In May 2026, the NIHR HRC in Sustainable Innovation hosted its first Innovator Exchange in May at Science Creates in Bristol, bringing together HealthTech innovators, clinicians and academics for a day of collaboration and practical discussion on bringing innovation into the NHS.
The programme included expert-led sessions covering PPIE, regulation, evidence generation and sustainability, alongside a panel discussion exploring how innovators can navigate the NHS landscape.
Contributors from Health Innovation West of England, NIHR Research Support Service and the South West Secure Data Environment also shared insights on how the system is evolving and how innovators can work within it effectively.
The event reinforced the importance of early engagement, collaboration and designing solutions that deliver real impact for patients.
