Patrons, members, stakeholders and industry specialists were all welcomed at this year’s Medilink Midlands’ Innovation Day. Held at DoubleTree by Hilton in Coventry on the 5th October, the event played host to over 250 guests, presenters and exhibitors all eager to network and engage.
Digital sponsors Coventry University, provided, as part of their sponsorship, an immersive digital app to enable guests to interact with, and provide questions to and for, the host, Sue Saville and the various keynote speakers. Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC), the not-for-profit industry support organisation for advanced engineering, electronics, and software businesses, also lent their support by sponsoring the expo and networking.
The conference was hosted by Sue Saville, former Medical Correspondent for ITV News. Speakers included Dr Roger Mendonça, CEO of Midlands Engine who discussed the importance of partnerships in unlocking the potential of the Midlands’ life sciences sector, and Jennifer Hill, Innovation, Research, and Life Sciences Lead at the NHS Innovation Service, who explained how the new service will accelerate innovative solutions for the NHS.
One of the most unusual and engaging presentations was made by one of the youngest Life Sciences CEO’s, Olivia Simpson of SymbioTex, who extolled the virtues of the multiple uses of seaweed in tackling medical plastic waste. Olivia reported that the company is even looking into the use of seaweed as a replacement for the plastic inhaler!
Outside of the conference, a dedicated exhibition area hosted 37 different organisations who work with, and in, the life sciences sector.
Unfortunately, Medilink Midlands’ CEO was unable to attend, however of the event, Melanie Davidson comments : “Innovation Day sits proudly within our annual events programme as the flagship event of the year for those in the life sciences and medtech sectors. Centrally located, the event brings together academics, clinicians, and businesses from across the Midlands to forge partnerships, share ideas, and gain insights into topics such as NHS access, business support, and expanding markets.
“The 2023 event will provide guests with the chance to see the strength of the Midlands life sciences sector first hand and allow businesses to learn about opportunities for innovation and business support to accelerate their growth.”
Attendees of Innovation Day 2023 can give their feedback on the day’s events here