Clinics will provide support to budding innovators

Budding entrepreneurs can get advice on how to bring their products to life thanks to a new partnership with the University of Leicester.

Leicestershire Innovation Clinics aim to offer support to students, academics and healthcare professionals, or companies already in, or transitioning into, the life sciences, medtech and health tech sectors within Leicestershire. 

A series of quarterly clinics will take place over the next year, providing sector-specific advice on product development, funding, regulation, as well as how to engage with the NHS. 

Workshops will be delivered in partnership with the University’s Institute for Precision Health, Medilink Midlands, an association that helps to stimulate the growth of the life sciences industry, and Charnwood Campus Science and Innovation and Technology Park. 

The first workshop is set to take place on 3 December at Charnwood Campus in Loughborough.

Dr Lynne Howells, operations manager for the Institute for Precision Health is leading the programme of clinics.

She said: “They will be a valuable resource for innovators in Leicestershire who may need support to get their ideas off the ground. The clinics are designed to help innovators get advice on next steps and to connect them with the people they need to help them grow their ideas into a reality through our wealth of knowledge.”

The University is also part of a collaboration known as Leicestershire Academic Health Partners, including University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, NHS Integrated Care Board and Health Innovation East Midlands. 

Together, the partnership aims to harness clinical and academic excellence to accelerate cutting-edge research into healthcare innovations to improve the health and well-being of people living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR). 

Dr Howells added: “This new programme of clinics will also feed into the hub, giving us insight into the value and delivery of new innovations. Relevant applications will be further triaged directly to the hub to make the most of our regional clinical expertise and insight into clinical commissioning. We know that by applying this collaborative approach, we can bring true health benefits to those people living in LLR.” 

Gosia Khrais, commercial director of the Charnwood Campus, said: “We are proud to be part of this exciting initiative as it aligns with our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of life sciences and health tech companies. By working closely with the University of Leicester and our partners, we aim to provide the infrastructure and expertise that budding innovators need to transform their ideas into impactful solutions. 

“These clinics offer a fantastic opportunity for local entrepreneurs to tap into a wealth of knowledge and gain the practical support they need to navigate the complexities of product development, funding, and healthcare engagement.”

Melanie Davidson, Chief Executive Officer at Medilink Midlands, added: “Following the success and level of interest we received from the first round of Innovation Clinics in 2022, we are delighted to launch a second round of clinics to aid Leicestershire’s innovators. 

“The partnership with the University of Leicester and Charnwood Campus combines our expertise and innovation knowledge across academia, business and the NHS to help pioneering innovators advance their ideas to future support the life sciences, medtech, health tech sector, and overall patient care and outcomes.”

To register your interest in the clinics and access support visit: https://www.medilinkmidlands.com/leicestershire-innovation-clinics/