploring opportunities in key strategic sectors, including transportation and EV evolution and biosciences and healthcare, as well as considering topics around supply chain and risk management.
The event will offer plentiful opportunities for networking and knowledge-exchange.
Please note: Medilink members are invited to attend this event at the same rate as CBBC members – please email: info@medilinkmidlands.com to receive the code.

TBAT Innovation Workshop: Finance - All you need to know to fund your business growth
2024-03-20 13:00 - 16:30 | TBC, Birmingham, United Kingdom
This free-to-attend online workshop is designed to delve into the innovative solutions you need to know in order to fund your business growth. Discussion around problems, challenges and opportunities highlighted to reduce the effects of funding barriers – supporting you on your journey to commercialisation and being a disrupter in the marketplace.
This workshop, will be run as part of The Innovation Challenge, which has been designed by a group of well established experts, to stimulate and support innovation in SMEs by leveraging the expertise of our unique partner network.
This event is one of four interactive workshops, designed to support growing SME’s through the highs and lows of how to successfully innovate, grow and succeed. All of the workshops are open to the public and free-to-attend, with no requirement to apply to The Innovation Challenge. If you would like to find out more about the application process, please click here.
This informative and interactive Finance workshop sponsored by Modus Accountants will consist of short presentations, Q&A’s, comfort breaks throughout and a panel discussion towards the end. Take a look below at our workshop speakers and the topics they will be covering.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Medilink Midlands Members Forum
2024-03-20 09:00 - 12:00 | Renfrew Group International, Rocket Studios, 115 Waterside Road, Leicester, LE5 1TL
Quarterly forum for Medilink Midlands members, for those companies/individuals who want to support ongoing evolution of Medilink Midlands.
The next members forum which will be held at Renfrew Group in Leicester, will be a prescribed roundtable discussion on the two main themes arising from the previous event and key findings report.
Connectivity/Opportunity: – a desire to connect with each other in a personable way to seek opportunities in support of your business growth.
Challenges: – The challenges faced relating back to the opportunity and knowledge sought from our networked community to help you navigate your pathway in a timely manner.
If the invite to this Medilink Midlands member only event hasn’t reached your inbox, please email info@medilinkmidlands.com to receive the details and booking link. Online registration is essential.

Professional Development Training Course: Medical Device Regulation Transition (CANCELLED)
2024-03-18 09:30 - 16:30 | Pennine Healthcare, 300 City Gate, London Rd, Derby, DE24 8WY
Unfortunately this training course is no longer taking place.
Stick or Twist – How do you make the right decision about whether to Transition your products to MDR?
Attend this Medilink Midlands endorsed Professional Development training course on the Medical Device Regulation Transition, delivered by Medilink Midlands member company IMed Consultancy. Taking place on Monday 18th March, so that you can make an informed choice and meet the fast-approaching application deadline of 26th May 2024!
Medical Device and IVD manufacturers are facing a significant deadline on 26 May 2024. After initial publication of the new EU Medical Device Regulations in 2017, the final deadline to decide on whether to transition existing CE Marked Medical Devices to the new is fast approaching.
Manufacturers who have not made a decision to transition their medical devices to meet the requirements of the new European Union regulations and have not taken the relevant steps before the 26 May 2024 deadline, will not be legally able to continue selling their products into the European Union (and potentially other markets including the UK).
This training course will prepare you for understanding whether it may be right for your business to make the decision to (re)certify your medical devices for sale in the EU. The day is focussed on existing manufacturers of medical devices, who currently CE mark their products and will give you practical insights to support your business in making this important decision.
To view the full programme for the day, course overview, target audience, learning outcomes and to view the speakers click here.

Medical Technology UK
2024-03-13 09:00 - 2024-03-14 17:00 | Coventry Building Society Arena, Judds Lane, Coventry, CV6 6GE, United Kingdom
Medical Technology UK is the Exhibition & Conference for medical device engineering.
The two day conference includes speakers from Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Owen Mumford, Johnson & Johnson and our key note speaker is Professor Tony Young OBE, National Clinical Lead for Innovation at NHS England.
You can view the full content programme below at:
Learning Programme
Women in Medtech Forum
In tandem with the conference is the exhibition, which showcases the expertise and knowledge of approx. 130 specialist companies.
Each exhibitor provides a product or service that could potentially enhance and expedite your design to commercialisation process.
See the full EXHIBITOR LIST
The entire event is FREE to attend, as is the car parking and you can REGISTER HERE

IN-PERSON EVENT: Innovation and Funding Masterclass
2024-02-29 10:00 - 13:30 | Scarman Conference Facility at Warwick Conferences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7SH, United Kingdom
Join Medilink Midlands Entrepreneur in Residence, Christian Kumar for this Innovation and Funding Masterclass.
The masterclass will include:
– Changing Landscape of Capital
– Innovation Challenges, including Tactical Road Mapping
– Presenting your idea
– Delivering the perfect pitch
This masterclass is set to be lively and will present many take aways for yourself/business, avoid disappointment and book your free place today.
Open for all companies from research to revenue generating.
At this event we will also be joined by Richard Fallon, CEO of the Technology Supply Chain (TSC), he will be presenting on “How to Access and Maximise the Grants, Innovation Funding and Support Available”, covering:

The Myths and Facts About Grants
The Basics You Must Have in Place
Local Grants- a run-down of the local grants available to you
National Programmes Offering Grants
NIHR Grants
Innovate UK Grants and Loans
Innovation Funding- Additional support
Funded Support Programmes
Putting it All Together for Maximum Benefit

Speaker Profiles:

Christian Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, MedTech Makers Lab and Entrepreneur in Residence at Medilink Midlands
Christian, a seasoned professional, transitioned from a successful career in investment banking to become a trailblazing innovator and lecturer. In 2019, he established the MedTech Makers Lab, pioneering pathways for global medical technology innovations to thrive in the Midlands. Christian imparts his expertise as an innovation management instructor at six universities spanning five countries and facilitates acceleration labs throughout the EU. His teachings cover strategic roadmapping and funding strategies, empowering companies to navigate the dynamic landscape of innovation. With a passion for transforming ideas into reality, Christian continues to shape the future of MedTech and innovation worldwide.
Dr Richard Fallon, CEO, Technology Supply Chain (TSC)
Richard is the founder of the Technology Supply Chain, co-founder of the Innovation Awards and Chair of SPR. The Technology Supply Chain is a membership for West Midlands manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses. The TSC is a Community Interest Company that connects its members with grants, fully funded support and new opportunities. Their vision is to create a golden age for manufacturing, engineering and technology companies in the West Midlands. Their mission is to help their members to innovate, grow and prosper using the grants, fully funded projects and support available from local universities, organisations, funders and businesses.
The TSC is delighted to be a partner in the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator. The WMHTIA is focused on helping companies drive their technologies towards market success. Richard is also the co-Founder of the Innovation Awards. These annual awards recognise, celebrate and reward those companies, organisations and individuals dedicated to innovation. Richard is also the Chair of SPR which connects companies with talent in the West Midlands. SPR donates 100% of its profits to West Midlands charities. Working with Steps to Work, they deliver over £779,600 of social impact per week.
To read more about Medilink Midlands’ role within the WMHTIA project, click here.
For more information on the wider project, click here to visit the WMHTIA website.
This event forms part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) event series. Medilink Midlands are one of a consortium of delivery partners for the WMHTIA, a project funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and West Midlands Combined Authority (part of City Regions).

WEBINAR: An introduction to IP in the NHS and MidTECH Innovations
2024-02-29 10:00 - 11:30
The workshop is free to staff from NHS organisations within the Midlands region, and attendance from staff in all roles or grades are encouraged.
The NHS recognises that its staff can generate new ideas and concepts, innovative solutions to problems, inventions, or just better ways of working, that may, with the right support, lead to improvements in the running of our hospitals or the delivery of healthcare. Such ideas and concepts are termed Intellectual Property (IP) and, like other kinds of property, can be owned and protected.
Your Trust intends to encourage all its employees to make these sorts of contributions by giving you the advice and support needed to maximise the potential benefits from your good ideas and therefore staff are encouraged to attend the MidTECH IP Workshop for targeted advice and support.
This interactive workshop will explore:
• What is Intellectual Property (IP)?
• Why is IP important?
• What are IP Rights?
• How your research or new ideas can be developed, protected, and commercialised with support available from MidTECH.
The workshop will be held online via Teams. To register for this event or for further information please contact Amardeep Kaur.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Intellectual Property considerations for Health Tech companies
2024-02-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Shoosmiths, 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3AG, United Kingdom
Are you looking for advice navigating the world of Intellectual Property? If so, this event which will specifically focus on supporting Health Tech companies and their IP journey. Led by the professionals at Shoosmiths and Forresters.
This workshop event, taking place at Shoosmiths in Birmingham will explore the ins and outs of all Intellectual Property considerations. The event will comprise of three sessions:
Patents, designs and IP strategy
• What is intellectual property?
• Patents: what they can provide protection for and how
• Design registrations – the benefits of having them
• Ownership of intellectual property – key considerations
• Strategy – different uses of intellectual property
Protecting your brand
• Brand strategy
• Protecting your key trade marks
• Enforcement of your rights in your brand
Commercialising your IP
• Developing your commercially viable product
• Licensing-out your IP
• Bringing your products to market
Speaker Profiles:

Andrew Brennan, Partner, Shoosmiths
Andrew Brennan is a Partner at Shoosmiths and heads the national IP team. He is recognized as a leading intellectual property lawyer who “knows his IP” and provides “solid, targeted, and fast advice”. Clients find him approachable, pragmatic, agile, and very user-friendly. Andrew’s practice covers all areas of intellectual property law, with a particular focus on life sciences and medical technologies. He works with organizations at all stages, from pioneering SMEs and disruptive start-ups to global tech companies. Andrew is recognized for his excellence in handling complex disputes with a technical element involving patents, confidential information, and software. He also helps technology clients with their strategic R&D programs and specialized IP commercialization arrangements.

Nichola Jenkins, Legal Director, Shoosmiths
With many years’ experience in digital health, combined with over 21 years legal experience, Nichola advises clients in life sciences space, with a particular focus on diagnostic devices and medical technologies. She routinely provides expert advice to her clients in the exploitation of their ideas, inventions, designs and technology, working closely with companies across the whole innovation ecosystem, including FTSE 100 and global technology companies, SMEs with market leading technology and research intensive universities.
Nichola advises clients in relation to research and development agreements; funding arrangements; licensing, joint ventures, revenue sharing agreements or spin outs; and supply and manufacturing agreements.

Dominic Murphy, Partner, Shoosmiths
Dominic is a European trade mark attorney, heading up the national Trade Mark practice at Shoosmiths. His PhD in genetics means that he has a first hand understanding of the life sciences sector, and is able to provide unparalleled assistance to clients with the entire range of Trade Mark work. Dominic’s remarkable ability to handle multiple complex transactions and consistently win new work has established him as an unstoppable force in his area of expertise. Dominic also has extensive experience in advising on and filing and prosecuting Trade Marks and Designs in the UK, EU and Internationally around the world.

Antony Craggs, Partner, Shoosmiths
Antony is a partner at Shoosmiths, specializing in intellectual property law with a focus on patent litigation and commercialisation of IP assets in the life sciences sector. He has extensive experience in leading disputes before the UK courts and handling multi-jurisdictional matters. Described as a “trailblazer” and “an extremely careful, knowledgeable, and commercial solicitor with a close eye for detail,” Antony immerses himself in life sciences, electronics, and medical devices, and is known for going the extra mile to ensure the very best service for his clients.

Kate Wilson, Life Sciences UK and European Patent Attorney, Forresters
Kate has a cell biology background and handles patent applications in all areas of biotechnology, with a particular focus on genetic engineering, gene therapy, stem cell technology, antibodies and vaccine technology, and food technology. Kate works for a range of clients from individuals, start-ups, university spin-outs and research organisations to multinational companies. Kate handles all aspects of UK and European patent prosecution, including drafting patent applications at the very beginning of the patent process to post-grant opposition and appeal proceedings at the European Patent Office. Kate also has experience conducting IP Audits for clients to identify where their IP portfolios could be strengthened. Kate enjoys working closely with her clients and getting to know their business and commercial needs so that the IP strategy can be tailored accordingly.

Mark Connell, UK and European Patent Attorney – Chemistry Team, Forresters
Mark’s practice covers metallurgy, composite materials, and polymer chemistry, with a particular focus on adhesives and functional coatings. He also has a dedicated interest in medical devices, such as ostomy devices, stents, and catheters. Mark works with SMEs and family-owned businesses. He particularly enjoys working with companies that have not had much prior experience with IP, so that he can work closely with them to develop an IP strategy that best fits their needs. Mark drafts and prosecutes patent applications. He also has extensive experience advising clients in relation to navigating competitor patents.
To read more about Medilink Midlands’ role within the WMHTIA project, click here.
For more information on the wider project, click here to visit the WMHTIA website.
This event forms part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) event series. Medilink Midlands are one of a consortium of delivery partners for the WMHTIA, a project funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and West Midlands Combined Authority (part of City Regions).

IN-PERSON EVENT: Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024 Workshop: ‘Funding Early Business Growth’
2024-02-14 13:00 - 16:00 | SHMA LLP, 1 Colton Square, Leicester, LE1 1QH, United Kingdom
Join TBAT Innovation for a free workshop on 14th February as part of the 2024 Leicestershire Innovation Festival. Working in partnership with Shakespeare Martineau, British Business Bank and Rocking Horse Group, this workshop has been designed to empower entrepreneurs and businesses and is is tailor-made to equip you with indispensable tools and insights for navigating the intricate world of investment and funding opportunities.
Led by industry experts in investment and entrepreneurship, this workshop guarantees a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Esteemed speakers include:
Sam Stephens, Founding Director, TBAT Innovation: Funding your innovation
• Introduction to Grant Funding and the R&D Tax Credit Scheme
• EIS/SEIS
Lisa Botterill, Partner, Shakespeare Martineau – Legal Considerations
• The legal process for obtaining funding
• How to be prepared for the legal process
• Key things to look out for
• What the legal documentation looks like
Lewis Stringer, Senior Manager, British Business Bank – Access to Finance
• An overview of the state of the SME access to finance market both nationally and regionally
• Current trends being seen with innovative businesses accessing funding
• The support available for SMEs and innovative businesses from the British Business Bank
Rob Fabbro & James Davis, Rocking Horse Group UK – Advanced funding solutions
• What is advance funding of R&D Tax Credits and IUK Grants?
• Supporting loss-making businesses
• Make Great British Innovation Great again
Following these insightful presentations, participants will be given the chance to participate in hands-on exercises, have ample opportunities to ask questions and connect with our experts.
In addition, we are delighted to confirm that during this event, TBAT Innovation will officially launch the Innovation Challenge 2024.
Registration details can be found online here.

HYBRID EVENT: SPARK Studio: Importance of a Quality Management System (QMS)
2024-02-13 15:00 - 16:00
This event is for academics, researchers, scientists and entrepreneurs interested in therapeutics, medical device and diagnostic development. They aim to support your research from concept to clinic.
The speaker at this event is Henry Sibun, Henry is a consultant in the medical devices industry and an IRCA registered lead auditor for medical device quality management systems. He has audited hundreds of medical device and pharmaceutical companies against ISO 13485 and medical devices regulations and now supports companies in achieving certification and CE marking against these requirements.
For any enquiries, please contact us at spark-uk@aston.ac.uk or visit www.sparkthemidlands.co.uk/contact
This SPARK The Midlands event is being delivered as part of Aston University’s active involvement in the delivery of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA). The WMHTIA is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, in partnership with Innovate UK and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Please note this a hybrid event with the option to attend in-person or online. Spaces are limited.
In-person: John Cadbury House (Enterprise Hub) – Aston University, 190 Corporation St, Birmingham B4 6QD – for registration in-person, click here
Online: Microsoft Teams – for registration online, click here

IN PERSON: OBN Science Social - Industry Networking Event
2024-02-07 17:30 - 20:00 | Enterprise Wharf, Innovation Birmingham, Holt Street, Birmingham, B7 4BB, United Kingdom
OBN are delighted to be holding the Science Social in Birmingham at the Enterprise Wharf on 7 February 2024.
OBN Science Social are OBN’s ever popular networking evenings, and an excellent way to raise your profile and connect with like-minded people across the life sciences industry.
The event takes place in Birmingham at the newly opened Bruntwood Scitech​ Enterprise Wharf​ on 7 February 2024. Enterprise Wharf is the perfect hub for tech companies and offers 10 floors of contemporary flexible office space designed with digital and tech businesses in mind.
Attendance is complimentary and open to the entire Industry, the evening starts at 17.30, with drinks and nibbles available throughout the evening.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Innovation, Productivity and Health Inequalities: Developing a Road Map for Leicestershire
2024-02-06 09:00 - 16:00 | Charnwood Campus, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, LE11 5RB
This is a flagship event for the Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024 – it will focus on shining a light on our life sciences sector.
The day will consist of a morning plenary session featuring the NHS, Industry and the third sector followed by an afternoon session focusing on innovation and productivity including two panel sessions that feed into the effect that health inequalities have on the socio-economic landscape in our region.
The event will feature exemplars where innovation has helped close the gap or improved care, we will look at ways to improve productivity for those working in the life sciences and ultimately develop a roadmap for the region through ongoing work.
Caroline Trevithick, CEO LLR Integrated Care Board, who will be discussing the LLR ICB strategy for improving health equity in the region.
Taking place at Charnwood Campus Science Innovation and Technology Park. to find out more and to book your place, click here.
Medilink Midlands are delighted to be supporting this event, as the strategic not for profit event partners.

IN-PERSON EVENT: MeTAP Business Support Innovation Surgery
2024-01-25 09:30 - 13:00 | Dearing Building, The University of Nottingham, Jubilee Campus, Nottingham, NG8 1BB, United Kingdom
Book now for an innovation surgery session bespoke to your business needs. Meet our team of specialists with expertise in funding support and partnership opportunities who will help you identify the right opportunities for your business. This might include identification of funding support and partnership opportunities or linking you with teams that can help solve the business and technical challenges holding you back.
The event brings together an experienced team of sector specialists from Medilink Midlands, University of Nottingham, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, CHEATA, Innovate UK, Health Innovation East Midlands and Nottingham Technology Ventures.
It will provide innovation surgery sessions plus the opportunity to hear about the support and network. When completing the online registration form, please clarify if you require an innovation surgery session as these spaces are limited.
Working in partnership with the University of Nottingham, the aim of MeTAP is to support companies to accelerate innovation and provide the right skills and tools to enable companies to increase their competitive advantage. You can find out more online here.
*open to Life Science & MedTech organisations in Nottingham City, however the event is open to all.
This programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Event Format:
9:30am – Registration & Refreshments
10:00am – Presentations from Medilink Midlands, University of Nottingham, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, CHEATA, Innovate UK, Health Innovation East Midlands and Nottingham Technology Ventures
10:45am – Networking & Refreshments
11:00am – First set of Innovation Surgeries
11:30am – Second set of Innovation Surgeries
11:50am – Third set of Innovation Surgeries
12:10pm – Networking Lunch
13:00pm – Finish

WEBINAR: Medilink UK Biosensing for Diagnostics Special Interest Group (SIG)
2024-01-24 09:30 - 10:30
The vision for this special interest group is to create a forum for companies producing diagnostic technologies which involve the application of sensor systems and/or detection of biological interactions.
Biosensing for diagnostics is a critical and ever-evolving field in the realm of healthcare and biotechnology. It encompasses a wide range of techniques and technologies aimed at detecting and measuring specific biological markers or molecules through the detection of biological interactions within the device. These technologies are most often found in point-of-care applications, for example blood glucose monitors or lateral flow devices. These technologies are designed to provide valuable information about the patient’s physiological state, allowing for early disease detection, disease progression tracking, and personalized treatment strategies.
The SIG aims to provide: unique networking opportunities with industry peers, access to cutting-edge insights and knowledge, and the chance to collaboratively address shared challenges. Serving as a hub for fostering collaboration on initiatives that directly address the unique needs of our industry. Members will enhance their visibility and recognition within the sector.
Agenda
· Introduction and welcome
· Purpose and objectives
· Industry presentations – CPI, 3 SMEs
· Interactive feedback
· Next steps and closing remarks
To read more and to register, please click here.

WEBINAR: Health Innovation East Midlands: Ask the Expert Q&A with TBAT Innovation on R&D Funding & Tax Credits
2024-01-23 13:00 - 14:00
Join Health Innovation East Midlands free “Ask the Expert” session with TBAT on January 23rd, 1pm to 2pm. Gain valuable insights from industry experts who will demystify funding options, navigate tax incentives, and answer all your burning questions. Plus, attendees get a bonus one-to-one consultancy call with TBAT to discuss their specific needs.
In order to book onto the session, you must create or login into the ‘Health Innovation Academy’ – to sign up/be redirected, please see here. Once signed in, go to the R&D Funding and Tax Credits course page to book on to this ‘Ask the Expert’ session.

WEBINAR: Net Zero Healthcare: Embracing Sustainability for Business Growth
2024-01-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Online via GoToWebinar
As the world grapples with the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the healthcare industry has a crucial role to play in adopting sustainable practices and achieving net zero emissions, particularly in light of upcoming NHS and UK government regulations that will mandate healthcare organisations to take concrete action to reduce their carbon footprint.
This event will delve into the compelling reasons why environmental sustainability is essential for healthcare innovators, highlighting the significant business advantages and opportunities that arise from embracing greener practices.

Understand the compelling reasons why environmental sustainability and net zero are essential for healthcare organisations.
Explore the business benefits of adopting eco-friendly practices, including cost savings, risk mitigation, and enhanced brand reputation.
Discover how your technological advancements can empower healthcare providers to achieve their sustainability goals.
Learn from clinical experts about the support they offer in helping healthcare organizations transition to greener practices.
Gain insights from non-profit organisations about the advantages and opportunities that sustainability presents for businesses.

This event forms part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) event series. Medilink Midlands are one of a consortium of delivery partners for the WMHTIA, a project funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and West Midlands Combined Authority (part of City Regions).

Speaker Profiles:

Webinar Chair: Dr Ben Roberts, Innovation Adviser and Sustainability Lead, Medilink Midlands
Ben joined Medilink in 2022 as an Innovation Adviser in the West Midlands, after graduating with a PhD in Biomedical Research at the University of Warwick. Ben is utilising his knowledge currently in delivering activity under the West Midlands AHSN industry gateway. With a particular focus on sustainability, he aims to support SMEs in the health and life science sector on their journey to Net Zero.

Siân Dunning, Programme Manager, Medical Devices Testing & Evaluation Centre
As well as being Programme Manager, Sian is responsible for the £7M facility within the Institute of Translational Medicine and hosted by University Hospitals Birmingham NFT. Siân has extensive experience in the management of programmes and projects, having worked with UKRI and NIHR for the past 10 years. Prior to this appointment Siân worked in higher education within Innovation and managed various growth programmes including leveraged investment. She has worked within management roles throughout her career and has extensive commercial experience in research innovation, consultancy, sales and marketing, and training, with notable expertise in medical technologies, healthcare and ceramics. Siân’s specialisms are programme & project management, business growth, fund management, innovation, and commercialisation.
Presentation title: Sustainability considerations when innovating for healthcare

Thorsten Kampmann, Supply Chain and Organisational Transformation Consultant, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)
He started his career with a PhD in Molecular biology and has extensive experience in supporting healthcare start up companies. Thorsten is leading the engagement of the MTC Transformation Team with the West Midlands Health Technology Innovation Accelerator (WM-HTIA). Thorsten and his team provide supply chain and manufacturing capability gap analysis, and development of capability development interventions. In addition to financial and technical performance optimisation the team is developing solutions for Environmental, Societal and Governance (ESG) optimisation of supply chains. Over the last decade, Thorsten has worked in a range of sectors, including biomedical, healthcare, aerospace, defence, nuclear, construction, general manufacturing, and supply chain improvement.

Florah Waithaka, Research Engineer, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC)
Florah has an MSc in Civil Engineering and Environmental Management and primarily supports research projects in the MTC that fall in the sustainability field. Florah is involved in the West Midlands Health Technology Innovation Accelerator (WM-HTIA) project to develop solutions for SME’s working with the NHS. This includes supply chain & ESG capability gap analysis as well as capability development interventions for SMEs involved. In addition, Florah has experience working in, Construction, STEM curriculum development and Carbon accounting.
Thorsten and Florah will present together and their presentation title is: Communicating your Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments to the healthcare sector and achieving ESG ratings like the NHS-Evergreen

Morgan Roberts, Project Officer, Sustainability West Midlands
Morgan’s work ranges from producing climate change adaptation support for organisations including the NHS, to running the West Midlands Net Zero Business Pledge, a free initiative involving organisations committed to reducing carbon emissions and supporting them on this journey. Morgan will be sharing an overview of the wide range of business support available in the region, providing guidance on how to identify and get involved in the best opportunities for your business.
Presentation title: Sustainability West Midlands on the wider support available for creating a sustainable and climate resilient business.

Bev Fawdington, Co-Founder/Creator, Rainbow Trays
Bev is the co founder and creator of Rainbow Trays, organisational and colour coded anaesthetic drug trays that support anaesthetists to identify and reduce the incidence of anaesthetic error and reduce cognitive loads. Human factor engineered, Rainbow Trays are recommended by the Association of Anaesthetists as a technical solution for medication error in anaesthesia.
An innovator aligned to sustainability in anaesthesia and healthcare, Bev has been awarded a number of UK Innovate projects that specialise in the use and sustainable end of life recycling of medical plastic waste.
She also specialise in carbon accounting, decarbonisation and climate alignment for business. Partnering with VÖR consulting, we provide a full service to support PPN06/21 compliance with Carbon Reduction Plans, carbon strategy, ESG reporting and verifiable offset programmes.
Presentation title: Carbon Accounts – Are they worth it?

Danny Harrison, Innovation Manager, WMG University of Warwick
Danny is an Innovation Manager at WMG, University of Warwick, where he specialises in micromobility supply chains. He is a passionate advocate for innovation and has a proven track record of helping businesses to succeed.
In his current role at WMG, Danny leads a team of experts who are working to develop new and innovative solutions for supply chains. He is also responsible for managing a number of research projects and initiatives, and he works closely with industry partners to help them to implement new technologies and processes.
Presentation title: WMG Net Zero Innovation Network

WEBINAR: Medilink Midlands: All things Membership Rewards and Business Awards!
2024-01-17 10:00 - 11:00
Open to all, join us online for an overview of the Medilink Midlands member benefits and tips and hints on completing an application for our 2024 Medilink Midlands Business Awards.
Firstly, our Partner and Relationship Manager, Jo Bekis will guide you through our current member benefits, this will be beneficial for current members who want to make sure they are getting the most out of their membership with us and for any non-members who are interesting in finding out about the different levels of membership and what is included.
We will then be joined by our Senior Innovation Adviser, Victoria Patel. Victoria will talk about our upcoming Business Awards and detail all the hints and tips you need to complete an excellent application. We are inviting applications for 8 different categories, the deadline to apply is 21 March – full details are available online here.
This webinar is set to be informative and valuable for members and non, join us for one hour and walk away armed with all the detail you need to maximise your membership or complete a glowing award application!
The webinar will provide the opportunity for you to ask questions to Jo and Victoria, so sign up and get your questions answered.
Speaker Profiles

Jo Bekis, Partner and Relationship Manager, Medilink Midlands
Jo has worked on government funded initiatives for over 25 years leading on skills, the changing landscape of education and apprenticeships and over the last 7 years working in business support and growth through ERDF programmes with a focus on upscaling, innovation and job creation, often seen as a sector expert and valued thought leader at round table talks with government leads. Working with many stakeholder organisations across the business support eco system is second nature. Jo also comes with a wealth of knowledge in change management and transformational change, working at as a tier 1 subcontract and then employed within the built environment consultancy. Having also worked on 4 separate occasions within Membership, Jo has a fantastic understanding of how to deliver a sustainable service model to support members and their growth.

Victoria Patel, Innovation Adviser, Medilink Midlands
Victoria joined the team in March 2019. She brings extensive experience with ERDF funded projects from her previous roles, delivering business and funding support to Leicestershire businesses at the Growth Hub and LLEP. Victoria has a BA from Leicester University and also has hands-on experience of growing a successful, innovative business.

IN PERSON: ReMed Conference: Circular Economy for Small Medical Devices
2023-12-19 08:30 - 17:00 | James France Building, Loughborough University
The ReMed Conference: ‘Transdisciplinary Perspectives on a Circular Economy for Small Medical Devices’ will take place on 19th December 2023

The conference, held at Loughborough University, aims to provide an overview of the latest research and current industrial initiatives in support of the application of the Circular Economy in the healthcare sector. The programme will feature:

Presentations from industrial and academic practitioners
Poster session showcasing the latest leading research
Industry exhibition and technology demonstrations

Loughborough University invite practitioners and leaders working within the NHS and healthcare sector, industry professionals from across the healthcare supply and recovery chain, and academic researchers working within multidisciplinary fields encompassing sustainability within the healthcare sector, to join the conference and contribute to this vibrant and active community.
There will be a dedicated poster session during the conference, with prizes available for the top 3 posters. Poster submissions are welcome from academic and industry researchers who would like to share their latest research achievements with conference delegates. Research submissions are welcome around the topic of ‘circular economy of small medical devices’ and from multiple disciplines, including: engineering, modelling, design, business, and healthcare science.
For more information and to book your place, click here.

IN PERSON: Essex CareTech Forum Winter 2023
2023-12-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Arise Chelmsford Innovation Hub, Alan Cherry Drive, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1QT, United Kingdom
Following the online briefing session delivered by Medilink Midlands in partnership with Arise Innovation Hubs on Monday 20th November, join Arise Innovation Hubs at their Chelmsford site for the first in-person event relating to the Arise Beyond Open Innovation for Value and Entrepreneurship (ABOVE) programme, the Essex CareTech Forum.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
Delivering better care is both a national priority and one for Essex, and technology will play a crucial role. CareTech is one of Essex County Council’s (ECC) 5 priority growth sectors and a key contributor to our ambition for a more productive, inclusive, and sustainable local economy.
This event follows on from Essex County Council’s successful CareTech Showcase in May 2023. Hearing the feedback from businesses, care providers, commissioners, the wider health sector, and many other besides, this event will:
· Highlight the support available to businesses who want to deliver innovative med and care-tech solutions.
· Demonstrate ECC’s ongoing public sector collaboration to support the sector and how it can benefit your business.
· Feature a panel discussion on the future of the sector and how the ECC and its partners can position Essex and the East of England as the place for the development and delivery of CareTech.

IN PERSON: Medilink Midlands Winter Networking Event
2023-11-30 16:00 - 20:00 | Sandbox VR, Unit 25A Stephenson Place, Birmingham, B2 4BF
FINAL PLACES REMAINING!
We’re delighted invite the Medilink Midlands network to join us for our Winter Networking Event, to be held at Sandbox VR, located in central Birmingham within the Grand Central Shopping Centre. Join us to connect with innovators from across the Medilink Midlands network over a cocktail prepared by Toni, the UK’s first robotic bartender! There will also be the opportunity to sign up for a fully immersive VR experience. We hope that our tech-minded, VR/AR-savvy and digitally-inclined network will be as excited as we are to join us at this unique venue for what promises to be a memorable evening!
To top it off, we’ll be serving up authentic sourdough pizza and some sumptuous salads, sourced from local pizzeria, Franco Manca.
Our thanks go to our Patrons at Gallagher’s for sponsoring this event and we look forward to hearing an update from them on the night. We’ll also hear from Medilink Midlands CEO, Melanie Davidson, as we reflect on a successful 2023 and look ahead to a very exciting 2024.
Places are limited so secure your spot via the link below to avoid disappointment…
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
Tickets
Non-member – £50.00
Medilink Patrons and Members are eligible for one free ticket for their organisation plus a 30% discount on any additional tickets purchased. Check your inbox for details on how to take advantage of your member-only discounts.

Medilink Midlands Annual General Meeting
2023-11-28 10:00 - 12:00
The 2023 Medilink Midlands Annual General Meeting, will take place on Tuesday 28 November from 10am-12pm.
AGM Notice
AGM Agenda
For details on dialling-in, please click here to email and request.

IN PERSON: Health Innovation West Midlands Stakeholder Conference
2023-11-28 09:30 - 13:30 | Conference Aston, Birmingham, B4 7ET, Birmingham, B4 7ET
​​​​Join Health Innovation West Midlands (HIWM) for their inaugural Stakeholder conference, showcasing how they work with their regional ecosystem to transform health and care through innovation.
As the innovation arm of the NHS, Health innovation West Midlands‘ (formerly the West Midlands Academic Health Science Network) mission is to support the development of transformational health innovations and accelerate the adoption and spread of improvement solutions demonstrated to deliver patient benefit.
This free-to-attend event will discuss their vision, mission and values as an organisation, and their offer of support and expertise to stakeholders across all sectors involved in healthcare including social care and public health, integrated care systems, research and industry, as they embark on a new 5-year license with NHS England.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
Why attend?
Health and care system stakeholders will:

Learn how Health Innovation West Midlands can support you
Discover how clinically-led innovation can be developed and adopted within local trusts
Explore their approach to a whole system approach to the adoption of a managing deterioration pathway

Innovators will:

Have the opportunity to meet with health and care system stakeholders
Discover how they act as a point of access for the West Midlands innovation ecosystem, signposting and supporting innovators enabling access to NHS services.
Explore how they support the scaling and spread of innovations from local to regional and regional to national adoption.

Integrated care system stakeholders will:

Discover how they enable a collaborative environment within their region to facilitate a whole-systems approach to the development, implementation and adoption of demonstrable innovations

Researchers will:

Gain a greater understanding of how they can create opportunities to link with local partners, including the NIHR Applied Research Centre (ARC) WM, Midlands Patient Safety Collaboratives, and WM Clinical Research Network (WM Research Delivery Network)
Hear how they work closely with academia and research institutions, as well as industry and NHS providers to inform your research and translate it into clinical practice.

Who should attend?
This event is open to stakeholders across all sectors involved in healthcare including social care and public health, integrated care systems, research and industry.

IN-PERSON EVENT: Medilink Midlands Entrepreneur in Residence Innovation & Funding Masterclass
2023-11-28 09:30 - 13:00 | Charnwood Campus, Bakewell Road, Loughborough, LE11 5RB
Join Medilink Midlands Entrepreneur in Residence, Christian Kumar for this Innovation and Funding Masterclass.
The masterclass will include:
– An overview of the Medilink Midlands Enterpreneur in Residence programme
– Changing Landscape of Capital
– Innovation Challenges, including Tactical Road Mapping
– Presenting your idea
– Delivering the perfect pitch
This masterclass is set to be lively and will present many take aways for yourself/business, avoid disappointment and book your free place today.
Open for all companies from research to revenue generating.

Charnwood Campus have kindly provided the conference room for the event to take place and we are pleased that Charnwood Campus Life Sciences Talent and Skills Institute are supporting this event. The Charnwood Campus Life Sciences Talent and Skills Institute is a collaborative endeavour between industry and educational partners to address the short- and long-term skills requirements.
Meet our speaker:

Christian has extensive experience in corporate finance, investment banking, and wealth management. With over three decades of dedicated involvement in driving strategic growth for various enterprises.
Throughout his career, Christian has honed a profound understanding of strategic growth across diverse sectors, and is proud to have played a pioneering role in developing “demand-based” business modelling. Christian thrives in the dynamic realms of Corporate Finance and Investment Banking, evident in his impressive portfolio encompassing six companies and over 22 investments across sectors such as Leisure, Med Tech, Construction, and Energy.
Currently, he is actively engaged in supporting universities and governmental bodies in devising strategic inbound investment initiatives. His role involves shaping comprehensive expansion strategies that harmonize with their overarching goals, fostering growth and innovation within these institutions.

IN PERSON: Innovations Against AMR: World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Conference 2023
2023-11-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Building, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL
Cytecom Ltd, University of Warwick, and Medilink Midlands have teamed up together to organise the ‘Innovations Against AMR’ conference as part of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week. To tackle the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) a collaborative effort is essential between academic researchers, industries, charities, policy makers and communities. This event aims to bring together experts of the field and provide a platform to establish links across academia and industries, showcase innovations and communicate them to wider audiences.
Cytecom Ltd is a University of Warwick spinout that has developed a fast, portable device for enumeration of live bacteria. Cytecom’s mission is to inform the fight against AMR by providing a rapid, low-cost, and easy-to-use AMR diagnostic test.
The event will be hosted by the University of Warwick, who are very generously providing space in the IBRB building for a series of short talks, posters, and a start-up zone.
A networking session after the event will provide a great opportunity to meet new collaborators and for the students to explore the breadth of career options in the field of AMR.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
Abstract submission deadline: 8th November
We invite you to submit your abstract for Oral or Poster presentation. A prize for best poster will be sponsored by Medilink Midlands. To submit your abstract, please fill out this form by Wednesday, 8th November 2023.
Directions
The event will be held in the IBRB, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL.
View directions for visiting the University of Warwick for further arrival information.
Parking on campus for visitors is available on a first-come first-served basis, and is operated through pay and display. More info on parking for visitors is available here.

IN PERSON: Welcome to the WMHTIA Programme - Part Two: Meet and Mingle at Medicine Bakery
2023-11-23 16:30 - 19:30 | Medicine Bakery, Birmingham, B1 1RE
Locally-led Innovation Accelerators delivered in partnership with DSIT, Innovate UK and City Regions.

This event is Part Two of our two-part ‘Welcome to the WMHTIA Programme’. The first event, taking place on Tuesday 7th November, is an online session providing ‘Insights in the Onboarding Process’. For more information and to book your place, please click here.
On Thursday 23rd November, we’re inviting all who have engaged or are keen to engage with the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) programme to join us at Medicine Bakery, within The Mailbox complex, for an informal networking event.
We’d be delighted if you could join us at the event from start until finish, but you’re equally very welcome to pop in at any time during the 3 hours for an opportunity to find out more about the programme and the other innovators and facilitators who are also keen to be involved.
We look forward to welcoming you soon!
To read more about Medilink Midlands’ role within the WMHTIA project, click here.
For more information on the wider project, click here to visit the WMHTIA website.
This event forms part of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) event series. Medilink Midlands are one of a consortium of delivery partners for the WMHTIA, a project funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Innovate UK and West Midlands Combined Authority (part of City Regions).

WEBINAR: Gallagher Cyber Security Centre
2023-11-23 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Join Medilink Midlands Patrons, Gallagher, for their Cyber Defence Centre webinar on Thursday, 23rd November 2023 at 10 a.m.
Cyber risk remains a top tier threat for organisations of any size or sector and demands an ‘always-on’ approach to cybersecurity. To help our clients achieve this, they have created Gallagher Cyber Defence Centre—an ongoing package of support, available as an annual service.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE
In this webinar, Gallagher explain how the tools and services in the Cyber Defence Centre can help you defend your organisation against cyber incidents.
Their cyber risk specialists will discuss:

How the different elements of this service can help you guard against specific threats.
The seen and unseen threats in today’s cyber risk landscape.
The role that defensive security can play in your organisation.
How continual vulnerability scanning can identify real time threats
How it has already benefited over 250 of our clients

Gallagher Cyber Defence Centre includes continuous access to cyber risk specialists and the latest security technology to help you proactively manage your cyber risk.
Presenter:
Georgia Price-Hunt, Commercial Manager, Cyber Risk Management at Gallagher
Format:
Panel discussion followed by audience Q&A
