15th December 2016
Fifth year for UK HealthTech
The fifth annual UK HealthTech conference took place on 6th December at the Mercure Holland House Hotel in Cardiff. The event was delivered by MediWales, the life science network for Wales, and attracted a broad range of attendees from industry, professional services, academia and the NHS.
The day’s programme included seminars covering Medical Technology, Healthcare and BioPharma Development, as well as presentations from opinion leaders in the life science sector.
Keynote speakers in the opening session were John Wilkinson, Director of Devices at the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and Bill Cruise, Vice President of 3M Healthcare in Western Europe.
The morning seminars featured topics such as patient access to new medicines, regulatory changes for medical devices and the UK procurement landscape. There was also an innovation showcase where fast-growth companies had the opportunity to present their new technologies. Welsh companies involved in this session included Jellagen, PulmonIR, BBI Solutions, Huntleigh and Momentum BioScience.
Throughout the day and particularly during the lunch break, the exhibition was thriving with delegates taking advantage of the networking opportunities available. A partnering system also enabled one-to-one meetings between attendees.
Following lunch, the speakers were Peter Whittington, Assistant Director of the UK Government’s Office for Life Sciences, David Sheppard, Head of Trade at the UKTI Life Sciences Organisation, Shahid Hanif, Head of Health Data and Outcomes at ABPI (Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry) and Emma Titmus, Business Development Manager at the London Stock Exchange.
The afternoon seminars featured topics including healthcare innovation and patient safety, precision medicine and advanced therapies, support and funding for commercialisation and the future of digital health. The day concluded with a panel discussion of Brexit and what it could mean for UK companies, followed by a drinks reception.
UK HealthTech was made possible with the support of sponsors The Department for International Trade, Neem Biotech, Greenaway Scott, Wynne-Jones IP, Smartgate Solutions, Teamworks and GX.
MediWales’ next conference is set to take place on 21st June 2017. MediWales Connects: NHS Collaboration Conference (the only event of its kind) unites companies and clinicians from across Wales to explore new work, research and opportunities in the health and care community.