In 2021-22 , we have helped to leverage a total of over £ 21m of investment into our region . Adding to that , we have supported 42 grant applications ( tripling our initial target ), 14 of which were successful , including £ 900,000 Small Business Research Initiative ( SBRI ) funding for PinPoint Data Science ’ s cancer detection test , and a further £ 100,000 each from SBRI for four companies with carbon-friendly products .
Our 49 bespoke innovation surgeries , giving SMEs the chance to speak to us directly for advice and guidance , has also seen us provide over 1,567 hours of support to 283 companies , safeguard over 50 jobs and contribute to the creation of 20 jobs in our region .
Our 16 themed Health Innovation Exchange events ( exceeding our target of six ) were delivered virtually , with over 35 hours of content , presenting a total of 136 innovations . Around 1,500 people registered to attend these events , comprising of clinical , strategic , operational , and digital NHS stakeholders , which covered themes such as robotic process automation , rehabilitation , immersive technology and supporting patients with long-COVID .
One of our biggest events of the year was
Bridging the Gap , which we hosted on behalf of the AHSN Network and was attended by 130 delegates from the NHS and industry . This was the first national AHSN face-to-face event post-pandemic and we were delighted with both the agenda and the turnout on the day . Once again , we brought together innovators and healthcare leaders ( including Matt Whitty , CEO of the Accelerated Access Collaborative ( AAC ) and Director of Innovation , Research and Life Sciences at NHS England ) to discuss the future challenges and priorities for our health and social care systems , and how new products and services can become ‘ marketready ’ to provide solutions .
Impact of our support for innovators
£ 22m new investment leveraged for healthcare and technological innovation
1,567 hours of support through Innovation Surgeries
Over
50 jobs safeguarded
20 new jobs created
42 grant applications 14 successful
45 Transforming Lives Through Innovation