Driving Sustainable HealthTech Innovation Through Collaboration in the South West
We are the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Sustainable Innovation, hosted by the Royal Devon University Healthcare Foundation Trust in partnership with the University of Exeter.
We collaborate with businesses to develop medical devices, diagnostics, and digital technologies that enable earlier diagnosis, better health monitoring, and improved management of conditions such as cancer, dementia, cardiovascular, and respiratory disease with a focus on sustainability.
Working across the NIHR infrastructure and with the region’s NHS services, we identify patient needs and respond with cutting-edge solutions, either by developing new technologies or optimising existing ones.
Transforming healthcare and innovation in the South West
We’re driving innovation, improving healthcare, and supporting a greener future while making a positive impact on communities in the South West and beyond. At the same time, we’re boosting the region’s technological and science capabilities, helping to advance patient care, and supporting the NHS in becoming more sustainable and cost-effective
What is an NIHR HRC?
The NIHR is the research arm of the NHS. NIHR HealthTech Research Centres (HRCs) are centres of excellence embedded in leading NHS organisations across England. They focus on speeding up the development, testing, and use of medical devices, digital health tools, and diagnostics. HRCs work with businesses, from healthtech startups to digital innovators and non-life science companies, to bring new healthcare technologies to market—making sure they are safe, effective, and beneficial for both patients and the NHS.
One of 14 national centres, our NIHR HRC in Sustainable Innovation will:
- Focus on sustainability, diagnostics, frailty & rehabilitation, AI & big data, and capacity building.
- Serve as a testbed for new technologies across urban, coastal, and rural healthcare settings.
- Create investment opportunities and job growth in the South West.
- Drive patient-centered innovation, ensuring public and patient voices shape research.
Our research
Our work focuses on five core themes centred around the needs of the population of the South West Peninsula. These are:
Rehabilitation, Frailty & Dementia
By identifying needs, we develop and test new health technologies, using evidence-based solutions to enhance rehabilitation and independence for those with mobility issues and frailty.
Diagnostics & Biomarkers
We’re improving diagnostics for diabetes, bowel disease, cancer, and genomics. Our research ensures tests are accurate, affordable, and effective, helping patients get the right care faster.
Digital Innovation & Artificial Intelligence
We’re harnessing digital innovation to improve patient care. By leveraging the latest technology, we help clinicians manage conditions more effectively while keeping patient data secure and trusted.
Sustainable Innovation
We’re creating eco-friendly, cost-effective technologies to support NHS sustainability. Our work reduces medical gas emissions, cuts waste, tackles inhaler impact, and boosts recycling, driving greener healthcare in the South West.
Commercialisation & Capacity Building
Technology is transforming the NHS, and we’re working with industry to evaluate new health innovations. With proven expertise, we support HealthTech developers and expand capacity through training opportunities.
