New support to help East Midlands health and life sciences innovations reach the market 

Health and life sciences businesses across the East Midlands are being offered support to transform innovation in ideas and technologies into viable products and services. 

The Health & Life Sciences Business and Innovation Support Programme is being delivered by Medilink Midlands in partnership with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). 

Running until March 2027, the programme – called Accelerating Science, Commercialisation & Enterprise across the East Midlands (Ascent) – is for organisations that need more specialist help than general business support can provide. It will give them access to advice on areas including regulations, testing new products, protecting ideas, working with the NHS, manufacturing, bringing products to market and attracting investment. 

‘Innovations that improve people’s lives’

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “The East Midlands has a proud record of turning scientific expertise into innovations that improve people’s lives. Our health and life sciences sector is already a vital part of the regional economy, and it has enormous potential to grow. 

“We want to ensure innovators have the support they need to take those ideas forward. That means helping them overcome the practical challenges that can stand between a good idea and a product or service that can reach the market. 

“This programme brings together businesses, universities and industry experts to provide that support. By helping more innovators grow and succeed here in the East Midlands, we can create jobs, attract investment and build on the strengths we already have across our region.” 

Up to 18 businesses, academics and innovation teams will initially receive support, with six selected for more intensive specialist help. 

Innovation Clinics will be delivered with the University of Nottingham, University of Derby and Nottingham Trent University. They will give participants the chance to explore their ideas, identify challenges and get advice from people with the right expertise. 

Participants will then take part in a Business Innovation Clinic, where their ideas, commercial opportunities, growth plans and support needs will be assessed. Six organisations will then progress to an intensive ‘Technical Hive’. 

Technical hive

The Technical Hive will bring together experts in areas such as regulation, healthcare, intellectual property, manufacturing and business to identify any barriers and agree practical next steps. 

Each of the six participants will also have access to up to £1,000 of specialist support to help them take forward the actions identified through the Technical Hive. 

The programme will also include an East Midlands Life Sciences Innovation Event and an Investor Readiness Clinic, helping participants develop their ideas, understand how they could bring them to market and prepare to talk to investors. 

‘Strong community’

Melanie Davidson, Medilink Midlands chief executive officer, said: “The East Midlands has a strong health and life sciences community, with businesses, researchers and innovation teams developing new ideas, technologies and solutions. 

“This programme gives those innovators access to specialist expertise and practical support to help them navigate some of the challenges involved in taking health and life sciences innovations forward. 

“Working alongside EMCCA and our university partners, we can bring together the knowledge, connections and expertise needed to help participants identify barriers, develop their opportunities and take practical steps towards commercialisation and growth.” 

Interested in taking part? 

Health and life sciences businesses, academics and innovation teams across the East Midlands can find out more about the programme and register their interest through the Medilink Midlands website. Click here to find out more and register your interest.

The programme is open to eligible health and life sciences businesses, academics and innovation teams based within the EMCCA area, covering Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.